Worcester Hotels

In the heart of England, the historic city of Worcester lies hemmed in by pretty villages and rolling hills. A charming town, rich in culture, architecture and agricultural heritage, Worcester sits on the banks of the River Severn and has a resplendent 11th-century cathedral at its centre.

Check out the Royal Worcester Porcelain Visitor Centre on the former factory site and various sights involved in the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Visit the ornate 18th-century Guildhall building designed by Sir Christopher Wren's protégée, Thomas White. Stroll along a leafy riverside path or marvel at Worcestershire County Cricket Club's beautiful ground, New Road.

The city's pedestrian High Street contains an eclectic array of shops and markets, from quaint local stores at Reindeer Court and the Hopmarket to CrownGate and Cathedral Plaza's ultra-modern malls. Broad Street and St Swithun’s Street offer plenty of independent shops. For distinctive or unusual gifts head to ancient Friar Street where vendors sell everything from pottery and pot pourri to lava lamps. The refurbished Gallery (formerly known as The Market Hall) offers independent shops and cafés under one roof.

Cheer on ‘The Worcester Warriors' at the city's Rugby Club or head to Pitchcroft to watch rowers race along the river. Explore Worcester's fine tree-filled parks and golf courses or take a cruise along The Severn, Britain's longest river on one of three barges: Severn Traveller, Pride of the Midlands and Earl Grosvenor. For a hike with unforgettable views, head to the outlying Malvern Hills.

As the headquarters of King Charles II before he was defeated at The Battle of Worcester in 1651, Worcester has plenty of museum pieces from the English Civil War. The Swan Theatre and Huntingdon Hall put on live music and theatre, and there are concerts in the Cathedral. The Riverside open-air venue stages outdoor events in the warmer months. During the three-week annual Worcester Festival city-goers are entertained by a flurry of comedy, music and children's entertainers, often very bizarre!

Worcester has eateries of every style and ethnicity, from Indian diners and Mexican buffets to funky gastro pubs and cafés. Friar Street and The Tything house large concentrations of inns and restaurants. Be sure to try the city's most famous export, Worcester Sauce, still made here to a secret recipe.

Leave landlubbers ashore and see Worcester's sights by cruise boat from the waters of the River Severn.