About Worcester

Worcester is a beautiful Cathedral and University City with a fascinating history of industry, a wealth of interesting architecture, top class sports teams and venues, an unrivalled selection of high street names and independent boutiques and a vibrant programme of events.So whether visiting with friends, a family –young or old, there really is something for everyone.The city is best known for its magnificent Cathedral but is also famous for the world renowned Worcester Porcelain, the piquant Worcestershire Sauce and the most picturesque cricket ground in the country.Explore The Commandery to learn about our important role in the English Civil War. See a contemporary exhibition at the City Art Gallery and admire the half-timbered buildings in Friar Street. These include Greyfriars’ House & Garden and the 500 year old Tudor House. If you prefer to join a guided tour around the city, walks are available every day, morning and evening, from the Guildhall which in its own right is a truly beautiful building dating back to 1721.Worcester is the capital city of the county of Worcestershire and lies beside the River Severn some 25 miles from the Cotswolds and the village of Broadway (the Northern Gateway to the Cotswolds). At its centre is a magnificent cathedral, perched along the riverbank, dominating the skyline for miles around.The cathedral is one of the loveliest in England and dates back to Norman times. The early 12th century Chapter House, St. Wulfstan’s Crypt and the mediaeval cloisters are among the most remarkable in the country, and King John’s tomb in the Cathedral dates from 1216. Just to the south of here lies the site of Worcester’s 11th-century castle.Although possessing all the sophistication and amenities of a city, Worcester with its attractive jumble of medieval, Tudor, Georgian, and modern architecture has the feel of a small town. It’s particularly easy to explore and get around – both on foot and using public transport.Three minutes walk from the cathedral takes you to the famous Royal Worcester Porcelain Museum and adjoining factory. Nearby, you can wander along medieval Friar Street, full of restaurants and bars nestled within original timber buildings.Greyfriars, a merchant’s house built in 1480 next to a Franciscan Friary, is now a National Trust property, and several other historic buildings of interest are situated nearby: the elegant Guildhall of 1721; the Commandery, which was King Charles’s headquarters in the Battle of Worcester; the City Art Gallery and Museum; Huntingdon Hall, Worcester’s premier live music venue; and the Swan Theatre. All well worth a visit.Worcester is home to a prestigious, ever-growing university, which recently unveiled one of the city’s most exciting modern buildings – The Hive. Constructed using sustainable materials and designed to operate on renewable energy, The Hive is the first joint public and university library in Europe. With over a quarter million books and 12 miles of archive collections, it’s a thriving centre of learning and also hosts regular events including public lectures, exhibitions and performances.