Underrated little UK town named one of Britain's happiest places to live

This town sits on the banks of the River Avon and is only a bus ride from Sratford-upon-Avon(Image: PA)

The happiest places to live in Britain have been ranked and a little-known gem has cracked the top three. The medieval market town beat out beloved cities like Lewes, Perth and Aberystwyth with its charming atmosphere and architectural feats.

Evesham is the second happiest place to live in Britain, according to the Guardian. The town in Worcestershire comes in just behind Berwick-upon-Tweed which snagged the first place spot and before Caernarfon in Wales in the third spot.

Evesham is known as the “asparagus capital of the UK” - an odd moniker to be sure, but one it holds proudly as the host of the annual British Asparagus festival. In fact for centuries, the Vale of Evesham has been considered the fruit and vegetable basket of England.

Image of the Asparagus Man at British Asparagus Festival

Gus – the Asparagus Man made his debut at the opening event of the 2008 British Asparagus Festival in the Vale of Evesham.(Image: Handout)

Visitors will have plenty of opportunity to sample the highest quality produce and can stop by a pick-your-own-fruit and vegetable field. One of the best-known farms in the area is Oaklands Fruit Farm.

The farm was established over a decade ago and specialised in the production of high-quality strawberries. The production season starts in April and runs through to October so you’ll have ample time to try its daily-picked produce.

Sitting on the banks of the River Avon, Evesham is also renowned for its impressive landscape. According to Country Living the town is “full of charm and beautiful scenery” which explains why it's such a great place to live.

Evesham is also home to the award-winning Abbey Park - the site where Evesham Abbey once stood as the third largest Abbey in England. From here, visitors will be within walking distance to the joint Almonry Museum and Tourist Information Centre.

View of Abbey Park in Evesham on a sunny day

Abbey Park is an great place to spend a casual day out, strolling the greens and stop by the Almonry(Image: Andrew Cowell / SWNS)

The information centre is housed within a 14th century building and details the rich history of the town. The building was once home to the Almoner (chaplain or church officer), who was one of the monks of the Benedictine Abbey.

Today, the Almonry is a great place for families and friends to sit in the beautiful garden or take in one of the exciting children’s workshops or exhibitions that are hosted year-round. These family-friendly fixtures are a key factor that makes the area so distinctly enjoyable for residents.

If that’s not enough to convince you, Evesham is only a bus ride away from Stratford-upon-Avon. The town’s close proximity to Stratford means locals - and visitors - can enjoy many of the Shakespearean attractions and events that take place each year.