Activities in Worcester

Dating as far back as 680, Worcester Cathedral is one of the UK’s best-kept Cathedrals, home to the royal tombs of Prince Arthur and King John, some stunning Victorian stained glass windows, medieval cloisters, an ancient crypt and a huge collection of medieval manuscripts. The Cathedral on the banks of the River Severn is free to visit daily from 7.30am-6pm with daily guided tours, and you can even clamber up the 62m-high tower from February to October to get views across the city.

A short walk from the Cathedral is the Tudor House Museum which details the changing history of the region throughout the ages moving from the 1500s and its weaving industry through to Cadburys in the 1900s. The museum is open on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday and once you’ve finished exploring the rich heritage, you can head for a coffee in their vintage-themed coffee shop.

With over 10,000 exhibits, the Museum of Royal Worcester is a comprehensive look back at the history of ceramics and porcelain in the region. Situated on the site of the famous Royal Worcester factory, the museum charts the rise and fall of porcelain from the 1750s to the modern day through archives, recreated settings and a variety of gallery displays. The museum is a short walk from the Cathedral and just a short walk across the River Severn from our Worcester city centre hotel.

A restored 15th-century medieval house that was saved from demolition at the end of the Second World War, Greyfriars House & Gardens is a fascinating step back in time. Now restored to its former glory – the house and its walled garden – kids will love the dressing up rooms, and the knowledgeable staff are on hand for any detailed questions about the history of the building. The courtyard comes to life during the seasons and is home to Elsie's tea room offering well-priced tea, coffee, snacks and lunches.

On the northern edge of the city centre near Foregate Street train station, the Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum covers everything from local history, fine art, dinosaur footprints, Roman relics, the history of Worcestershire Sauce and more. Housed in an elegant Victorian building, the museum and art gallery has several interactive galleries including a recreated Chemists from the Victorian era, as well as a gift shop and café.

Located in Charles II’s Civil War headquarters, a two-minute stroll from the Museum of Royal Worcester, The Commandery is an extensive war museum that covers 800 years of historical engagements, with a strong emphasis on the Civil War where you can get a taste of the soldier’s life by testing your strategy skills, experience life on the road and try on some Civil War armour.

Spanning Worcestershire and Herefordshire, The Malverns are a gentle range of hills perfect for exploring just 20-minutes drive from our Worcester city centre hotel. A designated Area of Outstanding Beauty, views from the top of the 425m-high Worcestershire Beacon hill on a clear day take in 13 counties, the Bristol channel and even Worcester Cathedral. There are plenty of country villages, bike routes and hiking trails to take in, while the Victorian spa town of Malvern has everything from healing spa waters, antique shops, a vibrant theatre and plenty of cafés, restaurants and bars.