The 130 acres of the Evesham Country Park Shopping and Garden Centre offers something for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest visitor. A huge local success story, the park and shopping village, which opened seven years ago, is becoming ever more popular with visitors from across the region and beyond.

Whether it's the broad range of shops, selling everything from soft furnishings, books and jewellery to fresh local produce and designer clothes, the relaxed, car-free environment or the variety of things to please the children, the park is now one of Evesham's biggest attractions.

Roger Tubb is the retail director for Eagle One - the company which owns and operates the park. He thinks he knows the secret to the park's success.

"Evesham Country Park is appealing on many levels because not only does it offer a great range of interesting shops, there is plenty to do as a family and in this day and age that is vital to people who have limited leisure time available to them," he says.

"It is easy to park, safe, accessible off a main road and simply a great day out. People visit us for all sorts of reasons, from families looking to spend the day together, visitors who enjoy shopping to people out for a walk with the dog. There is so much on offer for everyone."

On the site is Evesham Garden Centre, and with spring in the air what better time to visit a centre that has a reputation for high-quality plants, shrubs and trees and is a great place to find inspiration for the garden, patio or conservatory? Furniture, lighting, barbecues and even a great selection of unusual gifts from around the world are all on offer. The garden centre also runs the Apple Barn restaurant, which tempts visitors with freshly prepared snacks and meals and is a great place to feed and water the whole family.

Situated opposite the centre is a courtyard of shops that are as attractive as they are inviting. From The Book Depot to the County Larder there is something to suit everyone's tastes and pockets.

Away from the retail area there are picnic areas, riverside walks, stunning views and even river and lakeside fishing. Among the great attractions is the Evesham Vale Light Railway - a 15-inch gauge miniature steam railway. Hop on board at Twyford Station (adjacent to the car park) and travel in style through the orchard to the picnic area - not only an attraction for small people but loved by adults too.

Then there is the Ark animal sanctuary, which is a haven for a varied selection of British and world wildlife and home to over 250 animals including meercats, foxes, tarantulas and even a talking crow. Various events take place there throughout the year including a Good Friday workshop and an Easter Sunday eggstravaganza.

Owner of the sanctuary Jim Hidderley said, "There is a lovely atmosphere here. All the attractions and outlets work together to make it a great experience for anyone visiting. The animals and the steam railway are of course popular with children, but the shops are great for adults, so there is no arguing about what to do -- it's all here in one place."

Time is precious, so it needs to be spent wisely - and at Evesham Country Park, there is the opportunity to please all of the people all of the time.

What you can buy and where

Bijoux Heaven

Designer jewellery

Telephone 01386 760177

Leading Labels

Designer and brand name ladies' and

men's fashion

Telephone 01386 47572

Book Depot

Books and stationery

Telephone: 01386 47482

Ponden Mill

Soft furnishings

Telephone 01386 47407

Cotton Traders

Leisurewear from former England rugby captains Fran Cotton and

Steve Smith

Telephone 01386 49414

Julian Graves

Dried fruit and nuts and

speciality foods

Telephone 01386 45168

Top Table

Cookware, dining accessories and gifts

Telephone 01386 765941

Cotswold

Needlecraft

Embroidery kits

Telephone 01386 858050