Once again, I chose some pick and mix options from the full English breakfast. It was interesting to see that the items were presented differently by the chef of that morning.

We drove the short distance to Evesham hoping to visit St Lawrence’s Church. After picking up leaflets from the Tourist Information office, we arrived to find the church firmly shut despite the sign on the door clearly stating that is open in the mornings. Later we found out from the Tourist Information Office that opening times were flexible. It depended upon whether the grounds keeper was available to open up and it was likely to be open more often as we move into the spring and summer months.

Next Mr C browsed the military model shop. He was overwhelmed by what was on offer so he left without making a purchase. We started out on the river walk which was next on our list of things to do. However, we aborted the walk; I found the traffic noise from the nearby road unpleasant and Mr C wasn’t enjoying the views. It was lovely to get back to the tranquillity of the former Abbey grounds.

We drove to Worcester where we enjoyed lunch in the Cathedral’s Cloister Café. My brie and cranberry toastie didn’t disappoint. We had a look around the Cathedral before walking to the nearby Commandery museum which was used by King Charles II’s forces during the battle of Worcester.

The museum has displays on the building’s former uses dating from the Medieval period right through to the 1950’s. As we made our way there, the heavens opened making the walk rather unpleasant. Thankfully it was only a spring shower and the sun emerged so that we could enjoy the museum without getting wet.

We arrived back at the hotel to find that our room had not been fully serviced, in particular we were lacking in milk for our cup of tea. Mr C went to hotel reception to request some. It took some while for the milk to arrive leaving us no time for a pre-dinner aperitif. Instead, we arrived at our restaurant of the evening, Edward Moon, so that we could enjoy one whilst perusing the menu. I chose seabass with ratatouille and sautéed new potatoes followed by black cherry crème brulee. The food was every bit as good as I remembered it on our previous visit and the restaurant were kind enough to honour the deposit we had left for our cancelled Valentines Day visit.

Before returning to the hotel, we stopped off at the nearby Woodsman to have a nightcap in one of its cosy snugs.

All Saints is the parish church of Evesham and, together with its bell tower and St Lawrence church, represent the last complete structures from the foundation of Evesham Abbey. Evesham Abbey was founded on the site of a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary by the swineherd Eof, subsequently endorsed by Egwin, the third Bishop of Worcester (639 – 717). The Abbey was founded circa 709 and dissolved by Henry VIII in 1540. *

The two churches of All Saints and St Lawrence share the same churchyard. Both were founded in the late 12^th century as parish churches for the growing medieval town. When they were built these two churches stood in the shadow of the Abbey Church of St Mary and St Egwin (comparable in size with Gloucester Cathedral). **

*Information from a signboard next to All Saints church

**Information from A guide to the Parish Church of All Saints Evesham (Stan Brotherton)

There was a particular shop (Magpie) that Mr C wanted to visit in Evesham so on Saturday we took a trip there stopping for lunch at Ellenden Farm shop cafe. Local produce is used throughout the menu and I decided to have a hot cross bun which arrived warm and toasty.

When we arrived in Evesham Mr C was a man on a mission whilst I was in photography mode. Eventually I caught up with him at ‘Magpie’ where we (especially Mr C) spent some time perusing what was on offer.

Next, we visited Abbey Gardens where All Saint’s church, St Lawrence church and the Abbey Bell Tower are situated. St Lawrence church is only open in the morning but we were able to visit the delightful Parish church. After I left the church, I lingered to take some photos in the church precinct and then walked through the bell tower arch to explore the scant remains of the former Abbey.

Mr C had been heading in the opposite direction but caught up with me as I was about to return through the archway. At the same time a man stopped to talk to me, pointing out a Peregrine falcon on top of the tower. He called to her so she turned to face us for a photoshoot, although my photo doesn’t do her justice. She then gracefully flew off round the tower giving us a fine display of her wings.

My new found friend also shared the less welcome news that some of the male falcons were being shot at and killed by ‘perhaps’ catapults…

We didn’t have enough time left to visit the Almonry Museum, the building itself also being part of the original Abbey complex. However, we had just enough time to stop for afternoon tea in the Old School Café where dogs are welcome and children merely tolerated. The shared chocolate chip flapjack was delicious.

Evesham we will be back!