Out & About in Worcester

Worcester is the county town of the county of Worcestershire which lies in the English West Midlands. Approximately 30 miles South West of Birmingham and roughly 30 miles to the North of Gloucester, the city has a population of almost 100,000. Right through the centre of the city runs the River Severn and on its banks stands the beautiful Worcester Cathedral.

Britain's longest river, the Severn, flows through the town. A vital trade route in medieval times, cargoes of foreign goods and wine were shipped from here to Bristol. The boats then returned carrying their loads of grain, coal and hides.

In 1815 the Worcestershire and Birmingham Canal opened. Trade expanded rapidly with goods being handled at Diglis Basin and the wharf at Lowesmoor. Pleasure craft use the canal today.

The cricket ground is delightfully situated near the river and is overlooked by the cathedral. The city is also known for its porcelain, the racecourse and its famous Worcester Sauce. The city has many examples of architecture dating back as far as the 16th century. At Trinity can be found the historic Queen Elizabeth House. Nash House and King Charles House are in New Street.

Worcester is a very old city with a modern outlook. It has a great deal to offer all types of visitors from those who enjoy shopping to those whose interest lies in our past. For culture, sport or music there is something to tempt everybody.

Shopping

As befits a major county town, Worcester's high street contains well-known names and a great choice of individual ones too. Here are to be found the best national chains in the UK such as Next, House of Fraser, H&M, Marks and Spencer and others. Crown Gate Shopping Centre in the heart of the city has over 750 parking spaces and over 60 shops and cafes.

Well worth a visit is the Worcester Porcelain factory located on Severn Street. The porcelain is highly collectable and inside the complex of buildings at the site is The Museum of Worcester Porcelain factory shop. You can sometimes find good deals on seconds too!

Food and Drink

If you are hungry or thirsty, there is plenty on offer in Worcester. If you are tempted by the thought of the aroma of fresh coffee with mid-morning cakes or afternoon tea, Worcester has just the place for you. The wide variety of restaurants in the city offer something for every taste and some are tucked-away places that you will find almost by accident. Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Italian and French restaurants vie for custom alongside traditional British establishments. Chesters Mexican Restaurant in the centre of town offers a good choice of vegetarian and vegan dishes although it does serve meat as well. In the centre of Worcester is a pub with a strange-sounding name - The Swan with Two Nicks. This is a real ale bar with sixty varieties of whisky together with four real ales from independent small breweries. The pub serves good, home-prepared food at lunchtimes. Drummonds Venue Bar is here too and has great live music and entertainment. Lunar Retro Seventies Bar is in the same building and has great comedy nights.

Arts and Entertainment

Worcester hosts the Three Choirs Festival every three years. This festival dates back to the 18th century and is believed to be the oldest festival of music in Europe. The last time Worcester hosted the festival was in 2008 as it shares the event with the cities of Gloucester and Hereford.

A more recent festival, The Worcester Festival, started in 2003. Held in late summer, this festival comprises an eclectic mix of theatre, cinema, music and workshops together with the previously-established Beer Festival.

At Christmas there is a Victorian Fayre which attracts many tourists. Hundreds of stalls fill the historic heart of the town. The sounds, sights, smells and colours of Christmas make for a wonderful atmosphere. The stallholders wear Victorian costume and you can enjoy roasted chestnuts and hot punch whilst making your choice of purchases.

Hotels and Travel

From North to South of the urban area runs the M5 Motorway. The city is easily accessible from most parts of the country by car and indeed London is only 120 miles away, two and a half hours drive. As you would expect, there is every type of hotel on offer from high-end to budget accommodation. There is something to suit everyone in Worcester and it really is a great place to stay, to look around and also to use as a base to visit other places in the area. The city is the perfect location for short breaks or day trips. With its varied, rich heritage, there is much to explore.