On a visit to Worcestershire, groups will find there’s much more to this West Midlands county than its namesake sauce and tongue-twisting pronunciation.
With historic houses, vineyards and scenic countryside easily reachable from most major cities in England, Worcestershire is a great choice for group day trips and short breaks.
Croome
Enjoy a peaceful ramble in the parkland and gardens of the National Trust’s Croome estate (pictured above). The walled gardens, open on weekends and bank holidays, were designed by renowned landscaper ‘Capability’ Brown and feature plants from all over the world.
The 18th century house has a fascinating and eclectic past, serving as the home of the sixth Earl of Coventry, an RAF airbase, a boys’ school and a Hare Krishna centre. Now it regularly hosts exhibitions and contemporary art installations. Groups of 15+ receive discounted entry.
West Midlands Safari Park
Elephants, lions and giraffes are among the animals that roam around West Midlands Safari Park. The park has both vehicle and foot safari areas allowing groups to get up close to over 100 different species. Coaches are allowed on the safari drive, so even large groups can experience the park’s signature four-mile route.
Groups of ten or more travelling together in the same coach or minibus can save up to 40% on tickets, and there are packages available including Afternoon Tea & Safari and Drive & Dine, which both feature meals at the park’s Georgian manor, Spring Grove House.
Forge Mill Needle Museum
Groups can learn about the skilled and often dangerous process of making needles during the Victorian era at the Forge Mill Needle Museum in Redditch, which at one time was producing 90% of the world’s needles. The museum also explores the different uses for needles, from microsurgery to sewing panels onto a space shuttle.
The ruins and excavations of Bordesley Abbey, built by Cistercian monks in medieval times, share the same site and are easily combined with a trip to the museum. Guided tours are offered for both and groups of eight or more receive discounted rates.
Worcester Cathedral
Worcester’s magnificent cathedral has overlooked the River Severn since 1084 and hosted the annual Three Choirs Festival since the 18th century, making it the oldest existing choral festival. Alongside traditional Christian services, the cathedral hosts a varied calendar of events including craft sessions, live music and design workshops.
Admission is free and groups can book guided tours of the Cathedral, towers, library and gardens. The Tour of the Bishop’s Palace gives groups access to the 13th-century residence that has housed bishops for hundreds of years. Custom itineraries can be crafted for group visits.
Astley Vineyard
Adult groups can tour the award-winning Astley Vineyard in Stourport-on-Severn, situated in the Severn Valley and surrounded by scenic Worcestershire countryside. The family-run vineyard is one of the oldest in the UK and offers tours and tastings to groups.
Groups of up to 20 can book a standard tour lasting around two and a half hours, which includes a walk through the wooded valley to the vineyard, a walk and talk among the vines, a glass of wine in the pavilion, a visit to the winery and finally a tasting of three wines.
Broadway Tower
Groups of 12+ are offered reduced rates when visiting Broadway Tower and the surrounding 200 acres of parkland. The 18th-century tower is another design by ‘Capability’ Brown and has become an iconic landmark on the Costwold escarpment.
The site also has a Cold War nuclear bunker that groups can go into, a deer park (deer encounters are available to book) and a cafe serving snacks, hot drinks and afternoon tea. The tower stands over the beautiful village of Broadway, a must-see while in Worcestershire, known for its Cotswold-stone houses and independent shops.
