Worcester is one of England’s grand old county towns, proudly presiding over a region of classic farmland between the Malvern Hills and the Midlands. The city serves as a base to explore the attractions of Worcestershire or as a city break in its own right.
Visit Worcester Cathedral
The seat of the Bishop of Worcester is the city’s best-known landmark. The elegant façade of this 1,000-year-old church may well be familiar from its appearance, until 2010, on the UK £20 note.
It’s worth exploring inside. You’ll find old cloisters, an atmospheric Norman crypt, quirky octagonal chapter house and the tombs of King John and Henry VIII’s brother Arthur Tudor. It’s also a great venue for music with high quality organ recitals and three different choirs performing regularly.
Explore the riverside
The UK’s longest river, the Severn, flows through the middle of Worcester. Its leafy banks provide pretty walking routes that include parks and gardens running alongside the water. Best of all are the boat trips available from North Quay near the cathedral. You’ll even find the chance to enjoy a luxury cream tea while being sailed down the river.
Historic Worcester
Worcester has been judged as being among the top ten of the country’s heritage cities. It’s certainly a good place for a relaxed wander, spotting medieval houses and ancient stone churches.
The 18th century Guildhall on the High Street is one of the highlights and is open for visitors to pop in and admire the lavish interior. Nearby is the family-friendly Commandery, an ancient half-timbered building that has been transformed into a museum, complete with costumed actors explaining local life in centuries past.
Opposite the cathedral look out for the National Trust’s Greyfriars House – a chance to experience a wonderfully preserved medieval merchant’s home and garden. Almost next door is the Tudor House Museum, the former workplace of the city’s weavers and craftsmen.
Across the county
If you have hired a car in Worcester you’ll find the wide-open spaces of rural Worcestershire stretching out before you in every direction. To the south-west are the stunning Malvern Hills, officially deemed an ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ and a great landscape for walking and picnics.
Families love the West Midland Safari Park at Bewdley where you can drive for four miles through enclosures of rhinos, lions and elephants. Anyone looking for a relaxing excursion will love the vast formal gardens of the National Trust’s Hanbury Hall at Droitwich Spa to the north.
