tourist information worcester

The City of Worcester

Worcester is the capital city of the county of Worcestershire and lies beside the River Severn some 25 miles from the Cotswolds and the village of Broadway (the Northern Gateway to the Cotswolds). At its centre is a magnificent cathedral, perched along the riverbank, dominating the skyline for miles around.

The cathedral is one of the loveliest in England and dates back to Norman times. The early 12th century Chapter House, St. Wulfstan's Crypt and the mediaeval cloisters are among the most remarkable in the country, and King John's tomb in the Cathedral dates from 1216. Just to the south of here lies the site of Worcester's 11th-century castle.

Although possessing all the sophistication and amenities of a city, Worcester with its attractive jumble of medieval, Tudor, Georgian, and modern architecture has the feel of a small town. It’s particularly easy to explore and get around – both on foot and using public transport.

Three minutes walk from the cathedral takes you to the famous Royal Worcester Porcelain Museum and adjoining factory. Nearby, you can wander along medieval Friar Street, full of restaurants and bars nestled within original timber buildings.

Greyfriars, a merchant's house built in 1480 next to a Franciscan Friary, is now a National Trust property, and several other historic buildings of interest are situated nearby: the elegant Guildhall of 1721; the Commandery, which was King Charles's headquarters in the Battle of Worcester; the City Art Gallery and Museum; Huntingdon Hall, Worcester's premier live music venue; and the Swan Theatre. All well worth a visit.

Worcester is home to a prestigious, ever-growing university, which recently unveiled one of the city's most exciting modern buildings – The Hive. Constructed using sustainable materials and designed to operate on renewable energy, The Hive is the first joint public and university library in Europe. With over a quarter million books and 12 miles of archive collections, it's a thriving centre of learning and also hosts regular events including public lectures, exhibitions and performances.

There are many sites of interest to explore in the country outskirts of Worcester. Just west of the city centre is the Elgar Birthplace Museum, which provides fascinating insight into the life and music of this foremost English composer. Ten miles north west, situated beside the amazing baroque church of St Michael and All Angels you’ll find Witley Court , a spectacular ruin that was once one of England's great country houses. A few miles east of the city is Spetchley Park , 30 acres of gardens and deer park, and south of the city is the National Trust’s Croome Park , Capability Brown's landscaped masterpiece.

Worcester is surrounded by some of the most beautiful country landscapes in England. Most notably the Malvern Hills , which tower gracefully above the river and city and have been described by some as a mountain range in miniature. The eight-mile ridge is perfect for walking – be it gentle rambles or a clamber all the way up Worcestershire Beacon, treading in the footsteps of George Mallory who walked there in preparation for his Everest climb. The ascent is worth the effort for at the peak, 1,395 feet up, you can spot 13 English counties.

Occupation of the site of Worcester dates back to Neolithic times when a village surrounded by defensive ramparts was founded on the eastern bank of the River Severn around 400 BC.

Worcester is the birthplace of the composer Sir Edward Elgar (actually in the village of Lower Broadheath 3 miles outside Worcester) and also where the British Medical Association (BMA) was founded in the Board Room of the old Worcester Royal Infirmary building in Castle Street in 1832.

Throughout the years, Worcester’s fortunes were based on glove making, pottery manufacture (Royal Worcester Porcelain), salmon fisheries (long gone), and the famous Worcestershire sauce, which was first sold in 1838 by John Wheeley Lea and William Henry Perrins (Lea and Perrins), dispensing chemists from Broad Street. They later built a large factory, which is still the main production site for the sauce today.

Attractions

Worcester cathedral.

For more information see - Worcester Cathedral

The Commandery - Sidbury, Worcester, WR1 2HU

The Commandery has exciting stories to tell you about power, greed, war, wealth, romance, death, society and industry. Step back in time to catch a glimpse of the lively characters that have inhabited this ancient building during the past seven centuries.

Using state of the art audio interpretation, The Commandery’s long-hidden history comes vividly to life allowing you to explore six chosen periods, enjoying the characters and the atmosphere of the building’s colourful past.

Web: www.worcestercitymuseums.org.uk/comm/combuld/combuld.htm .

Guildhall - High Street, Worcester WR1 2EY

Statues of Charles I and Charles II greet visitors at the entrance and a carving of Oliver Cromwell’s head is nailed by the ears above the doorway, reflecting the city's historical Royalist allegiance (once known as the 'Faithful City').

The Guildhall is open 6 days a week and the public may view the Grand Italianate styled Assembly room with its collection of portraits.Six rooms are also available for hire, so the Guildhall can accommodate events ranging from meetings for 12 people to private catered functions for up to 200 guests. The Guildhall is wheelchair accessible with disabled toilets.

The Worcester Tourist Information Centre is located in the Guildhall and there is a restaurant on the first floor providing good lunches.

Greyfriars House and Gardens - Friar Street, Worcester, WR1 2LZ

Set in the heart of historic Worcester, Greyfriars House is a stunning merchant’s house where you can get away from the hustle and bustle. This unique house and garden was rescued by two extraordinary people with a vision to rescue this medieval gem and create a peaceful oasis. Open to the public.

Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greyfriars

Tudor House - Friar Street, Worcester, WR1 2NA

Standing in the most historic street of Worcester, Tudor House is a wonderful building of timber beams, leaded windows and decorated plaster ceilings. Inside you will find rooms almost five hundred years old, not crowded with furniture but open for you to see. A few choice exhibits (some of which you can touch as well as look at) are complemented by fascinating interpretations of the history of this ancient city.

Web: www.tudorhouse.org.uk

City Museum and Art Gallery - Foregate Street, Worcester WR1 1DT

Worcester's principal art gallery and museum hosts a unique programme of contemporary art exhibitions, as well as housing a historic picture collection and an intriguing selection of objects ranging from a 19th century chemist's shop to the wonderful Worcester sauce machine.

Web: www.worcestercitymuseums.org.uk/mag/magind.htm

Museum of Royal Worcester - Severn Street, Worcester, WR1 2ND  

The Museum of Royal Worcester houses the world's largest collection of Worcester Porcelain. The ceramic collections, archives and records of factory production, form the primary resource for the study of Worcester porcelain and its history.

Web: www.museumofroyalworcester.org

Spetchley Park Gardens - Spetchley, Worcestershire, WR5 1RS

A Georgian house in a deer park with a lake and a Victorian garden. The gardens were largely designed by Rose Berkeley (grandmother of the current owner) and her sister, the great Edwardian gardener, Miss Ellen Wilmott. They comprise a Georgian House, Deer Park, Garden Lake, Herbaceous Borders, Fountains, Walled Gardens - and is widely described as a 'Plantsman's Paradise'.

For more information see - Spetchley Park Gardens .

BACK TO TOP

Croome Park - National Trust Estate Office, The Builders' Yard, High Green, Severn Stoke, Worcestershire, WR8 9JS

The parkland has been transformed. Once a garden hidden in the undergrowth, they have been restored it to its 18th-century hey-day.  Walk through the enchanting shrubberies which lead you to dramatic views with temples, bridges, follies and statues waiting to be found around every corner.

For more information see - Croome Park .

Elgar Birthplace Museum - Crown East Lane, Lower Broadheath, Worcester WR2 6RH .

The Elgar Birthplace Museum offers a fascinating insight into the life and music, family and friends, and musical inspirations of Sir Edward Elgar, whose masterpieces include Salut d’Amour, Pomp & Circumstance, the Enigma Variations, and many more.The Museum has two buildings, the modern Elgar Centre and the atmospheric Birthplace Cottage. Together they reveal the great man behind the music.

For more information see - Edward Elgar . Web: www.elgarmuseum.org

Witley Court - Worcester Road, Great Witley, Worcestershire - WR6 6JT .

Witley Court's extensive gardens are some of the most romantic of those in English Heritage's care, but the fact they exist at all is a miracle. Once one of the grandest country estates in England, it has endured many dramas including a devastating fire in the early 20th century. Its future was secured in the 1950s and today visitors can enjoy formal gardens with a spectacular lake, a French parterre with its massed planting and a vast fountain of Perseus and Andromeda carved from Portland stone.

For more information see - Witley Court

St Michael and All Angels Church - Great Witley, Adjoining Witley Court

Great Witley Church displays a splendour which is unique amongst country churches in Britain, with exquisite gilded decorations throughout, numerous paintings by Antonio Bellucci, ten painted glass windows depicting scenes from the Bible, highly decorative carving and a large monument by Rysbrack . It also has a fine organ, its case being from the instrument upon which Handel played.

For more information see - Great Witley Church .

Web: www.greatwitleychurch.org.uk

Severn Valley Steam Railway - Railway Station, Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 1BG

For more information see - Severn Valley Railway .

Worcester Farmers Market - Crowngate Shopping Center (Angel Place)

3rd Sunday each month, 9am to 3pm.

Worcester Music Festival

Held annually over the last weekend in August from Friday to Sunday. Free to attend.

For more information see - Worcester Music Festival

Cathedral city of Worcester

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Worcester Tourist Information Centre

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Worcester Tourist Information Centre - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Mon - Fri 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
• Sat - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• (0.01 mi) The Giffard
• (0.10 mi) Travelodge Worcester
• (0.15 mi) Boutique by Browns
• (0.06 mi) Farriers Arms
• (0.13 mi) The Cardinals Hat
• (0.01 mi) Costa Coffee
• (0.01 mi) Keystones Cocktail Club
• (0.02 mi) Mad Snacks
• (0.02 mi) Ping An Oriental
• (0.03 mi) Pizza Freakz

A Guide to the County of Worcestershire

Accommodation in worcestershire, attractions near worcestershire, events / whats on 2024, the national trust in worcestershire, travel information, what's on at a theatre near you., worcestershire beacon walk, worcestershire tourist information centres, worcestershire walks and countryside, worcestershire tourist guide - articles.

• 1.1 Town planners
• 1.2 Orientation
• 1.3 Visitor information
• 2.1.1 By park & ride
• 2.2 By train
• 2.5 By boat
• 3 Get around
• 5.1 Festivals
• 5.3.1 Cricket
• 5.3.2 Rugby
• 5.3.3 Basketball
• 5.3.4 Horseracing
• 5.3.5 Canoeing and rowing
• 5.4 Theatre
• 5.5 River walks
• 12 Stay safe

Worcester (pronounced "wuster") is an historic English cathedral city on the river Severn. Worcester is the county town of Worcestershire .

Understand [ edit ]

Worcester began as a Roman period settlement. It is famous for the part it played in the English Civil War : the scene of some of the decisive battles, and of Prince Charles' escape, after in his defeat. Parts of the town still have buildings from this period, particularly Friar Street.

It has pleasant river walks, a medieval cathedral and the ruins of monastic cloisters. The medieval city walls remain in traces. Around the cathedral are picturesque Georgian residences.

Worcester is the ancestral home of the famous Lea and Perrins Worcestershire sauce. It's produced by the Heinz Corporation on its factory on Midlands Road in the city, where it has been produced since 1897. Worcester is also the home of one of England's better known county cricket teams.

Town planners [ edit ]

The city was heavily renovated during the 1960s and 70s and not very sympathetically. Numerous old roads and courtyards were demolished. The last cathedral lychgate in England was demolished along with Sir Edward Elgar's shop to make way for a charmless hotel and a multi-storey car park. This is known locally as "the Rape of Worcester". However this overlooks the fact that many of the old buildings were little better than slums and were deeply unpleasant. Nevertheless, a look at old OS maps shows that the city centre was perforated by intricate old 'courts' which were almost all removed. A few wide roads were driven into the city to facilitate easy traffic movements. A feature of today's city is that many roads have historic buildings on one side and modern ones on the other due to road widening. Even the remaining historic roads are superficial: for example Friar Street has many beautiful buildings but look behind them and you'll see the concrete backs of nearby buildings. Worcester is nonetheless a pleasant city which is safe and relaxed. More recent development is a lot more sympathetic, if a little conservative. There are still many interesting things to see and these are taken advantage of by several guided walks offered through the local tourist centre.

Orientation [ edit ]

The ancient city of Worcester is on the east bank of the River Severn. As the city's boundaries were redefined in modern times it has come to encompass the village of St. Johns, which is on the opposite bank. From the M5 motorway it is accessed either from junction 6 (when approaching from the north), or junction 7 (when travelling from the south).

The main axis of the city runs roughly north to south. The cathedral sits at the southern end of the High Street (now pedestrianised). As you proceed north from the cathedral you will walk along the High Street which is the main shopping street in the city. Where this becomes a road again (at the taxi rank) its name changes to The Cross, and its name then changes (again) to Foregate Street (where one of Worcester's railway stations is located). Continuing northwards, the street changes its name (again) to the Tything where Castle Street joins it and is also known as the A38 trunk road. The road then goes through several more name changes before it reaches the limits of the modern city about 2 miles from the city centre.

To the east of the High Street, and running parallel to it, is the Shambles, another pedestrianised shopping street. To the east of the Shambles is New Street, which going southwards, becomes Friar Street. These streets are amongst the most picturesque streets (as long as you ignore the concrete circular ramp that disgorges from the multistorey car park into Friar street). Broad Street runs westwards from where the High Street becomes The Cross and runs down to the only road bridge across the Severn in the city.

There is only the one road bridge across the river as it dictates the rather confusing one way system. At rush hour (and if the M5 motorway is closed) it is usually quicker walking around Worcester than driving! There is also a railway bridge, and two foot bridges. The first one, the Sabrina Bridge, is about 550 yards (500 m) north of the road bridge just before the Racecourse stadium. A new foot bridge was opened in 2010 about a mile (1.6 km) to the south of the cathedral.

The area to the south east of the cathedral is known as Sidbury and is effectively the end of the city centre. Just after the Commandery the road forks: the lefthand fork, London Road (A44), heads south eastwards towards the motorway network, and the other fork heads towards Tewkesbury (as Commandery Road/Bath Road/A38). On the river Severn, about half a mile south of the cathedral is Diglis Basin where the Worcester and Birmingham canal terminates and joins the river Severn. The warehouses, factories and wharfs in this area had fallen into severe dereliction, but most are now converted into apartments (though some are still in progress). The basin itself is now the home to large number of canal boats and other leisure craft and, particularly on a sunny day, makes for a pleasant stroll around. This area lacks facilities: there is the Anchor pub, and not far away the Diglis Hotel. The lanes around Diglis are a labyrinth to strangers; the easiest way to get to it is to walk down the canal path from the Commandery (at the Commandery walk to the canal lock, and facing the lock turn left under the road bridge).

Visitor information [ edit ]

• Visit Worcester

Get in [ edit ]

By car [ edit ].

From London (113 miles), drivers should take the M40 motorway north-westwards until the junction with the M42. From here, head westwards to the M5, where you should head south and watch for signs to Worcester.

Alternatively, from London , drivers could take the M4 west towards Bristol . At Junction 15 ( Swindon ) take the A417/A419 northwards. This will eventually bring you out at J11A on the M5, where you should join the M5 Northwards. The A417/A419 is mainly a good dual carriageway, but there are a couple of miles of single carriageway road near the "Air Balloon" pub which can be rather congested at peak times. Alternatively, continue along the M4 westwards until after Bristol where you can join the M5 heading north. Look for signs to Worcester.

Worcester is 27 miles from Birmingham , 111 from Manchester , 57 from Oxford , 25 from Cheltenham , 26 from Stratford-upon-Avon and 63 miles from Bristol .

By park & ride [ edit ]

Visitors approaching Worcester on the A38 from the north may wish to make use of the Perdiswell Park and Ride.

• Perdiswell Park and Ride . Open M-Sa 7AM-7PM . ( updated Mar 2024 )

The corresponding bus is number W1 and runs every 10 to 15 minutes throughout the day and takes about 10 minutes to reach the city centre. It stops at a limited number of stops en route, but one of them is Foregate Street railway station. The standard charge is £2.20 per person (which includes all-day parking). A group ticket is also available for up to 7 people in the same vehicle and costs £3.50 in total. For under 19s, the charge is £1. All tickets are available on board the bus or from a ticket machine at the car park.

• Worcester City Council list of parking sites

By train [ edit ]

Worcester has two train stations:

Worcester is not on the main railway line between Bristol to Birmingham , but on a slower side line. It has regular trains from London Paddington via Reading ; this journey takes approximately 2 hr 15 min. It's also within easy reach from Cheltenham , Stratford-upon-Avon , Gloucester , Malvern , Evesham , Oxford , and Hereford . Trains come on a relatively regular schedule.

By bus [ edit ]

The Bus Station is at the bottom of CrownGate Shopping Centre. National Express coachway stop on the edge of the City and links with a scheduled city bus services that takes passengers into Worcester City Centre.

By air [ edit ]

51.4775 -0.461389 3 London Heathrow Airport ( LHR  IATA ) is linked directly to Worcester by a twice daily National Express Coach service. Journey time approximately 2 hours. 52.453889 -1.748056 4 Birmingham Airport ( BHX  IATA ) is Worcester's nearest airport from which there is a regular local rail service, from Birmingham International station via Birmingham New Street.

By boat [ edit ]

The City stands on the banks of the River Severn and the Worcester - Birmingham Canal. There are some moorings available. Distances to Worcester from:

• York - 228 miles, 110 locks, 115 hours cruising time.
• London - 174 miles, 223 locks, 140 hours cruising time.
• Birmingham - 32.5 miles, 61 locks, 34 hours cruising time
• Liverpool - 182 miles, 168 locks, 122 hours cruising time.

Get around [ edit ]

See [ edit ]

• College Green . Although most of the buildings around this square are used by the King's School or the Cathedral this is a public space, and is very picturesque and tranquil. It is immediately to the south of the cathedral and is reached either through the cathedral's cloisters, or from Watergate (on the River Severn foot path) or via Edgar Tower (a fortified gateway built in the mid-14th century and which formed the entrance to the monastic precinct). If you pass through the Watergate watch out for the markings in the block work which record how high the various floods have reached. ( updated Nov 2016 )
• 52.189944 -2.218847 6 Tudor House Heritage Centre , Friar St, WR1 2NA , ☏ +44 1905 612309 .  
• 52.191167 -2.220785 7 Guild Hall , High St, WR1 2EY , ☏ +44 1905 722018 . ( updated Nov 2016 )
• 52.189572 -2.229802 8 Cripplegate Park , 45 Tybridge St, WR2 5BA . ( updated Nov 2016 )

While it undoubtedly true that the planning decisions of the 1960s and 1970s robbed Worcester of a cohesive collection of period buildings a large number do survive. The trick is to look around (and up), particularly in the shopping areas. A good example, which is easily overlooked, is 61 Broad Street (now used by the Skipton Building Society) which dates from the mid 18th century and has Venetian style windows with Gothic glazing, each window being topped by a carving of a head.

Do [ edit ]

Festivals [ edit ].

• Worcester Festival .  

Music [ edit ]

• Marrs Bar .  
• Huntingdon Hall , CrownGate, WR1 3LD ( inside the CrownGate shopping centre ), ☏ +44 1905 611427 . The town's theatre. ( updated Nov 2016 )

Sport [ edit ]

Cricket [ edit ], rugby [ edit ], basketball [ edit ], horseracing [ edit ], canoeing and rowing [ edit ].

You can canoe and row on the River Severn.

Golf [ edit ]

Numerous golf courses include:

• 52.22142 -2.213167 5 Ravenmeadow Golf Course , Hindlip La, Hindlip, WR3 8SA , ☏ +44 1905 757525 . ( updated Nov 2017 )
• 52.18186 -2.24613 6 Worcester Golf & Country Club , Bransford Rd, WR2 4EZ , ☏ +44 1905 422555 . ( updated Nov 2017 )

Theatre [ edit ]

• 52.193198 -2.223702 7 The Swan Theatre , The Moors, WR1 3LE , ☏ +44 1905 611427 .  

River walks [ edit ]

On a sunny day, the best way to see Worcester is to walk along the river. The paths are well maintained and being river bank walks they are all flat and easygoing.

On either side of the main bridge on the East bank are the North Quay and South Quay (their names now echo of when the city was an important river port).

The river bank by South Quay is a popular area to stroll and pass away sometime. There are fountains set in the pavement near Brown’s restaurant, and usually a large number of swans congregate on the river nearby as they rely on the steady stream of visitors to feed them. Continuing south down the footpath you will come across Watergate (with marks on the wall to record the heights reached by various floods since the 17th century). Passing through Watergate will take you up into College Green and the cathedral environs. Carrying on along the river path will take you towards Diglis basin, and then, about a mile south of the Cathedral, Diglis Lock (a set of large locks on the river) and the new footbridge. The area on the east bank of the river leading up to the new footbridge is a derelict industrial wasteland awaiting its turn for re-development. However, crossing over the footbridge and heading north takes you along a leafy path through fields up to the main bridge. On certain days during the summer, a rowing boat acts as a ferry across the river near the Watergate.

An alternative is to head north along North Quay and under the railway viaduct. This doesn't start as nicely as the area is host to several car parks and across the river is a prominent car hire firm based in a redundant petrol station. However, as you pass under the railway bridge you will reach the race course (an area known as Pitchcroft). Just before the stadium you can cross the river using the Sabrina bridge and turn south again back to the main bridge (you can head north and continue along the Severn Way footpath, but there are no more crossing points until Holt Bridge many miles to the north). Or you can stay on the east bank and continue to walk along Pitchcroft; as you leave the race course stadium area the path is between a splendid row of mature trees and it is possible to walk a loop around Pitchcroft. The trees on the eastern side have fallen victim to disease and many have been removed. Many of their replacements however ‘drowned’ in the prolonged summer floods of 2007.

Learn [ edit ]

• University of Worcester .
• Adult learners may wish to study at Worcester College of Technology .
• Worcester 6th Form College for the 16-19 learners and some adult courses.

Buy [ edit ]

The Post Office is in WHSmiths on the High Street.

• High Street etc . Pedestrianised. Usual high street shops plus a few one-offs. Adjacent pedestrianized shopping streets include Friar Street, The Shambles, Mealcheapen Street and Pump Street.  
• 52.210853 -2.20042 2 Elgar Retail Park , Blackpole Rd, WR3 8HP . 6AM-9PM . Out-of-town trading estate with KFC, Dunelm Mills, Argos, and Homebase.  
• 52.192585 -2.219421 3 F. Durrant & Son ( Durrants' ), Mealcheapen St, WR1 2DH , ☏ +44 1905 25247 . Huntin', shootin' and fishin' hardware shop. If you need a shotgun or a knife you can skin a deer with, then this is the place.  

Numerous second-hand bookshops and minor antique shops on The Tything (the main northbound road out of Worcester city centre).

There are also several arcades:

• The Hop Market , Foregate St. . ( updated Jun 2022 )
• Reindeer Court , The Shambles/Mealcheapen St./New St. . ( updated Jun 2022 )
• Market Hall , The Shambles/New St. . ( updated Jun 2022 )

Eat [ edit ]

• 52.190993 -2.224272 1 Browns , The Old Cornmill, South Quay , ☏ +44 1905 26263 .  
• Little Venice , 1-3 St. Nicholas Street , ☏ +44 1905 726126 . Midday to 11PM . Popular and reliable Italian restaurant in the middle of town.  
• [dead link] Ostlers , 1 Severn Terrace , ☏ +44 1905 612300 . A nice evening meal restaurant with a good reputation. Popular with theatre- and race-goers due to its proximity to both venues.  
• Thai Crystal , 109 Sidbury ( from the cathedral, walk south down Sidbury, past the Commandary and on the left hand side on the corner with Wyld's Lane ), ☏ +44 1905 767017 . Tu-Su . Good food, friendly and attentive staff. From the outside this restaurant could easily be overlooked - the Georgian sash windows make it difficult to see the interior, but the inside is a contrast - a slightly kitsch Thai village theme has somehow been fitted into a Georgian building. Good in the evening on a bright day with the sunlight on the buildings opposite. Set menus from around £18 per person .  
• The Balcony Cafe ( Museum cafe ), Worcester City Museum & Library, Foregate Street ( Walk north out of the city centre past Foregate Street railway station and it is on the right hand side inside the City Museum & Library. When inside the entrance foyer turn right up the stairs and you will find the cafe. ), ☏ +44 1905 724488 . M-Sa 9:30AM-4:30PM . Great little cafe, set around the balcony on the 1st floor of the city museum and library (hence its name). Good for a light bite, often with locally sourced food, in graceful surroundings.  
• The King's Head , 67 Sidbury , ☏ +44 1905 726025 . 10AM-11PM . Bar and grill. Fairly smart, good service and food. Small garden area at the back which overlooks the canal.  
• [dead link] The Karmic Cafe , The Gallery, The Shambles , ☏ +44 7961 507221 . M-F 8:30AM-4PM, Sa 9AM-5PM . Vegetarian coffee shop. First floor, overlooking pedestrianized street. Papers and books available to read. Pleasant and mainly frequented by non-hippies.  
• The Pump House Cafe , Pump House Environment Centre, Waterworks Road, Barbourne ( Quite far out of the town centre, but if in the Barbourne area, you can walk through Gheluvelt Park to reach the Pump House near the river. Alternatively walk to the far end of Pitchcroft (Worcester race course) and then into Waterworks road. ), ☏ +44 1905 734934 . W-Sa 10AM-4PM, excluding public holidays . In the former pumping station for Worcester's drinking water supply, it hosts various environmental displays and an eco cafe for drinks and nibbles. Friendly relaxed atmosphere.  

There are numerous curry houses along The Tything (the main northbound road out of Worcester city centre).

• Ashleys Restaurant , 11 The Tything , ☏ +44 1905 611747 . Indian cuisine in comfortable Georgian surroundings with a modern touch.  

Drink [ edit ]

• The Plough , 23 Fish Street ( from the cathedral, walk down Deansway toward the bridge. It is a cream coloured building on the righthand side on the corner with Fish Street ), ☏ +44 1905 21381 . Compact and bijou; no frills (just two rooms): like pubs used to be before... electricity. Good for chatters and real-ale drinkers. Also a wide range of whiskies.  
• The Dragon Inn , 51 The Tything ( walk north out of the city centre past Foregate railway station, up the Tything (A38), and it is on the left hand side shortly after the pedestrian crossing across Castle Street ), ☏ +44 1905 25845 . Unprepossessing, but a great local pub. Good beer - what more do you need?  
• 52.189518 -2.218599 1 The Cardinal's Hat , 31 Friar Street, WR1 2NA ( when walking from the city centre along Friar Street towards the cathedral it is on the left hand side ), ☏ +44 1905 724006 . Ancient wooden framed building, reputedly from 1497. Unusual in that it only serves Austrian beers. Beers are served in steins and flutes which caused some issuing with the local Trading Standards department!  
• [dead link] Bushwhackers , Trinity Street ( a bar, restaurant and club in the middle of the city centre, accessible from The Cross or Trinity Street ), ☏ +44 1905 26878 . Loud, lively, popular (particularly with students and 'younger' clientele. Australian-themed. Not a traditional pub!  

The largest local brewery Malvern Hills Brewery (MHB) does some nice, pale but hoppy beers such as Black Pear available in several local pubs.

• CAMRA Real Ale Festival ( Worcester Racecourse ). Annual beer festival held around the middle weekend of each August. Buying a ticket in advance is recommended, as there is only a very limited number of tickets sold on the door. Over 100 beers and a selection of ciders, perries and wines. from £6 . ( updated Nov 2017 )

Sleep [ edit ]

• 52.186264 -2.222183 1 Diglis House Hotel , Riverside/Severn Street, WR1 2ND , ☏ +44 1905 353518 . Great spot in an old building on the river, and very close to the cathedral. Some of the rooms are in a modern annex, which is quite smart. It's satisfactory, but could make a lot more from its location. £55-150 .  
• 52.189836 -2.219651 2 Worcester Travelodge , Cathedral Plaza, 3 High St, WR1 2QS , ☏ +44 871 984 6277 . Cheap, and fairly clean, good if running low on funds. ( updated Oct 2017 )
• Ye Olde Talbot , Friar Street .  
• 52.223 -2.188 3 Manor Coach House , Hindlip Lane WR3 8SJ ( off Hurst Lane at junction with A449 ), ☏ +44 1905 456457 . Delightful edge-of-town B&B with five double rooms. No dogs. B&B double £100 . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• 52.18941 -2.21734 4 Fownes Hotel , Clare St. WR1 2AP , ☏ +44 1905 613151 . Check-in: 2:30PM , check-out: 11AM . Charming hotel in a converted Victorian factory building. ( updated Aug 2022 )
• 52.20576 -2.28205 5 The Dewdrop Inn , Bell Ln, WR2 6RR , ☏ +44 1905 640012 . Check-in: 2PM , check-out: 11AM . £90 . ( updated Aug 2022 )

Connect [ edit ]

• Worcester Tourist Information Centre , High Street ( at the Guildhall ), ☏ +44 1905 726311 , [email protected] .  

Stay safe [ edit ]

As with the rest of the UK, in any emergency call 999 or 112 (from a land-line if you can) and ask for Ambulance, Fire or Police when connected.

If you are a deaf user requiring emergency assistance from Police, Fire or Ambulance text 80992 or use Minicom 0845 6000 303.

Worcester is generally a very safe place and has a much safer feel than most other cities in the West Midlands. However, there is a strong police presence at night time in the city centre (as with most UK towns cities the vicinity around some pubs and clubs can become fairly unpleasant late on a Friday or Saturday night). Avoid Dines Green, Warndon (not Warndon Villages) and Brickfields.

For non-emergency situations use 101 or 0300 333 3000 to contact West Mercia Police . If you wish to speak to a police officer in person, visit the police station on Castle Street in Worcester.

Hereford and Worcester Fire & Rescue Service - for General Enquiries contact 0845 1224454.

Hereford and Worcester Health Service [dead link] - for General Enquiries contact +44 1886 834200.

Severn Area Rescue Association is the Inshore Rescue boat and Land Search organisation covering the Severn Estuary, including the parts of the River Severn around Worcester. For General enquiries contact 0844 8460226.

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Map of places with Wikivoyage articles nearby

• Malvern Hills — a dramatic range of hills approximately 8 miles to the south west of Worcester. Great views on a clear day into Wales and to the Cotswold Hills.
• Harvington Hall — a moated medieval and Elizabethan manor house with numerous secret "priest holes", 14 miles north of Worcester.
• Witley Court and Gardens — a spectacular ruined stately home, 10 miles north west of Worcester near Stourport-on-Severn . The ornamental fountain has been restored - when running its central plume shoots up over 100 feet.
• Broadway — a stunningly beautiful Cotswold village, 22 miles south east from Worcester just off the A44.
• Shelsley Walsh — first used in 1905 it is the site of the oldest motor sport venue in the world. Regular meetings through the year. Good for petrol heads and lovers of vintage cars amidst a beautiful rural landscape. 11 miles to the north west of Worcester.

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Worcester Tourist Information Centre re-opens

The Worcester Tourist Information Centre (TIC) is re-opening its doors to the public on Wednesday 8 July.

The Centre, which is located on the High Street next to the Guildhall, will initially open from Wednesday to Saturday from 10.00am – 3.00pm and aims to extend the opening hours in August.

Staff at Worcester's TIC have conducted a thorough COVID-19 risk assessment prior to re-opening.Only two customers will be allowed in the Centre at any one time, and hand sanitiser will be available.

"We are all looking forward to re-opening Worcester's Tourist Information Centre and welcoming people back to the city," says Ruth Smith, Manager of the Worcester TIC.

"We've had a lot of positive feedback from passers by while we've been cleaning and re-stocking the gift shop.I would like to say thank you to everyone who has supported the Centre; we've missed everyone and are glad to be back."

A number of local tourist attractions have now re-opened, including the Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum, The Commandery and Hartlebury Castle Museum; Spetchley Gardens; National Trust properties at Croome and Hanbury Hall; the West Midlands Safari Park and Witley Court.

Please check individual websites for opening times and booking details.Up-to-date information on new events and visitor attractions can also be found at www.visitworcester.co.uk  

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Here at Visit Worcestershire, we are ready to inspire you to visit the beautiful county of Worcestershire!

There is so much to discover within a short break to the county!

Make family memories that will last a lifetime with our fantastic attractions, delve into thousands of years of history, experience delicious dining experiences and become familiar with Worcestershire’s pure beauty.

Located in the centre of England, Worcestershire is easily accessible from every destination across the United Kingdom. Many motorway networks run through the heart of the County making it super easy to get from the North and South West of England. You can rely on a good amount of options when travelling by train to Worcestershire, with Great Western Railway offering fast services from London Paddington. Whilst West Midlands Railway offer regular services from Birmingham and onward connections to the North West.

Our bespoke blogs offer local insight and knowledge into your visit to Worcestershire.

From the top places to visit over the summer to cosy autumn breaks, our blogs offer a wide variety of content which is easy to read and expertly put together working closely with Worcestershire businesses.

Read our latest blogs!

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We all want to hangout with our best friend more, and let’s…

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It is safe to say that Winter is here and as we dig out our…

Looking for a more formal guide for a visit to Worcestershire?

Check out our tailored itineraries where you will find hidden gems and the best-recommended places to visit. The guides provided a snapshot of the county whatever your interests are. Discovering heritage, outdoor spaces, attractions, restaurants and places to stay.

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4 Reasons the English County…

Lush and green in summertime, Worcestershire looks just as…

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Explore Worcestershire's rich history over a couple of days!

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Let us help with reducing the stress with useful information to ensure your break to Worcestershire goes as smoothly as possible. Take a look at our Getting Here, Getting Round, Seasonal Guides and Accessibility web pages.

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Getting here.

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Events in Worcester.

Dame Laura Knight: I Paint Today

Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum Foregate Street, Worcester, WR1 1DT

Family activities | Easter Bunny Door Hunt

The Commandery The Commandery, Sidbury, Worcester, WR1 2HU

Wondrous Wildlife!

The Motive and the Cue

Swan Theatre The Moors, Worcester, WR1 3ED

Make felt animal puppets!

The Railway Children

Spetchley Gardens Worcester, WR5 1RS

Passion Play

Cathedral Square

There’s A Monster In My Show!

Easter Eggstravaganza

TAYLOR SWIFT ORCHESTRAL TRIBUTE! WORCESTER CATHEDRAL

Worcester Cathedral

Bob Harris & Colin Hall

Huntingdon Hall Worcester, WR1 3LD

Dame Laura Knight: I Paint Today Ongoing

• Love Worcester

Family activities | Easter Bunny Door Hunt Ongoing

Wondrous Wildlife! Ongoing

Dance Anthems Orchestral: Worcester Cathedral Early!

Dance anthems orchestral: worcester cathedral late.

Worcester Fine Food Market

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FREE EASTER ACTIVITY – DECORATE AN EASTER EGG

The Taylor Swift Mixtape

The King Of Pop

Snake Davis

Feast of Fiddles

The Carpenters Experience

Antiques And A Little Bit Of Nonsense

Live aid tribute – orchestral: worcester cathedral early, live aid tribute – orchestral: worcester cathedral late, oasis orchestral worcester cathedral early show, oasis orchestral worcester cathedral late show.

Worcester High Street Arts & Craft Market

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Moments of Pleasure – A Tribute to Kate Bush

Talk | looking behind the scenes: laura knight and her theatre ‘views’ – with clare cochrane at worcester city art gallery and museum.

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Getting Here

Situated   in   the   heart   of   the   country,   Worcester   has   excellent transport   links   and   is   extremely   accessible.

Worcester is located on the crossroads of two main lines. There is a regular service to Birmingham while Worcester to London Paddington takes just over 2 hours.

Foregate Street Station 0.3 miles from the city centre Shrub Hill Station 0.6 miles from the city centre

West Midlands Railway offers a frequent and fast service from major cities including Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Hereford to both Worcester stations. Visit West Midlands Railway website to book tickets. For National Rail enquiries, telephone 0345 48 49 50 (Timetables and fares)

The city has excellent links with other districts in the region as well as the National Cycle Network.  Within just a few minutes bike ride, you can have escaped the hustle and bustle and be deep in the heart of the countryside with all its breathtaking scenery.

Find further information about cycle routes in the county .

First Bus Worcestershire has over 30 bus routes taking you around our beautiful county. You can plan your journey by visiting the First Bus website .

Tickets and in-person support is available from the Tourist Information Centre at the Guildhall, or from the Travel Shop at Foregate Street Station. The city is also served by National Express Coaches. For more information, visit the National Express website .

Worcester is ideally located between junctions 6 and 7 of the M5. Road access from Worcester to the national motorway network is easy and the city is a popular stopover point en route to various destinations. Birmingham International Airport and the Eurohub are within an hour’s drive, with direct flights to the USA and 28 European cities. The airports at Bristol and Cardiff are also within easy reach.

Car Parks The city has a number of car parks. For more information, visit:  www.worcester.gov.uk/parking

From Birmingham Airport Join the M42 southbound at Junction 6 then turn onto M5 southbound. Follow until Junction 6 and onto the A4440. Taxis are available outside the airport.

Information for Coaches

Coach parking, coach drop0ff/pickup points, 5 minutes walk.

Coaches can park in Croft Road Car Park , WR1 3NZ. There is an onsite cafe and toilet facilities and it is approximately five minutes walk from the city centre.

Please note that during the Worcester Christmas Fayre, coach parking needs to be pre-booked .

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