5 free things to do in... Worcester

Worcester, known as the ‘Faithful City’ is a cathedral and university city offering visiting groups a wealth of history in a modern compact city centre.

1. Explore the history of Worcester Cathedral

Worcester Cathedral dates back to 680AD, and was rebuilt by St Wulfstan in 1084 starting what we know as the cathedral today.

Highlights of Worcester Cathedral include the royal tombs of King John and Prince Arthur, the early 12th century Chapter House, St. Wulfstan’s crypt, and the Elgar Memorial Window which was unveiled the year after Elgar’s death and displays a scene from Elgar’s work The Dream of Gerontius.

2. Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum

Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum is housed in an elegant Victorian building in the heart of the city.

The Museum Gallery is home to lots of interesting pieces including the Worcestershire Sauce archive, a real Roman mosaic and a Native American totem pole; whilst the interactive galleries hold the story of the Worcestershire Regiment and the Worcestershire Yeomanry Cavalry.

As well as the permanent exhibitions the gallery holds temporary exhibitions, special events and activities throughout the year.

3. Take a walk through history

The city of Worcester is filled with historic buildings; the Guildhall on the High Street, being one of the most impressive.

Dating back to 1721 the Guildhall has received its fair share of royal visits, from King George III in 1788 to Queen Elizabeth II in 2012.

At the end of the High Street you will see a statue of the composer Elgar, commemorating his life in and around Worcester.

Head out along the picturesque riverside and stroll along the river Severn, passing by the cathedral, Worcestershire County Cricket Club and Worcester Racecourse.

Group travel organisers can end their exploration of the city with a walk up to Fort Royal, which provides picturesque views of the city skyline. Fort Royal played a key part in the Battle of Worcester which ended the Civil War.

4. Tudor House

Built in 1575 the Tudor House stands in one of the most historic streets of Worcester, Friar Street, and boasts timber beams, leaded windows and decorated plaster ceilings.

Group trips can be arranged to see the interior of the house, which includes an exhibition.

The house has had a varied life in the five centuries since it was built. It has been used as a work place for weavers, clothiers, tailors, bakers, painters and brewers.

It was also used as lodgings, the Cross Keys Inn, Cadbury’s Tudor Coffee House, an air raid wardens’ post and billet office during World War Two, a school clinic and now a museum.

5. Regular events

Worcester is home to a number of annual free events including its most famous and well-established event, the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre.

The annual Worcester Festival includes a host of events and entertainment over a two-week period in August.