8 Things To Do In Worcestershire
Discover these 8 things to do in Worcestershire and make your next trip to the county a good one. Whether you want to explore Worcester's heritage sites, get outside in the Malvern Hills or take the kids on a wild day out, Worcestershire has enough to keep all the family entertained.
Read on for the best things to do when you visit Worcestershire – and stick around until the end to find some of the more unusual attractions in the county.
Worcester
A cathedral city with tons of history
No visit to Worcestershire would be complete without stopping in Worcester. One of the main attractions here is Worcester Cathedral, a grand building on the banks of the river Severn. The cathedral building was started in the 11th century, with highlights including the Chapter House from the 12th century and the lovely medieval cloisters.
If you’re looking for more historic attractions, Greyfriars House is a medieval merchant’s house in Worcester’s city centre that’s open to the public. Move forward in time to learn about Worcester’s role in the English Civil War at The Commandery, while for a general overview of the history of Worcester, visit Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum.
Into medical history? Visit the George Marshall Medical Museum to see how healthcare has developed over the past 250 years. Here, you’ll see a reconstructed Victorian operating room, an apothecary and the death masks of hanged criminals.
Find the best campsites in Worcestershire.
Witley Court
Stunning gardens in the grounds of a former country house
Witley Court was one of England’s greatest country houses until it was destroyed by fire in the 1930s. In the 1890s, however, it was a fabulous mansion that hosted decadent parties. Look around the ruins and listen to the free audio guide to learn about the people who lived here and the guests who came to live it up in this part of Worcestershire.
In the landscaped gardens, see the terraces, pavilions, fountains and flowerbeds, and keep the children happy with a visit to the wilderness play area. Discover the country park as you walk the woodland paths, stopping to see the old Victorian boathouse on the lake.
The Malvern Hills
Get outdoors in the hills
An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Malvern Hills is a great place to get outdoors and give yourself a workout. Whether you want to walk, cycle or go horse riding here, you can be sure of steep climbs and extensive views over Worcestershire and other parts of England and Wales, especially on a clear day.
However you choose to move around the hills, look out for wildflowers, birds and bats (and, of course, Malvern’s well-known spring water). Dogs are welcome and there are more accessible walks for those who don’t fancy the pull up the hills. Stop at one of the visitor centres for tips and maps to help you plan your route.
Pitch up at campsites around the Malvern Hills.
Droitwich Canal and the river Severn
Get around Worcestershire’s waterways by boat, bike or on foot
Want to get out on the water while you’re in Worcestershire? Take a boat trip on the Mid-Worcestershire Ring, a 21-mile circular boat trip that passes through Worcester and goes through 33 locks. Travel on two canals and the River Severn and listen to the free audio guide to learn about the history of salt production in the area.
If you don’t want to take a boat, cycle or walk along the towpath instead.
Find a campsite near the Droitwich Canal.
The Elgar Route
Follow in the footsteps of Edward Elgar
Did you know that Worcestershire was the 'Land of Hope and Glory' that inspired composer Sir Edward Elgar? On the 37-mile Elgar Route through the Malverns, visit The Firs, Elgar’s birthplace, and Spetchley Park Gardens, where Elgar lived in a cottage, and tick off the walking route through the city of Worcester.
There are more Elgar walking routes in the Malvern Hills, where you’ll see a landscape that hasn’t changed much since he was here in the 19th century. Finally, finish your tour with a visit to Elgar’s grave at St. Wulstan’s Church.
Discover campsites on the Elgar Route.
The Severn Valley Railway
A trip on a heritage railway
A heritage steam train trip through towns, villages and natural scenery, the Severn Valley Railway takes you back to the golden age of steam. Head to the engine house to see old locomotives and learn about the history of the railways in Britain, or take a trip on the train as it pulls up at sleepy stations.
Afterwards, you might like to have a meal or a drink at the traditional pubs and restaurants nearby like the atmospheric Railwayman’s Arms. There are themed events here during the year too, including the ever-popular Santa train around Christmas.
Look for campsites around the Severn Valley Railway.
West Midland Safari Park
Go on safari in Worcestershire
Looking for somewhere to go for a day out in Worcestershire with the kids? West Midland Safari Park is an award-winning attraction that deserves at least a full day of your time.
On the safari drive, travel from the African plains to the wilds of Asia and see elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos and many more animals from the safety of your car. In the adventure theme park, try out the thrilling rides for kids of all ages, or wander through the African village to get closer to the meerkats and lemurs.
And that’s not all. Go back in time to discover the dinosaurs, or watch a sea lion show and hear talks about penguins and reptiles.
Read about some of the best parks in Worcestershire.
Avoncroft Museum
An open-air history museum
See historic buildings spanning 700 years at this open-air museum. Among the 30 buildings, there’s a working 19th-century windmill, a fully-furnished prefab from the 1940s and a medieval townhouse.
Have a picnic or try the award-winning tea room, and try to catch some of the open-air theatre or historical reenactments that are laid on here throughout the year.
Search for campsites near Avoncroft Museum.
Unusual Things To Do In Worcestershire
Hidden attractions around Worcester
If you’re looking for some hidden sights that aren’t on every tourist’s to-do list when they come to Worcestershire, these unusual places might be for you.
Start off at Harvington Hall, an Elizabethan manor house built in the 1580s by Humphrey Pakington. The house was a hideaway for Catholic priests during Queen Elizabeth I’s period of religious persecution, and there are seven priest holes, with hidden cubbies and even whole secret rooms to discover.
At the Theatre of Small Convenience, watch a film in the world’s smallest commercial cinema (which just so happens to be housed in a Victorian public toilet). Finally, head to the 15th-century Mug House Pub, one of only two pubs in England to be located on consecrated ground. What does that mean? It’s right next to a church, so getting to it means walking through a graveyard.
Find more great pubs in Worcestershire.
Looking for more places to go on foot? Check out our guide to the best walks in Worcestershire and explore more of the county on foot.