My Britain: Worcester

Worcester is a cultural city with a historic heart. The city has a fantastic programme of arts and cultural events with festivals of music, literature, heritage and a variety of other themes, including one dedicated to Worcester’s very own Sir Edward Elgar, as well as a colourful array of street markets. Whatever your interests, you’ll be sure to find something to entertain you here.

Amid the city centre hustle and bustle, Worcester has an abundance of beautiful parks, peaceful gardens and green spaces perfect for walking, cycling and picnicking. The Riverside Park winds along the banks of the Severn whilst the Civil War playground at Fort Royal Park (the site of the Battle of Worcester) has some of the best views across the city.

Worcester is one of the oldest cities in the country, with evidence of settlements here dating back to 700BC. The city was fortified in Saxon times and our history can still be seen in the landscape today, from cobbled Tudor streets to elegant Queen Anne architecture. The street layout hasn’t changed since the Middle Ages; you can visit the remnants of the once majestic city walls and walk paths trod by Romans.

The dramatic Worcester Cathedral rises out of the city landscape and nestles alongside Britain’s longest river, the River Severn. The Cathedral houses Royal tombs, as well as the tomb of three-time Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin; the only Prime Minister to have ever served under three monarchs.

As the site of the first and last battles of the Civil War, no trip to Worcester would be complete without a visit to The Commandery, our Civil War HQ. Or you could take in a fascinating tour of the battle sites which are scattered throughout the city and surrounding areas.

While you’re here, why not learn about our industrial heritage? The Museum of Royal Worcester is located on the former Worcester Porcelain Factory site and boasts the world’s largest collection of Royal Worcester Porcelain. Within a few minutes walk, we also have Tudor House Museum and the beautiful Guildhall to explore. Towards the north of the city, just a couple of minutes’ walk from Foregate Street train station, Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum is housed in an elegant Victorian building in the heart of Worcester. The beautiful interior is a warm and friendly place, with something for all the family to enjoy. Immerse yourself in the special exhibitions, events and activities throughout the year.

We have a variety of self-guided trails available on our website, or visitors can book a guided tour to hear stories told by our local expert tour guides.

Worcester is also home to world class sporting facilities, including:

Worcester Basketball - Season September to April

Worcestershire County Cricket Club - Season April to September

Worcester Racecourse - Season May to October

Worcester Rugby Club - Season September to May

Read more: Dr Edith Eger - I Remember

Read more: Max Richter : Interview

Keep up with the top stories from Reader's Digest by subscribing to our weekly newsletter