Upton upon Severn is, as its name suggests, a town on a river and therein its history lies. A basalt rock, swept down from the Welsh mountains during the last Ice Age, is still embedded in the tarmac in School Lane.

The first piece of documentary evidence is the grant of Upton by the Mercian King Coenwulf in 897 to Winchcombe Abbey. It then passed to Worcester and in 962 by Bishop Oswalt to "his thegn Cynelm six hides", about the extent of the present parish, Upton's earliest extant charter. The Domesday Book, 1086, rates Upton as part of Ripple down river. With that monastic settlement Upton served as a "port" for Hereford and Monmouth. The Earls of Gloucester were the feudal chiefs in the 13th Century. Upton appears in Domesday Book as Uptun, meaning Old English up "higher" Old English tun "manor, village".

Today, Upton upon Severn has a population of approximately 2,400, a figure that hasn't changed for many years.

The town's landmark, the Old Church tower (the 'Pepperpot'), serves as a focal point in the town. The main body of the Tower is probably fourteenth century, although its base is thirteenth century and it is possible that an even earlier wooden structure of Saxon foundation once stood on the site.

Our main events during the Summer are Folk Festival, Jazz Festival, Blues Festival & Water Festival. All these events draw thousands of visitors and many comment on how good the town looks with flowers and flags on view. Marine activities upon the river create a major tourist attraction during the season (April to October). The town quay side is always busy with both private and hired narrow boats alongside, sometimes three abreast. Many of our visitors then visit the shops, pubs and restaurants in this attractive waterside town.

Upton upon Severn enters the Heart of England in Bloom campaign, being awarded Gold Awards and Large Village Category winners since 2004. In 2008 the town was declared Overall Winner. In 2007 and 2008 a Silver Gilt award was achieved in the Royal Horticultural Society's Britain in Bloom Campaign.