Upton-upon-Severn Tourist Information and Travel Guide

Upton upon Severn Tourist Information and Travel Guide

Upton is a small Worcestershire town of great character and charm, which has retained an independent and relaxed outlook on today's rapidly changing world, a place where the shopper and visitor will find the traditional values of courtesy and service.

Upton today offers a wide selection of shops and activities, from fishing tackle and a famous map shop to a handmade chocolates factory, from art galleries, old book shops and floral sculpture in ceramics to the skill of the blacksmith. There are plenty of pubs and restaurants where you can confirm that the locals are very friendly.

Traditionally, Upton has always had its craft and other small industries and these can still be discovered dotted about the town; in the countryside the most important land use is agriculture.

Upton parish has a population of about 3,000 and an area of five square miles. It is very accessible from many large towns; 11 miles from Worcester, 18 from Cheltenham and Gloucester, 28 from Stratford-upon-Avon, 114 from London. 1 mile from the A38 trunk road and 5 miles from the junction of the M5/M50. Closest railway stations are Worcester or Malvern. It is on the Avon/Severn boating route known as The Avon Ring. Early Closing Day is Thursday (but most businesses remain open).

An easy to reach small town on the banks of the River Severn, boasting a marina and noted for it’s distinctive copper clad cuppola known as the ‘Pepper Pot’ the remnant of a former church.The Pepper Pot is the site of the Battle of Upton in 1651 between Royalists and Rounheads as a preliminary to Oliver Cromwells victory over Charles II during the Civil War. 12000 men crossed the river here - then, the location of the only bridge across the River Severn between Worcester and Gloucester.

As the river traffic grew so did the town with warehouses and several pubs appearing. By the 19th Century there were as many as 20 pubs in the town available to ‘refresh’ the men who hauled the boats up and down the river.

Nowadays the town is renowned for the Festivals it hosts, with the Folk Festival in the Spring where the town is filled with Morris dancers and musicians from all over the country, the Jazz Festival and Blues Festival in June/July and finally the Water Festival in August which culminates with a spectacular firework display.

The historic town of Upton upon Severn is a thriving town, a perfect specimen of a Severn River port and a place of beauty. Here you will find a mix of half timbered and Georgian buildings, whilst the bridge connects the town with the modern marina.

Visit the Heritage Centre in the 'Pepperpot', a church tower containing newly designed displays and a fascinating account of Upton through the ages. Opposite, the Tudor House Museum is also well worth a visit.

In recent years Upton has been gaining new fame as a centre for the popular arts. The colourful Folk Festival draws increasing numbers each year. Another high spot in the year is the Upton International Jazz Festival, when up to 15,000 jazz enthusiasts turn out for the mix of famous bands and new names. In August the popular Upton Water Festival honours the River Severn to which the town owes its existence and finishes with a spectaculat fireworks display.

If you enjoy boat trips, Upton is the place to be and for those who enjoy something more active, why not sample the local walks and cycle routes. Or visit the local vineyard just outside the town at Tiltridge Farm and sample the quality local wine.