Stays in Worcester
Worcester is a cathedral city on the River Severn in Worcestershire, England, and the county town of the surrounding shire. Its history reaches back to Roman settlement, and its medieval street plan still shapes the centre, where the High Street runs between the cathedral and the Guildhall. The…
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About Worcester
Beyond the centre, Worcester is known for porcelain and for sauce. The Royal Worcester porcelain works and the Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce factory both began here, and their legacy appears in local museums and in the city's industrial history. The city is also a starting point for the Malvern Hills to the west and the Cotswolds to the south-east, and it sits on the main rail line between Birmingham and Hereford, with direct services to London Paddington. Cricket fans know New Road, the county ground of Worcestershire County Cricket Club, which sits beside the river and is prone to flooding.
Worcester is compact enough to walk, with the cathedral, the river and the main shopping streets all within a short distance of each other. It is a useful base for the surrounding countryside and for the wider West Midlands, and it has a range of hotels from budget chains to country-house properties on the edge of the city.
Where to stay in Worcester
City Centre. The area around the High Street, Cathedral Square and the Guildhall puts you within walking distance of the main sights, shops and restaurants, and is convenient for the two train stations.
Diglis. A riverside quarter south of the centre, close to the canal basin and the Severn, with a quieter feel and easy access to the river walks.
St John's. A district on the west bank of the Severn, linked to the centre by the bridge, with its own shops and a more residential character.
Outer Worcester and the Malverns side. Several larger hotels and country-house properties sit in the villages and countryside west and south of the city, towards the Malvern Hills, and are best reached by car.
Getting there and around
Worcester has two railway stations, Foregate Street in the city centre and Shrub Hill to the east. Direct trains run to Birmingham, Hereford, London Paddington and Oxford, among other destinations. By road, the M5 passes to the east of the city, with junctions serving Worcester, and the A44 runs west towards the Malvern Hills. Birmingham Airport is the nearest major airport; Reading is a rail interchange to the south-east, and a common reference point for journeys from the south of England. Within the city, most central attractions are walkable, and local buses serve the suburbs and outlying districts.
When to go
Worcester is a year-round destination, but late spring and summer are the most comfortable for walking the river and the cathedral precinct. The city hosts a number of events through the year, including the Worcester Festival in August and the Christmas market in the run-up to December. Autumn brings colour to the surrounding countryside and the Malvern Hills. Winter days are short and can be wet, but the city's indoor attractions remain open.
Questions, answered
What is Worcester best known for?
Worcester is known for its cathedral, its role in the English Civil War, and for Worcestershire sauce and Royal Worcester porcelain, both of which originated in the city.
How do I get to Worcester from London?
Direct trains run from London Paddington to Worcester, and the journey takes roughly two and a half hours. By road, the M5 and M40 provide the main routes.
Is Worcester a good base for the Malvern Hills?
Yes. The Malvern Hills are west of the city and can be reached by car or by train towards Malvern, making Worcester a practical base for walking in the area.
What is there to do in Worcester city centre?
The cathedral, the Guildhall, the Commandery and the riverside walks are the main sights, along with the shops and markets on the High Street and nearby streets.
Does Worcester have a cricket ground?
Yes. New Road, the home of Worcestershire County Cricket Club, is beside the River Severn in the city and hosts county matches in the summer.