Worcester
The beautiful city of Worcester lies on the banks of the River Severn and acts as a gateway to the majestic Malvern Hills and famous Cotswolds. It is right in the heart of England and very easy to reach by car or public transport. The city has lots of attractions and whether your passion is history or fine foods, you won’t be disappointed when you arrive for a long weekend.
Worcester Cathedral
The magnificent cathedral is the most famous landmark in Worcester. This imposing structure was built in the 11th century, but the crypt dates back even further: to the 10th century. Every possible style of English architecture is represented in different sections of the building, but the bits that are most worthy of special attention include the chapter house, central tower, wonderfully exquisite wood carvings, and Norman crypt. Many famous people from the annals of history are buried in the grounds of the cathedral: King John, Arthur Tudor and Stanley Baldwin, former Prime Minister to name but a few.
Culture in Worcester
The new eco-friendly central library in Worcester is known as ‘The Hive’ thanks to its striking gold roof. It is home to a vast archive collection of books and the public are free to enter and browse the lending library. The library is open until 10pm at night, so if it’s raining outside and you need a warm place to sit for a couple of hours it is a great place to come.
The Malvern Theatre is famous for its pantomimes, theatrical performances and musicals, so check out the events calendar to see what’s on when you visit. Museums worth visiting in Worcester include the Tudor House Museum, which showcases life over the centuries; the Elgar Birthplace Museum, where you can discover more about the famous composer, Sir Edward Elgar; and the George Marshall Medical Museum – it has death masks and an 19th century operating theatre!
Eating Out in Worcester
There are lots of wonderful pubs, restaurants and eateries in Worcester that cater for locals and visitors alike. You can sample locally sourced foods such as Black Country sausages in a traditional pub, washed down with local ale, or enjoy some fine wine in a sophisticated cocktail bar. Many of the local cafes serve traditional local produce and when the sun is shining, a seat at a table with a view of the river is a perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Shopping in Worcester
The General Market takes place three times a week and is a good place to sample local produce and street food. The Angel Place Market is held on Fridays – this is the place to come if you are interested in vintage, antiques and collectibles.
Have Fun with the Kids
There is plenty for kids to see and do in Worcester. If the town’s museums don’t spark any interest, there are three large parks in the city where you can walk, run and explore. The Severn Valley Railway is fun for railway enthusiasts and the West Midlands Safari Park will be thrilling for the whole family.
Worcester has loads to offer, so plan your visit carefully to ensure you don’t miss anything out!