A recent National Geographic article described blossom in the Cotswolds as one of the greatest sights in April (also suggesting Seville and Thailand!). The article highlighted nearby the ornamental cherries at Batsford Arboretum, a great idea, but also we think that they might have missed a trick or two.

For example, did you know that the UK’s only signposted blossom tour includes Broadway and explores the celebrated horticultural legacy of Evesham Vale and Pershore?

As we look forward to another very welcome Cotswold spring, this blog offers you ideas and tips to help you enjoy the sensational spring blossom displays in the Cotswolds and Worcestershire. Read on ot learn where best to catch some spring colour, what to expect and how to get the most from the season.

In recent years, spring blossom has generated almost as much excitement as autumn colour in the Cotswolds. We’re really fortunate to have plenty of Spring colour to enjoy on our doorstep.

Whilst many of our guests turn ‘right’ out of our car park and head up to the Cotswolds, there’s definitely a case for turning left and heading off to explore Evesham and Pershore. Incidentally, the Abbots of Pershore owned estates in Broadway from at least the 10th century. The abbey established the village as a kind of 'new town' in the medieval period, around 1300).

Later in the season, there’s Evesham asparagus to enjoy as well.

When to see Blossom?

Between mid-March and mid-May there is an explosion of colour alongside roads in the area. The Vale of Evesham is mesmerising, with the pink of the apple and cherry trees competing with white plum and pear blossom. 2023 marks the 40th anniversary of the creation of the blossom tour.

By the way, the blossom’s progress weekly is watched lovingly by locals, and you can turn to a website for regular updates and the latest on what there is to see. At the time of writing (early March), the cherry plum is arriving and ornamental cherries are on the way too.

What to Expect

There’s a traditional rhythm to the arrival of blossom, with plum and damson usually the first to show, followed by apple blossom. The original Vale of Evesham Blossom route has been extended over the years to include Evesham town and Pershore and now Broadway too. It comprises a 50 mile rural route of villages and lanes, all marked by signposts. It is therefore very easy to spend a day, or a half day getting to know the area. The route passes by plenty of nurseries, garden centres, cafes and farm shops, so the best way to enjoy the experience is to take it slowly and pick up some new plants or chef’s ingredients along the way. And, as mentioned above, from mid-April there’s the added bonus of the revered Vale of Evesham asparagus available too. Don’t forget to pick up a ‘round of ‘gras’ from one of the roadside stalls.

Blossom Trail Top Tips

The blossom route has a sequence of highlights, as the different blossoms peak. You can be sure to see the highlights by using the map. The website even differentiates the blossom types, so you can plan accordingly

If you love walking, you’ll find that the area is packed with walking routes. Again, cross check with blossom updates and you’ll be able to enjoy peak blossom as you walk.

The route is perfect for a day’s cycling, with the blue ‘Blossom’ signs to help you get around. There are plenty of quiet country lanes and villages en route to ensure a relaxed ride.

For cyclists and car users, there’s a downloadable GPX file available to guide you efficiently around the route. It’s available here.

The Blossom Trail is firmly recommended and a great contrast to the Cotswolds, if you’re staying with us for a few days.

We Need to Talk About Hawthorn…

Turning back towards the Cotswolds, if you are heading here in late April or May you should congratulate yourselves! You’ll have picked a time of year when the hawthorn displays as you drive around are often almost overwhelmingly beautiful. You’ll see billowing cascades of white hawthorne blossom lining the roadside. We think that it’s one of the greatest sights in the Cotswold year. And all for free!

If you’re thinking about a spring break, our ‘Spring into the Cotswolds’ offer starts at £112.50 pp sharing, and includes:a half bottle of Champagne in your room on arrival, a Broadway ‘Herdy’, a three-course dinner from our Table d’hôte award-winning menu served in Tattersalls Brasserie, overnight accommodation and, of course, a hearty Cotswold breakfast to set you up for a day of exploring Worcestershire and the Cotswolds. Details here.