An Introduction to Worcestershire

Worcestershire's (shortened as Worcs) location in the Heart of England makes it superbly accessible and the wealth of attractions guarantees that the visitor will never be short of things to do.Worcestershire offers a blend of images and experiences to suit all interests, from the Malvern Hills, the Cathedral city of Worcester, the extensive broadleaf woodlands of the Forest of Wyre, the fertile plains of the Severn and Avon Valleys to the honey-coloured warmth of Broadway and the North Cotswolds.

The county is steeped in history, with evidence of iron-age hillforts, Royalist headquarters, stately homes, museums, Victorian follies, famous spa towns and industrial heritage.

During the Roman occupation Droitwich Spa was known as Salinae - ‘The Place of Salt’. The Victorians developed the town into a fashionable spa and nowadays visitors can still enjoy the therapeutic benefits of floating weightless in natural brine water in the new baths opened in 1985.

Malvern was another very fashionable Victorian Spa where both the natural waters and the invigorating air attracted the rich and famous. Now it is a lovely inland resort and home to the new Malvern Theatre.

The historic city of Worcester became a Royalist stronghold in 1651 during the English Civil War. The magnificent Cathedral in the centre of the city, and the world famous Royal Worcester Porcelain factory with its weekday factory tours are well worth a visit.
Other important heritage attractions within the county include the Severn Valley Railway, Britain’s premier steam railway, Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings, Witley Court and Hanbury Hall.

Worcestershire is a gardener’s paradise, offering a wide range, from beautiful award winning cottage gardens to walled Victorian gardens and landscapes sculpted by ‘Capability’ Brown. Among the many gardens to visit are Stone House Cottage and White Cottage gardens, Spetchley Park Gardens, Croome landscape park, Burford House Gardens, Webbs of Wychbold garden centre and Bodenham Arboretum.

Rivers and canals have helped shape the beautiful Worcestershire landscapes and played an important role in the life styles of our many towns and villages. Britain’s longest river, the Severn, flows through the county, starting in the Welsh mountains, it winds its 220 mile course gently towards the Bristol Channel. This magnificent river is popular for fishing, boating and the scene of several colourful regattas and festivals throughout the summer. Many historic towns stand on its banks, including the Georgian towns of Bewdley and Stourport-on-Severn. The river sweeps its way round the city of Worcester, bypassing the Cathedral until it reaches the pretty town of Upton-upon-Severn, famous for its annual lively jazz festival in June.

The county’s second major river the Avon, flows from Stratford-upon-Avon westwards through the Vale of Evesham to join the river Severn at Tewkesbury. Two of the most attractive towns in the area are to be found on its banks; Evesham, a lively and bustling market town and Pershore with its famous Abbey, elegant architecture and lovely riverside walks. Several boat operators offer full or half day river trips for groups throughout the year.

The county’s mix of traditions, heritage and beauty has proved inspiration for many celebrated artists, writers and musicians throughout the ages. The area has strong links with Sir Edward Elgar, one of Britain’s most famous composers who now appears on the £20 note.

Worcestershire offers a variety of different shopping experiences, from the hustle and bustle of local markets to quality antique shops and galleries in Malvern or the Cotswold village of Broadway.

Worcestershire offers plenty of locally made items. The Jinney Ring Craft Centre near Hanbury and the Mamble Craft Centre near Bewdley both offer an excellent range of gifts and you can see the craftsmen at work.

Worcestershire is a county of taste, renowned for its variety of produce, soft fruits and vegetables from the vale of Evesham, award winning wines, sausages, cheese and of course Worcestershire sauce is still produced in the City.