By Chris & Teresa Green
There are many reasons to visit Worcestershire, but here are the top 10.
History and heritage
Worcester is one of the oldest cities in the country with evidence of settlements dating back to 700BC and thanks to its function in the creation of the Magna Carta, it is said by some to be the birthplace of democracy. The last battle on English soil was fought in Worcester on 1651. Edward Winslow, who travelled on the Mayflower to North America in 1620 and founded the Plymouth colony in Massachusetts, was born in Droitwich Spa.
The historical Worcester Cathedral
Breathe in that fresh air
If you like the great outdoors, you’ll love Worcestershire. Revel in the rolling majesty of the Malvern Hills, the ancient woodlands of Wyre Forest and the picture-postcard North Cotswolds. The county is blessed with vistas that will take your breath away.
It’s so easy to reach and explore
Located in the very heart of England, Worcestershire is accessible by motorway, major road, rail or waterway. If you’re flying in, Birmingham International Airport is a mere 45-minute drive from Worcester.
Cooking on ‘gras
All hail the spear-headed green vegetable! Crowds flock to the British Asparagus Festival every April, touring farms and growers on the Asparabus or trying asparagus ice cream. Many pubs and restaurants feature the infamous ‘gras on their menus.
Time your visit to coincide with the British Asparagus Festival
Elgar was here
England’s greatest composer Sir Edward Elgar was born and raised in the county. He also died and was buried here. Worcestershire’s landscapes, in particular the Malvern Hills, inspired his work and his story can be followed via the Elgar Route.
Culture From West End
Productions to festivals galore, Worcestershire can satisfy even the hungriest culture vulture. Art, music, theatre, literature, comedy, dance, poetry – it’s all here.
It’s a shoppers’ paradise
Big names sit snugly alongside independents in the county’s high streets offering gift options galore. Worcester also hosts an annual Victorian Christmas Fair, with more than 200 stalls lining the streets and a wide-ranging programme of entertainment spanning four days.
Famous faces
As well as Edward Elgar, Worcestershire has given the world Sir Rowland Hill, who invented the pre-paid postage stamp; former Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin; William Morris, later Lord Nuffield, the creator of the Morris motor car and poet AE Housman, writer of A Shropshire Lad. Singer Harry Styles and actor Charles Dance were born in Redditch and Dance’s Game of Thrones co-star Kit Harington was educated in Worcester.
A statue of AE Houseman located on Bromsgrove High Street
Ooh missus, it’s a bit saucy
Beloved of chefs and foodies across the world, Worcestershire Sauce was created by chemists John Wheeley Lea and William Henry Perrins, who went on to form the company Lea & Perrins. The legendary condiment, which was first made available to the general public in 1837, is still manufactured in Worcester and the recipe is a closely-guarded secret.
The best views in county cricket
Iconic New Road, home of Worcestershire County Cricket Club, is regarded by many in the sport as the finest ground in the country. Tea and home-made cakes are served in the ladies’ pavilion and spectators can savour views across the River Severn to Worcester Cathedral and to the Malvern Hills.
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