The beautiful county of Worcestershire is beloved for its pastoral panoramas and quintessential English country charm. A tranquil tableau of multi-coloured fields, peaceful meadows, and Cotswolds villages, it beckons to lovers of rural romance and promises timeless tales with storybook allure. Flee the everyday and embark on a heavenly retreat; from the first blooms of spring to the frost-kissed depths of winter, there are always magical moments to savour.
Whether you are seeking long walks along silvery streams and fields of golden barley or looking for immersive activities during your luxury escape, uncover unique experiences in Worcestershire…
Indulge in Michelin Dining
Parading a tapestry of verdant fields, Worcestershire is one of the finest places in the country to enjoy meals crafted with the freshest local produce. For epicurean delight, make the most of the array of Michelin-recommended restaurants peppered throughout the county, each one extending an expertly curated menu of seasonal fare. Renowned for its flavoursome British cuisine, The Inn at Welland is adorned with Michelin Bib Gourmand status and prepares its dishes with many ingredients plucked from its own kitchen garden. Complementing the mains are generous wine lists and cocktails too. Also recommended by the Michelin Guide are 1919 at The Cottage in the Wood in Malvern Wells, Eckington Manor in Eckington, and The Butchers Arms in Eldersfield.
Try a Class at the Museum of Royal Worcester
Established in 1751, Royal Worcester is perhaps the oldest remaining producer of English porcelain in the world. Home to a collection of 10,000 ceramics, it offers a fascinating insight into the industry’s 250-year history, whilst still operating a working kiln and hosting an array of workshops throughout the year. Explore the museum’s archives and uncover its iconic tableware designs, or for a truly unique experience in Worcestershire, take part in one of its classes. Within the onsite pottery studio, you can enjoy a range of creative courses to channel your inner artistry, such as clay throwing and turning, tile making and decorating, pottery painting and more.
Savour a Spa Experience
There’s no better way to flee the everyday and relax into an agenda-free rhythm than with some dreamy self-care rituals. Home to several welcoming spas, Worcestershire is one of the best places to pursue hours of relaxation. A soothing soul tonic, The Elms in Abberley is particularly sought-after and tempts with the award-winning Greenhouse Spa. A “botanical oasis” awaits with a crystalline indoor pool beneath ceilings draped with hanging greenery, and an indoor-outdoor hydrotherapy pool, sauna, lounge area, and floor-to-ceiling windows with garden views. Equally inviting is Malvern Spa, where a contemporary idyll proposes serenity with a range of spa facilities and treatments, such as therapeutic massages, facials, and manicures.
Cruise in a Classic Car
What better way to uncover the stunning scenery of Worcestershire than with a classic car? Offering one of the most magical ways to cruise along the county’s flower-lined country lanes and Malvern Hills is Morgan Motor Company. Settle into the timeless charm of a Morgan Plus Four or Super 3 and enjoy a nostalgic perspective of the landscapes during a 1-hour guided drive. For those seeking even more motoring enchantment, you can also visit Shelsley Walsh on the banks of the River Teme. Believed to be the oldest motorsport venue in the world, it features a 1,000-metre track rising to 100 metres tall and is renowned for its motoring events and festivals.
Sip Award-Winning Wines at Astley Vineyard
Nestled in the serene slopes of the Severn Valley, Astley Vineyard welcomes visitors to uncover its curated collection of boutique wines. One of the oldest vineyards in the UK, it has cultivated the soil and grown grape varieties for decades and is today recognised for its fine still and sparkling English wines. To learn about the history of the vineyard and trace leisurely steps through its rows of sun-brushed vines, join a guided tour. Encompassing a beautiful walk through woodland and the vineyard, it also features an expert-led talk, a winery visit, and a tasting session of three award-winning wines. Following your tour, seize the opportunity to sip a glass of your favourite vintage on the terrace or in the Wine Garden.
Enjoy a VIP Tour at West Midlands Safari Park
The West Midlands Safari Park is an award-winning attraction in Worcestershire. Promising captivating wildlife experiences, it covers nearly 200 acres and is home to more than 100 species of wildlife. Arrive in style and cruise around the park’s 4-mile-long Safari Drive for the chance to see all manner of animals roaming the grassy plains, from armoured Indian rhinos and grand African elephants to regal white tigers and enigmatic Asian dholes. To make your visit all the more extraordinary, you can take part in dedicated VIP experiences, such as guided tours where you can glean behind-the-scenes insights, and zoo keeping experiences where you can meet and feed the animals.
Create Treasured Jewellery with Wagtail Workshop
For those wishing to turn their memories into treasured keepsakes, jewellery making can be a wonderfully unique experience. Presenting a relaxed space in which to create a tangible souvenir of your Worcestershire sojourn is Wagtail Workshop in Moseley. Led by James, a seventh-generation jeweller, guided workshops help beginners and experienced jewellers alike to transform old silver and gold into cherished reimaginings. Arrive in good time and immerse in this hands-on activity during a 4-hour artisanal workshop. With all equipment provided, as well as a lunchtime hot roll and drink, you can learn a wealth of new tips and techniques and unleash your creativity in style to create an enduring keepsake.
Climb the Tower of Worcester Cathedral
Worcester Cathedral is one of the most stunning cathedrals in the UK and is adored for its striking architecture. Originally founded in 680, the building you see today largely dates from the 11th century and encapsulates a thousand years of history. Take your time uncovering the cathedral, absorbing the early English architecture, Medieval cloisters, and Victorian stained glass. To take your visit to new heights, you can also participate in one of the cathedral's tours and climb the 235 steps up its 14th-century tower. Accessed via ancient stairways and revealing rarely seen glimpses into the cathedral’s past, the tower climb is an unrivalled way to learn about the city’s heritage and gain whole new perspectives of this historic landmark.
Learn How to Forage Natural Delights
Embrace the rejuvenating qualities of nature and reconnect with the world around you through a dedicated excursion with The Foraging Course Company. Revealing the hidden wonders of the county’s fields, hedgerows, woodlands, and streams, these bespoke courses are held on select dates throughout the year. Reflecting the season’s offerings, each shares a wealth of insights into foraging laws and safety practices, an introduction to the county’s edible species, which ones to avoid, and how to forage sustainably. Once you have gathered the freshest bundle, you can learn how to make soups, jams, jellies, sauces, cordials and more. From mushrooms to wild herbs and berries, all manner of treasures await.
Dine on the Severn Valley Railway
Experience the nostalgic romance of heritage rail and look forward to a novel way to dine with Severn Valley Railway. Travelling from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth through the greenery-cloaked scenery of the Severn Valley, this classic steam train encourages a whimsical passage through time. Adding a storybook twist to journeys, you can secure tickets for one of the traditional on-dining events taking place throughout the railway’s calendar, such as vintage afternoon teas, breakfast dining, Ploughman’s lunches, gourmet Sunday lunches and more. Recline in one of the lovingly restored booths and await the arrival of your delicious repast as fairytale scenes unfold through the window.
Feeling inspired for a unique sojourn? Uncover our collection of luxury cottages in Worcestershire.
