When it comes to travelling across the UK, Worcester may not be the first city that springs to mind for an enjoyable mini break. While we may be famous throughout the British Isles for our Gothic cathedral tower and the Lea & Perrins sauce that’s the secret to the ultimate cheese on toast, there’s a lot more to enjoy and discover in the city than that.
Due to its placement on the banks of the River Severn, Worcester has played a prominent role in several key historical events. Not only does the city have a rich Tudor heritage, but it was also the scene of the final battle between the Roundheads and the Royalists during the English Civil War. You can still see several remnants of old Worcester on the streets today.
However, we’re not a city standing still in time; modern-day Worcester is a vibrant and bustling hub of activity. From a well-established university culture to an excellent array of shopping destinations and several sports teams and events, there’s plenty on offer here to see, do and experience.
Accommodation
There’s no shortage of places to rest your bones at night in Worcester, from ye olde England-style pub rooms to more swanky boutique hotels. Whether you choose to stay in the city centre or base yourself in the picturesque surroundings of the Cotswolds, no matter what your budget is, there’s a comfortable room for you.
One of the more luxurious accommodation venues is The Wood Norton, situated in surrounding Worcestershire. Once a former hunting lodge, it was transformed into a French royal retreat before serving as a broadcasting hub during the 1940s. Today, it’s a lavishly appointed country house hotel, but it still retains an eclectic charm.
Museums and Culture
Reflecting Worcester’s rich history, you’ll find there are plenty of museums and cultural hotspots to explore throughout the city.
The old Royal Worcester porcelain factory is now a year-round exhibition showcasing the world’s largest collection of this sought-after ceramicware, dating back to 1751.
The collection takes a deep dive through Royal Worcester’s past, displaying prized items from the Georgian era – when Chinoiserie was still very much the style du jour – through to the bespoke 20th-century collections crafted for exclusive A-list clients.
Explore a different side of Worcester’s history in the Infirmary Museum at the University of Worcester’s city campus. Housed in a splendid Georgian building, the exhibition details some of the major landmarks in British medical history that were accomplished in the city. There are also more current installations focusing on the future of healthcare and medicine.
The Tudor House Museum on Friar Street is a great way to discover that crucial period in the city’s history. Dating back to the 1500s, this half-timbered house remains an excellent example of 16th-century architecture.
The history of the house itself is also fascinating; during the 18th century, it was the site of the notorious Cross Key tavern before being transformed into a Victorian coffee house by none other than Richard Cadbury.
After Dark
When the sun goes down in Worcester, you’ll find a lively nightlife scene encompassing everything from hipster hangouts to glitzy nightclubs.
Start the night at Mode Sports Bar & Grill, which is the number one spot in town to catch national and international sporting action. Even if live sports aren’t your thing, the delicious food and live DJs on Friday and Saturday nights more than make up for it.
For those who fancy a night out with a difference, the Merkur Casino in the city centre is Worcester’s only live gaming venue. Of course, if you truly want to feel comfortable at the casino, it’s a good idea to practice in the digital realm before you hit the tables in real life. Several reputable online casino platforms are available in the UK, including PokerStars Casino, where you can familiarise yourself with the rules of games like roulette, as well as several different variants created for digital play.
The night doesn’t end here, however. Worcester is also home to late-night bars like Heroes, with its eclectic line-up of DJs who will take you into the early hours with a playlist jam-packed full of Northern Soul, Funk, Electronica, Punk and Rockabilly music.
For those who prefer a classier end to the night, The Velvet Lounge nightclub is the place to dance till dawn. Playing classic RnB and a good choice of 80s and 90s tunes, this nightclub features four different rooms, including a luxurious lounge area.
Article written by Peter D
