Worcester is a busy city beside the River Severn with some fine old buildings, particularly in Friar Street. Foregate Street is the station most convenient for the city centre and attractions. A few trains only serve Shrub Hill station - change there for trains to Foregate Street. The Bus Station is ¼ mile from Foregate Street station. Worcester is pronounced 'Wusster'.
TI Guildhall, High Street. Tel. 01905 726311.
Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership
Worcester booking.com Cottages from holidaycottages.co.uk
An elegant Victorian building housing contemporary art, local archaeology and social history,
including a 19th century chemist's shop. Regimental museums. Exhibitions and events programme. Café.
Admission free but there may be a charge for some events.
Open M-S 1030-1630, closed BH.
www.worcestershire.gov.uk/museums
An interactive exhibition exploring the medical stories of one of England's oldest infirmaries.
Events programme.
Open M-F 0900-1700, Sat 1000-1600.
www.medicalmuseum.org.uk
A late medieval timber-framed merchant's house. Guided tours 1100-1300, then free-flow.
Peaceful walled garden. Light refreshments.
Open mid Feb-mid Dec, TWThFS & BH 1100-1600 (1700 Apr-Oct).
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/greyfriars
A Tudor building with timber beams, leaded windows and decorated plaster ceilings.
Displays cover the Tudor weaving and brewing which took place in the house, its later use as a coffee shop for the poor,
ARP office and school clinic, as well as general history of the city. Coffee Shop. Events programme.
Admission free but charges for events.
Open WThSu 1000-1600.
www.tudorhouse.org.uk
The cathedral dates back to Norman times and is mostly Early English in style.
Features include the royal tombs of King John and Prince Arthur, medieval cloisters and Victorian stained glass.
Tower open at times (see website). Café. Admission free (except Tower), donations welcome.
Open Daily 0730-1800.
www.worcestercathedral.co.uk
A ceramics museum amidst the Victorian buildings of the former Royal Worcester porcelain factory.
It has the largest collection of Worcester porcelain in the world with Georgian, Victorian and 20th century galleries.
Open M-S 1000-1700 (1600 Nov-Feb).
www.museumofroyalworcester.org
A 15th century timber-framed building with a long and varied history. It was used by Charles II as his
headquarters during the 1651 Battle or Worcester. Displays cover the history of the building as well as the English Civil War.
Gardens. Activities and events programme. Café.
Open TWThFS 1000-1700, Sun 1330-1700.
www.worcestershire.gov.uk/museums
30 acres of gardens with many rare plants from around the world.
Highlights include the Fountain Gardens, peony collection, cedars and the Victorian Conservatory. Tearoom.
Open Apr-Sep, WThFSSu & BH 1100-1800. Oct, SSu 1100-1600.
www.spetchleygardens.co.uk
Bus 150A from Bus Station to opposite entrance, shortly after the bridge over the M5.
M-S infrequent, about 15 minutes journey.
Operated by Johnson's Coaches.
The ruins of a Victorian country mansion in large grounds with wild and formal gardens.
A highlight is the dramatic Perseus and Andromeda fountain. Visitor Centre. Play area. Woodland and lakeside walks.
Great Witley Church (attached to the mansion but not EH) has a gilded Baroque interior. Tearoom (not EH).
Open Apr-Oct, Daily 1000-1700.
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Bus 758 from Bus Station to entrance, about 20 minutes journey, M-S infrequent.
Operated by Yarranton's.
The birthplace of the composer Edward Elgar. The Cottage and modern Visitor Centre contain memorabilia
telling the story of Elgar's life and his music. Cottage Garden. Admission by timed ticket. Events programme.
Open Mar-Oct, Daily 1000-1700. Nov-Feb, SSu 1000-1600.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Bus 308/310 from Bus Station.
308 to opposite 'The Plough' in Upper Broadheath (no marked stop) adjacent to entrance (watch for sign).
Also 310 to Lower Broadheath, Bell Inn, then 1 mile walk.
Both routes about 14 minutes journey, M-S only, infrequent but suitable for visiting.
Operated by Astons Coaches.
