Worcester (England)

Worcester (pronounced "wuster") is an historic English cathedral city on the river Severn. Worcester is the county town of Worcestershire.

Understand

Worcester began as a Roman period settlement. It is famous for the part it played in the English Civil War: the scene of some of the decisive battles, and of Prince Charles' escape, after in his defeat. Parts of the town still have buildings from this period, particularly Friar Street.

It has pleasant river walks, a medieval cathedral and the ruins of monastic cloisters. The medieval city walls remain in traces. Around the cathedral are picturesque Georgian residences.

Worcester is the ancestral home of the famous Lea and Perrins Worcestershire sauce. It's produced by the Heinz Corporation on its factory on Midlands Road in the city, where it has been produced since 1897. Worcester is also the home of one of England's better known county cricket teams.

Town planners

The city was heavily renovated during the 1960s and 70s and not very sympathetically. Numerous old roads and courtyards were demolished. The last cathedral lychgate in England was demolished along with Sir Edward Elgar's shop to make way for a charmless hotel and a multi-storey car park. This is known locally as "the Rape of Worcester". However this overlooks the fact that many of the old buildings were little better than slums and were deeply unpleasant. Nevertheless, a look at old OS maps shows that the city centre was perforated by intricate old 'courts' which were almost all removed. A few wide roads were driven into the city to facilitate easy traffic movements. A feature of today's city is that many roads have historic buildings on one side and modern ones on the other due to road widening. Even the remaining historic roads are superficial: for example Friar Street has many beautiful buildings but look behind them and you'll see the concrete backs of nearby buildings. Worcester is nonetheless a pleasant city which is safe and relaxed. More recent development is a lot more sympathetic, if a little conservative. There are still many interesting things to see and these are taken advantage of by several guided walks offered through the local tourist centre.

Orientation

The ancient city of Worcester is on the east bank of the River Severn. As the city's boundaries were redefined in modern times it has come to encompass the village of St. Johns, which is on the opposite bank. From the M5 motorway it is accessed either from junction 6 (when approaching from the north), or junction 7 (when travelling from the south).

The main axis of the city runs roughly north to south. The cathedral sits at the southern end of the High Street (now pedestrianised). As you proceed north from the cathedral you will walk along the High Street which is the main shopping street in the city. Where this becomes a road again (at the taxi rank) its name changes to The Cross, and its name then changes (again) to Foregate Street (where one of Worcester's railway stations is located). Continuing northwards, the street changes its name (again) to the Tything where Castle Street joins it and is also known as the A38 trunk road. The road then goes through several more name changes before it reaches the limits of the modern city about 2 miles from the city centre.

To the east of the High Street, and running parallel to it, is the Shambles, another pedestrianised shopping street. To the east of the Shambles is New Street, which going southwards, becomes Friar Street. These streets are amongst the most picturesque streets (as long as you ignore the concrete circular ramp that disgorges from the multistorey car park into Friar street). Broad Street runs westwards from where the High Street becomes The Cross and runs down to the only road bridge across the Severn in the city.

There is only the one road bridge across the river as it dictates the rather confusing one way system. At rush hour (and if the M5 motorway is closed) it is usually quicker walking around Worcester than driving! There is also a railway bridge, and two foot bridges. The first one, the Sabrina Bridge, is about 550 yards (500 m) north of the road bridge just before the Racecourse stadium. A new foot bridge was opened in 2010 about a mile (1.6 km) to the south of the cathedral.

The area to the south east of the cathedral is known as Sidbury and is effectively the end of the city centre. Just after the Commandery the road forks: the lefthand fork, London Road (A44), heads south eastwards towards the motorway network, and the other fork heads towards Tewkesbury (as Commandery Road/Bath Road/A38). On the river Severn, about half a mile south of the cathedral is Diglis Basin where the Worcester and Birmingham canal terminates and joins the river Severn. The warehouses, factories and wharfs in this area had fallen into severe dereliction, but most are now converted into apartments (though some are still in progress). The basin itself is now the home to large number of canal boats and other leisure craft and, particularly on a sunny day, makes for a pleasant stroll around. This area lacks facilities: there is the Anchor pub, and not far away the Diglis Hotel. The lanes around Diglis are a labyrinth to strangers; the easiest way to get to it is to walk down the canal path from the Commandery (at the Commandery walk to the canal lock, and facing the lock turn left under the road bridge).

Visitor information

Get in

By car

From London (113 miles), drivers should take the M40 motorway north-westwards until the junction with the M42. From here, head westwards to the M5, where you should head south and watch for signs to Worcester.

Alternatively, from London, drivers could take the M4 west towards Bristol. At Junction 15 (Swindon) take the A417/A419 northwards. This will eventually bring you out at J11A on the M5, where you should join the M5 Northwards. The A417/A419 is mainly a good dual carriageway, but there are a couple of miles of single carriageway road near the "Air Balloon" pub which can be rather congested at peak times. Alternatively, continue along the M4 westwards until after Bristol where you can join the M5 heading north. Look for signs to Worcester.

Worcester is 27 miles from Birmingham, 111 from Manchester, 57 from Oxford, 25 from Cheltenham, 26 from Stratford-upon-Avon and 63 miles from Bristol.

By park & ride

Visitors approaching Worcester on the A38 from the north may wish to make use of the Perdiswell Park and Ride.

  • Perdiswell Park and Ride. Open M-Sa 7AM-7PM. (updated Mar 2024)

The corresponding bus is number W1 and runs every 10 to 15 minutes throughout the day and takes about 10 minutes to reach the city centre. It stops at a limited number of stops en route, but one of them is Foregate Street railway station. The standard charge is £2.20 per person (which includes all-day parking). A group ticket is also available for up to 7 people in the same vehicle and costs £3.50 in total. For under 19s, the charge is £1. All tickets are available on board the bus or from a ticket machine at the car park.

By train
Wikivoyage has a guide to Rail travel in Great Britain

Worcester has two train stations:

Worcester is not on the main railway line between Bristol to Birmingham, but on a slower side line. It has regular trains from London Paddington via Reading; this journey takes approximately 2 hr 15 min. It's also within easy reach from Cheltenham, Stratford-upon-Avon, Gloucester, Malvern, Evesham, Oxford, and Hereford. Trains come on a relatively regular schedule.

By bus

The Bus Station is at the bottom of CrownGate Shopping Centre. National Express coachway stop on the edge of the City and links with a scheduled city bus services that takes passengers into Worcester City Centre.

By air

🌍 London Heathrow Airport (LHR IATA) is linked directly to Worcester by a twice daily National Express Coach service. Journey time approximately 2 hours. 🌍 Birmingham Airport (BHX IATA) is Worcester's nearest airport from which there is a regular local rail service, from Birmingham International station via Birmingham New Street.

By boat

The City stands on the banks of the River Severn and the Worcester - Birmingham Canal. There are some moorings available. Distances to Worcester from:

  • York - 228 miles, 110 locks, 115 hours cruising time.
  • London - 174 miles, 223 locks, 140 hours cruising time.
  • Birmingham - 32.5 miles, 61 locks, 34 hours cruising time
  • Liverpool - 182 miles, 168 locks, 122 hours cruising time.

See

The Liberty Oak

The Liberty Oak was planted in 2009 to commemorate the 1786 visit to Fort Royal by two of the American founding fathers, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson due to the parallels between the English Civil War and the American Revolution.

John Adams famously said: "And do Englishmen so soon forget the ground where liberty was fought for? Tell your neighbors and your children that this is holy ground; much holier than that on which your churches stand. All England should come in pilgrimage to this hill once a year."

  • 🌍 Worcester Cathedral (The Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Mary the Virgin, of Worcester). Daily 7:30AM-6PM. The Cathedral Church of Christ the King and the Blessed Virgin Mary, a place of worship since 680AD, the present building dates from 1084AD onwards. Attractions include the tombs of King John and Prince Arthur (elder brother of Henry VIII). Free entry. From Easter until the end of October the tower is open (weather permitting). There is a small charge for this (£3 for adults, £1 for children) but it is well worth it as there is a superb view of Worcester and the Malvern Hills. The entrance is via a small doorway on the North West corner of the North Transept, and the route goes over the North Transept and then into the base of the main tower (where the clock mechanism can be seen). The tower is also open on Bank Holidays and during the summer school holidays. The crypt is usually open to the public, and dating from 10th century, is fascianting and atmospheric. The entrance to the crypt is just behind the Prince Arthur's Chantry in the South Transept. 
  • College Green. Although most of the buildings around this square are used by the King's School or the Cathedral this is a public space, and is very picturesque and tranquil. It is immediately to the south of the cathedral and is reached either through the cathedral's cloisters, or from Watergate (on the River Severn foot path) or via Edgar Tower (a fortified gateway built in the mid-14th century and which formed the entrance to the monastic precinct). If you pass through the Watergate watch out for the markings in the block work which record how high the various floods have reached. (updated Nov 2016)
  • 🌍 Royal Worcester Visitor Centre, Severn Street, WR1 2ND, ☏ +44 1905 746000. Call first as the factory portion is being converted into housing. The Visitor Centre, Café and Shop are expected to remain, however. 
  • 🌍 Elgar's Birthplace Museum, Lower Broadheath, WR2 6RH. The house where the great composer was born, a modern visitor centre and lovely cottage garden in beautiful countryside just outside Worcester City (updated Sep 2017)
  • 🌍 The Commandery, Sidbury, WR1 2HU, ☏ +44 1905 361821, . A glorious Grade 1 listed site dating back to the 12th century when it was a monastic hospital. The main attraction is that during the English Civil War (1642–1651), it was used as the headquarters for Charles II and his Royalist forces before their catastrophic defeat. On display, is Oliver Cromwell's death mask with a rumour that he made a Faustian bargain with the devil to ensure victory to only die seven years later. There is also a good view of the Fort Royal hill from the garden. 
  • 🌍 Greyfriars' House and Garden, Friar Street, WR1 2LZ, ☏ +44 1905 23571, . Built in 1480, and rescued from demolition in the 1930s. 
  • 🌍 Tudor House Heritage Centre, Friar St, WR1 2NA, ☏ +44 1905 612309. 
  • 🌍 Guild Hall, High St, WR1 2EY, ☏ +44 1905 722018. (updated Nov 2016)
  • 🌍 Cripplegate Park, 45 Tybridge St, WR2 5BA. (updated Nov 2016)
  • 🌍 Gheluvelt Park. Named after the Battle of Gheluvelt, a battle in the First World War, it is a popular and well maintained park to the north of Worcester. It includes a children's play area, and a band stand (which is used during the summer). There is also a 'splashpad' which is operated during the summer. In 2011 a number of external exercise machines were installed around the park towards the river. 
  • 🌍 Fort Royal Hill. The remains of the Fort Royal fort from the English Civil War. It was the last Royalist bastion. The hill is mostly empty though there are decorative cannons and the Liberty Oak. (updated Nov 2016)

While it undoubtedly true that the planning decisions of the 1960s and 1970s robbed Worcester of a cohesive collection of period buildings a large number do survive. The trick is to look around (and up), particularly in the shopping areas. A good example, which is easily overlooked, is 61 Broad Street (now used by the Skipton Building Society) which dates from the mid 18th century and has Venetian style windows with Gothic glazing, each window being topped by a carving of a head.

Do

Festivals

Music

Cricket
  • 🌍 Worcestershire CCC, New Rd WR2 4QQ (just west of river), ☏ +44 1905 748474. Worcestershire CCC was promoted in 2023 and now plays cricket in Division One of the County Championship. These matches last 3-4 days. (updated Sep 2023)

Rugby
  • 🌍 Worcester Warriors, Sixways Stadium, Warriors Way, WR3 8ZE, ☏ +44 1905 454183. The Warriors played rugby union in the Premiership, the game's top tier, but in Sept 2022 they went bust and were ejected. The Sixways Stadium (capacity 11,500) is four miles northeast of town at the junction of M5 and A449. There are hopes of forming a "phoenix club" but all fixtures for the men's and women's teams are cancelled. (updated Sep 2022)

Basketball

Horseracing

Canoeing and rowing

You can canoe and row on the River Severn.

Golf

Numerous golf courses include:

Theatre

River walks

On a sunny day, the best way to see Worcester is to walk along the river. The paths are well maintained and being river bank walks they are all flat and easygoing.

On either side of the main bridge on the East bank are the North Quay and South Quay (their names now echo of when the city was an important river port).

The river bank by South Quay is a popular area to stroll and pass away sometime. There are fountains set in the pavement near Brown’s restaurant, and usually a large number of swans congregate on the river nearby as they rely on the steady stream of visitors to feed them. Continuing south down the footpath you will come across Watergate (with marks on the wall to record the heights reached by various floods since the 17th century). Passing through Watergate will take you up into College Green and the cathedral environs. Carrying on along the river path will take you towards Diglis basin, and then, about a mile south of the Cathedral, Diglis Lock (a set of large locks on the river) and the new footbridge. The area on the east bank of the river leading up to the new footbridge is a derelict industrial wasteland awaiting its turn for re-development. However, crossing over the footbridge and heading north takes you along a leafy path through fields up to the main bridge. On certain days during the summer, a rowing boat acts as a ferry across the river near the Watergate.

An alternative is to head north along North Quay and under the railway viaduct. This doesn't start as nicely as the area is host to several car parks and across the river is a prominent car hire firm based in a redundant petrol station. However, as you pass under the railway bridge you will reach the race course (an area known as Pitchcroft). Just before the stadium you can cross the river using the Sabrina bridge and turn south again back to the main bridge (you can head north and continue along the Severn Way footpath, but there are no more crossing points until Holt Bridge many miles to the north). Or you can stay on the east bank and continue to walk along Pitchcroft; as you leave the race course stadium area the path is between a splendid row of mature trees and it is possible to walk a loop around Pitchcroft. The trees on the eastern side have fallen victim to disease and many have been removed. Many of their replacements however ‘drowned’ in the prolonged summer floods of 2007.

Learn

Buy

The Post Office is in WHSmiths on the High Street.

  • 🌍 CrownGate Shopping Centre, 54 Friary Walk, WR1 3LE, ☏ +44 1905 610065. 
  • High Street etc. Pedestrianised. Usual high street shops plus a few one-offs. Adjacent pedestrianized shopping streets include Friar Street, The Shambles, Mealcheapen Street and Pump Street. 
  • 🌍 Elgar Retail Park, Blackpole Rd, WR3 8HP. 6AM-9PM. Out-of-town trading estate with KFC, Dunelm Mills, Argos, and Homebase. 
  • 🌍 F. Durrant & Son (Durrants'), Mealcheapen St, WR1 2DH, ☏ +44 1905 25247. Huntin', shootin' and fishin' hardware shop. If you need a shotgun or a knife you can skin a deer with, then this is the place. 

Numerous second-hand bookshops and minor antique shops on The Tything (the main northbound road out of Worcester city centre).

There are also several arcades:

  • The Hop Market, Foregate St.. (updated Jun 2022)
  • Reindeer Court, The Shambles/Mealcheapen St./New St.. (updated Jun 2022)
  • Market Hall, The Shambles/New St.. (updated Jun 2022)

Eat
  • 🌍 Browns, The Old Cornmill, South Quay, ☏ +44 1905 26263. 
  • Little Venice, 1-3 St. Nicholas Street, ☏ +44 1905 726126. Midday to 11PM. Popular and reliable Italian restaurant in the middle of town. 
  • Ostlers, 1 Severn Terrace, ☏ +44 1905 612300. A nice evening meal restaurant with a good reputation. Popular with theatre- and race-goers due to its proximity to both venues. 
  • Thai Crystal, 109 Sidbury (from the cathedral, walk south down Sidbury, past the Commandary and on the left hand side on the corner with Wyld's Lane), ☏ +44 1905 767017. Tu-Su. Good food, friendly and attentive staff. From the outside this restaurant could easily be overlooked - the Georgian sash windows make it difficult to see the interior, but the inside is a contrast - a slightly kitsch Thai village theme has somehow been fitted into a Georgian building. Good in the evening on a bright day with the sunlight on the buildings opposite. Set menus from around £18 per person. 
  • The Balcony Cafe (Museum cafe), Worcester City Museum & Library, Foregate Street (Walk north out of the city centre past Foregate Street railway station and it is on the right hand side inside the City Museum & Library. When inside the entrance foyer turn right up the stairs and you will find the cafe.), ☏ +44 1905 724488. M-Sa 9:30AM-4:30PM. Great little cafe, set around the balcony on the 1st floor of the city museum and library (hence its name). Good for a light bite, often with locally sourced food, in graceful surroundings. 
  • The King's Head, 67 Sidbury, ☏ +44 1905 726025. 10AM-11PM. Bar and grill. Fairly smart, good service and food. Small garden area at the back which overlooks the canal. 
  • The Karmic Cafe, The Gallery, The Shambles, ☏ +44 7961 507221. M-F 8:30AM-4PM, Sa 9AM-5PM. Vegetarian coffee shop. First floor, overlooking pedestrianized street. Papers and books available to read. Pleasant and mainly frequented by non-hippies. 
  • The Pump House Cafe, Pump House Environment Centre, Waterworks Road, Barbourne (Quite far out of the town centre, but if in the Barbourne area, you can walk through Gheluvelt Park to reach the Pump House near the river. Alternatively walk to the far end of Pitchcroft (Worcester race course) and then into Waterworks road.), ☏ +44 1905 734934. W-Sa 10AM-4PM, excluding public holidays. In the former pumping station for Worcester's drinking water supply, it hosts various environmental displays and an eco cafe for drinks and nibbles. Friendly relaxed atmosphere. 

There are numerous curry houses along The Tything (the main northbound road out of Worcester city centre).

Drink
  • The Plough, 23 Fish Street (from the cathedral, walk down Deansway toward the bridge. It is a cream coloured building on the righthand side on the corner with Fish Street), ☏ +44 1905 21381. Compact and bijou; no frills (just two rooms): like pubs used to be before... electricity. Good for chatters and real-ale drinkers. Also a wide range of whiskies. 
  • The Dragon Inn, 51 The Tything (walk north out of the city centre past Foregate railway station, up the Tything (A38), and it is on the left hand side shortly after the pedestrian crossing across Castle Street), ☏ +44 1905 25845. Unprepossessing, but a great local pub. Good beer - what more do you need? 
  • 🌍 The Cardinal's Hat, 31 Friar Street, WR1 2NA (when walking from the city centre along Friar Street towards the cathedral it is on the left hand side), ☏ +44 1905 724006. Ancient wooden framed building, reputedly from 1497. Unusual in that it only serves Austrian beers. Beers are served in steins and flutes which caused some issuing with the local Trading Standards department! 
  • Bushwhackers, Trinity Street (a bar, restaurant and club in the middle of the city centre, accessible from The Cross or Trinity Street), ☏ +44 1905 26878. Loud, lively, popular (particularly with students and 'younger' clientele. Australian-themed. Not a traditional pub! 

The largest local brewery Malvern Hills Brewery (MHB) does some nice, pale but hoppy beers such as Black Pear available in several local pubs.

  • CAMRA Real Ale Festival (Worcester Racecourse). Annual beer festival held around the middle weekend of each August. Buying a ticket in advance is recommended, as there is only a very limited number of tickets sold on the door. Over 100 beers and a selection of ciders, perries and wines. from £6. (updated Nov 2017)

Sleep
  • 🌍 Diglis House Hotel, Riverside/Severn Street, WR1 2ND, ☏ +44 1905 353518. Great spot in an old building on the river, and very close to the cathedral. Some of the rooms are in a modern annex, which is quite smart. It's satisfactory, but could make a lot more from its location. £55-150. 
  • 🌍 Worcester Travelodge, Cathedral Plaza, 3 High St, WR1 2QS, ☏ +44 871 984 6277. Cheap, and fairly clean, good if running low on funds. (updated Oct 2017)
  • Ye Olde Talbot, Friar Street. 
  • 🌍 Manor Coach House, Hindlip Lane WR3 8SJ (off Hurst Lane at junction with A449), ☏ +44 1905 456457. Delightful edge-of-town B&B with five double rooms. No dogs. B&B double £100. (updated Jul 2020)
  • 🌍 Fownes Hotel, Clare St. WR1 2AP, ☏ +44 1905 613151. Check-in: 2:30PM, check-out: 11AM. Charming hotel in a converted Victorian factory building. (updated Aug 2022)
  • 🌍 The Dewdrop Inn, Bell Ln, WR2 6RR, ☏ +44 1905 640012. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. £90. (updated Aug 2022)

Connect

Stay safe

As with the rest of the UK, in any emergency call 999 or 112 (from a land-line if you can) and ask for Ambulance, Fire or Police when connected.

If you are a deaf user requiring emergency assistance from Police, Fire or Ambulance text 80992 or use Minicom 0845 6000 303.

Worcester is generally a very safe place and has a much safer feel than most other cities in the West Midlands. However, there is a strong police presence at night time in the city centre (as with most UK towns cities the vicinity around some pubs and clubs can become fairly unpleasant late on a Friday or Saturday night). Avoid Dines Green, Warndon (not Warndon Villages) and Brickfields.

For non-emergency situations use 101 or 0300 333 3000 to contact West Mercia Police. If you wish to speak to a police officer in person, visit the police station on Castle Street in Worcester.

Hereford and Worcester Fire & Rescue Service - for General Enquiries contact 0845 1224454.

Hereford and Worcester Health Service - for General Enquiries contact +44 1886 834200.

Severn Area Rescue Association is the Inshore Rescue boat and Land Search organisation covering the Severn Estuary, including the parts of the River Severn around Worcester. For General enquiries contact 0844 8460226.

Go next

Map of places with Wikivoyage articles nearby

  • Malvern Hills — a dramatic range of hills approximately 8 miles to the south west of Worcester. Great views on a clear day into Wales and to the Cotswold Hills.
  • Harvington Hall — a moated medieval and Elizabethan manor house with numerous secret "priest holes", 14 miles north of Worcester.
  • Witley Court and Gardens — a spectacular ruined stately home, 10 miles north west of Worcester near Stourport-on-Severn. The ornamental fountain has been restored - when running its central plume shoots up over 100 feet.
  • Broadway — a stunningly beautiful Cotswold village, 22 miles south east from Worcester just off the A44.
  • Shelsley Walsh — first used in 1905 it is the site of the oldest motor sport venue in the world. Regular meetings through the year. Good for petrol heads and lovers of vintage cars amidst a beautiful rural landscape. 11 miles to the north west of Worcester.
Routes through Worcester
Birmingham ← Droitwich ←  N  S  → Tewkesbury → Bristol
follows to Birmingham ←  N  S  → Upton-upon-Severn → Tewkesbury
Leominster ← Bromyard ←  W  SE  → Pershore → Evesham
Ledbury ← Malvern ←  SW  N  → Stourport-on-Severn → Kidderminster


This article is issued from Wikivoyage. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.