Heart of England - Worcestershire

History & Heritage
Worcester is renowned for being a historical city and is still referred to as 'The Faithful City' after the city was the last to fall in the English Civil War in 1651.  Historical re-enactments take place every year to mark the significance of the Civil War and you should not be surprised to see Cavaliers and Roundheads marching to battle at certain times of the year.  You can go on a Battle of Worcester Walking Trail around the city and visit The Commandery.  The Commandery was used by the Royalists as their headquarters during the Civil War and now you can enjoy a tour of the Grade I listed building taking in the sights and sounds of combat on an audio tour.  The Museum also has various other audio tours depicting the life and different uses of the building through history, which dates back to the 13th century.
 
Worcester Cathedral rises up above the River Severn with magnificent views across to the Malvern Hills from the tower which is open at scheduled times of the year.  Worcester Cathedral is also home to the royal tombs of King John and Prince Arthur, Elgar's Window, a fascinating mediaeval library as well as having a varied events calendar.
 
The Greyfriars House & Gardens owned by the National Trust is set in the heart of historic Worcester and is a stunning timber-framed merchant’s house where you can get away from the hustle and bustle. This unique house and garden was rescued by two extraordinary people with a vision to rescue this medieval gem and create a peaceful oasis.
 
And tucked away a little bit further past The Greyfriars is the Tudor House Heritage Centre. This 16th century timber framed building brings a vanished Worcester back to life. You can follow the house’s fascinating history from its origins as separate weaver’s cottages to the Cross Keys Tavern, Mr Cadbury’s Coffee House, a school clinic and World War II ARP Warden’s office and billeting centre.
 
Our most famous product is the world renowned Royal Worcester Porcelain. At the Museum you can see how manufacturing and designs developed through the years.

Sports
Worcester is renowned for its sports, and boasts 'England's loveliest sporting ground' at New Road where spectators can watch first class cricket beneath the stunning backdrop of Worcester Cathedral.
 
To add to the list of top sporting venues, a brand new £15m sports arena in Worcester will opened in 2013.  The 2,000-seater venue on the site of a former fruit and vegetable market in Hylton Road, has been developed by the University of Worcester.  The facility is now already a national centre of excellence for disabled sport and is Worcester Wolves basketball club's new home. The arena includes three basketball courts, treatment and first aid rooms, meeting spaces, a cafeteria, and a hospitality suite.
Worcester Racecourse is just a stone's throw away from the historic city centre and offers a mixture of National Hunt Race Days and themed events throughout the racing calendar from April to September.
 
Sixways Stadium hosts top class rugby with Worcester Warriors playing a mixture of cup and league matches throughout the autumn and winter months and during spring and summer the club hosts a number of non rugby events.
 
The River Severn winds its way through the city allowing you to experience the circular riverside walking and cycling routes.  The circular path also allows you to venture off onto other trails including the Northwick Manor Heritage Trail and The Severn Way.  So if you like to be active and like exploring the countryside as well as having a city break, the city of Worcester provides the perfect opportunity for you not to have to choose! 2014 sees the first Worcester Severn Festival where Worcester's Rowing Club are hosting never seen before boat races, a local craft, food & drink market, live music and much more. A real family day out, 30th August at South Quay, Worcester.

Arts & Culture

The Royal Porcelain works, originally founded by Robert Chamberlain in Severn Street, it has been redeveloped by the Bransford Trust to create a new centre for the arts in Worcester - featuring the Henry Sandon Hall. The 1852 showroom is at the heart of the development, refurbished to become a 140 seat capacity venue, equipped with the latest audio visual technology; operated and programmed by Worcester Live - alongside the historic Swan Theatre and Huntingdon Hall. The Henry Sandon Hall, modern ancillary spaces and newly developed courtyard will host an eclectic mix of events; including theatre, cinema, talks, antiques fairs, farmers markets and art exhibitions.  

The Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum houses a changing collection of exhibitions throughout the year with a wide selection of genres and artists collections being displayed.  You can also learn about the historic city of Worcester and also with thanks to a generous loan by Lea and Perrins, visitors can see some of the company's finest historic items including the extremely rare lignite jug first used to mix the world famous sauce.

Worcester Arts Workshop is a hub for creativity whether you want to learn a new skill or brush up on an old pastime including pottery, drawing, photography and oil painting.  Worcester Arts Workshop Splendid Cinema hosts alternative films and blockbuster repeats and the venue also hosts live music events.  The venue is a great place to relax and listen to live music on a 'Lazy Sunday Afternoon', these events are held once a month throughout the summer.

2014 is Worcester's turn to host the Three Choirs Festival, the worlds' oldest music festival that is held in the city once every three years. 

A must is a visit in the summer to experience The Worcester Music Festival that takes over the city's pubs, clubs, cafes, historic buildings and outdoor stages and is a great free festival where you can enjoy a choice of music from rock, folk, classical, punk, acoustic plus so much more! 

The Worcester Festival is three weekends of activities, events and fun for everyone. Based all around the City Centre and beyond, the Festival has arts, crafts, live music, theatre, dance, exhibitions and community events to suit all tastes.

 
For further information on what to see and do contact the Worcester Tourist Information Centre on 01905 726311 or visit http://www.visitworcester.co.uk/.