5 Reasons to Visit Worcestershire
Worcestershire is an underrated, land-locked county in the West Midlands. What it lacks in dramatic coastlines or National Parks, it makes up for in tranquillity and hidden gems. Home to Worcestershire Sauce, pretty towns and swathes of green countryside, Worcestershire is ideal if you want to escape the crowds and enjoy a relaxing staycation. If that alone can’t persuade you, here are the top things that we think make this county special and worth a visit.
1. Worcestershire Sauce
The world famous Worcestershire Sauce hails from this humble county, and we think it would be remiss of us to leave it out of a list of Worcestershire’s greatest things. Invented accidentally by John Wheeley Lea and William Henry Perrins in 1837, this sauce is still a firm favourite across the country to this day. Although tours are not possible it’s still worth taking a walk past the factory in Worcester where it is still made.
2. Worcester
Worcester, as the name might suggest, is the main city in Worcestershire. Although it’s one of Britain’s smaller cities, it is still full of charm with plenty of things to see and do. The cathedral is one of the main features of the city and this magnificent building is worth a visit. There are also interesting half-timbered buildings and what might just be the prettiest cricket ground in England. As well as being famous for Worcestershire sauce, the world famous Worcester Porcelain also hails from here.
3. Severn Valley Railway
The Severn Valley Railway runs between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, along the Severn Valley. It has been a tourist attraction for the last 50 years but the line was completed in 1862. You can still take a passenger steam train along this picturesque 16 mile stretch of track. A trip in this railway is a chance to step back in time and enjoy train travel as it once was. Impressively it is largely run by volunteers who lovingly look after the stations, bridges, locomotives and importantly also run the trains.
4. Hanbury Hall
Hanbury Hall is an impressive stately home looked after by the National Trust. Built in the early 1700s this spectacularly maintained house was once used for summer parties and gives visitors a glimpse into the past; and what life might have been like for those who once occupied this grand property. The surrounding gardens are equally impressive and are a lovely place to stroll in all the seasons. The National Trust puts on events year round too, so have a look at what’s happening before you go.
5. Tiddesley Wood
Tiddesley Wood is a spectacular semi-natural ancient woodland. It is managed by the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust whose aim is to return this beautiful woodland to its original condition; much of it used to be a commercial forestry plantation. Impressively, it is also one of only 13 flagship reserves. Tiddesley Wood is an especially good place for butterflies, wild flowers and birdwatching. It’s open from dawn until dusk and dogs are welcome, but they must be kept on a lead.
