Worcestershire Tourist Guide - Articles
Days Out
Great Days Out for the whole family to enjoy, in the beautiful county of Worcestershire.
WHITLENGE GARDENS & NURSERY
Whitlenge Gardens, Whitlenge Lane, Hartlebury, Worcestershire, DY10 4HD
Tel: 01299 250720
Welcome to our "little piece of heaven on earth"
That's what most people say after they've spent a while strolling through our award-winning show gardens and then browsing around the nurseries selecting just the right plants for the right place and marvelling at our superb range of specimen plants which can make any garden look established in double-quick time.

Whether you are an avid gardener of many years or you are just starting out with your first plot, Whitlenge Gardens, Nurseries and Tea Rooms, the home of Creative Landscapes is teaming with ideas.
Over 800 varieties of trees, shrubs and alpines set in 3 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and for the children our new 'Hobbit' holes within the fairy glade area, plus the pets corner and adventure play area.
Visit our Website HERE
COB HOUSE
Cob House Fisheries, Worcester Road, Wichenford, Worcester, WR6 6YE
Tel: 01886 888 517

Cob House nestles right in the heart of rural Worcestershire, only three miles from the centre of the Cathedral City of Worcester itself. The idyllic surroundings offer the visitor time to relax to sit and enjoy the countryside from our spectacular Mayfly Café overlooking some of our beautiful lakes and parkland whilst participating in many of our wonderful activities on site.
Visitors can explore the extensive site by taking a stroll along the many footpaths, wildflower meadow and the parkland which contains the timber trail play area, wildlife pool, Reindeer, Alpacas, Pigs, Goats, Chickens and Ducks.
Most activities at Cob House are free*(*excludes fishing and archery) so why not pop and see us for a fun packed visit and then take advantage of the great value buffet breakfast or carvery lunch and take in the stunning views?
Cob House offers a wide appeal with something for everyone to enjoy and makes an ideal family day particularly for those who love the tranquillity of the countryside.
With full disability access, Cob House simply invites further exploration.
Visit Cob House Website
GO APE - WYRE FOREST
Go Ape! Wyre Forest, Callow Hill, Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY14 9XQ
Climb the trees and slide across high wires, crawl through tunnels, cross rope bridges, walk the planks and zip down to the ground!
Go Ape is an award-winning high wire forest adventure course of rope bridges, tarzan swings and zip slides... all set high up in the trees.

Providing a fun day out with friends, families or colleagues, you'll be fitted with a climbing harness and given instruction before trekking from tree to tree high above the forest floor. Split into a number of different sections, the experience takes approximately 2.5-3 hours to complete but may vary depending on how many people are up in the trees.
Book online now or call 0845 643 9215
More information on the Go Ape website HERE
WEST MIDLAND SAFARI & LEISURE PARK
West Midland Safari Park Ltd.
Spring Grove, Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 1LF.
Tel: 01299 402114 / 0700 4 SAFARI

One of the Midlands top destinations. West Midlands Safari Park has been voted as the most popular tourist attraction in the West Midlands, by children and parents from the region. A fun day out for all the family.

Website Information Here
FORGE MILL NEEDLE MUSEUM
Forge Mill Needle Museum & Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre
Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch B98 8HY.
Telephone: 01527 62509 Email: info@forgemill.org.uk

Forge Mill Needle Museum in Redditch is an unusual and fascinating place to visit. This historic site illustrates the rich heritage of the needle and fishing tackle industries. Models and recreated scenes provide a vivid illustration of how needles were once made, and how Redditch once produced 90% of the world's needles.
On the same site, just a very short walk from Forge Mill Museum, are the ruins of Bordesley Abbey - a medieval Cistercian Abbey which has been extensively excavated. Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre, which is set in an original reconstructed 16th century barn, tells the extraordinary story of the Abbey from its development in the 12th century to its destruction in 1538 by Henry VIII during the dissolution.
Forge Mill Needle Museum and Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre holds many different events throughout the year including Medieval Festivals, Farm Fun Days, workshops, displays, puppet shows, outdoor theatre presentations and many more.
With such a variety of events there is something for everybody!
Visit Website for further information
EASTNOR CASTLE
Lots of fantastic events for a great family day out.
Visit Eastnor Castle
WORCESTER CITY MUSEUMS
ART GALLERY & MUSEUM
Housed in a beautiful Victorian building in the heart of Worcester, the City Art Gallery & Museum runs a lively programme of exhibitions, activities and events for all the family. Explore the fascinating historic displays or drop in to see one of our contemporary art exhibitions. Discover the children’s activity space, enjoy a cappuccino in the balcony cafe and don’t miss the gallery shop.

THE COMMANDERY
Also known as St Wulfstan's Hospital, this fascinating site offers displays about the history of the building as well as a major exhibition on the English Civil War. With a full programme of activites and events throughout the year, and with its own gardens and nearby Fort Royal Park, the site makes for an ideal family visit.
Visit Website For Further Information
BODENHAM ARBORETUM & VISITOR CENTRE
Bodenham Arboretum,
Wolverley, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY11 5SY.
Telephone: 01562 852444
Meander through the beauty, peace and tranquility of Bodenham......
A mile long drive winding through undulating countryside gently climbs to the brow of the hills to reveal a secret garden nurtured since 1973.
An oasis of plantations, pools and avenues beautifully landscaped including over 3000 species of trees and shrubs from all over the world.
Bodenham is an area of outstanding landscape beauty and interest. Its 156 acres contains mature woodland, specimen trees and shrubs and two acres of pools and lakes.
Integrated within the arboretum is a working farm and an award winning Visitor Centre set in the hillside and overlooking the big pool.
More information on Bodenham Arboretum HERE
ARLEY ARBORETUM AND GARDENS
Arley Arboretum is one of the oldest Arboretums in Great Britain. Tucked away in the beautiful countryside of the Worcestershire and Shropshire borders near Bewdley, it boasts more than 300 species of trees in formal and informal plantings and gardens. The collection includes many rare and spectacular domestic and exotic trees. Nestling in the Severn Valley and overlooking the river, it has been growing and maturing in this idyllic setting for two centuries.
The arboretum has been open to the public since 2002. There is ample parking, and there are facilities for picnics and a tea room.

Further information HERE
AVONCROFT MUSEUM OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS
Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 4JR
Tel: 01527 831363/831886
Email: admin@avoncroft.org.uk
www.avoncroft.org.uk
The Avoncroft Museum of historic buildings has its home in Bromsgrove. This museum includes the National Telephone Kiosk Collection.
Avoncroft is a fascinating museum of historic buildings spanning seven centuries, rescued from imminent destruction and carefully rebuilt timber by timber or brick by brick on a beautiful open-air site in the north of Worcestershire.

At Avoncroft you can walk into buildings from many different periods: houses, farm buildings and machinery including a working windmill, industrial workshops, a tin chapel, prison cell block and the biggest working collection of historic telephone boxes in the country.
Around the site you will also find a traditional cider orchard, gardens, a farm pond, model railway, wildflower meadow and play areas as well as plenty of open space for relaxing and picnicking.
WITLEY COURT AND GARDENS
Discover the spectacular ruins of this once great house destroyed by fire in 1937. Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful gardens and lake, woodland walks and amazing fountains, a magical world for all to explore and a great day out.

More information on Witley Court HERE
SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY
The Severn Valley Railway runs steam hauled trains between Kidderminster, Bewdley and Bridgnorth. Your journey has fine views of the River Severn en-route.
Visit the new Visitor and Education Centre, The Engine House, at Highley is a must for every visitor. It contains seven steam locomotives and other rolling stock and gives an insight to the history, background and operation of the railway.

More information on Severn Vallley Railway HERE
WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY MUSEUM

Worcestershire County Museum, housed in historic Hartlebury Castle.
Hartlebury Castle has been home to the Bishops of Worcester for over 1,000 years
A great family day out, learn about everything from the Romans to Regency.
Explore a selection of themed rooms based on the Victorian, Georgian and Civil War periods, giving visitors an idea how their ancestors lived. The castle features some original rooms such as the scullery and roomsets like the classroom and nursery. Within the grounds you will find a 300 year old cider mill, a nature reserve, picnic areas and the Transport Gallery which houses a large collection of horse -drawn vehicles, cars, bicycles and a wonderful display of gypsy caravans.
A new visitor welcome area, a large cafe in the historic castle kitchen and a glass lift giving visitors access to every floor of the museum offering great views across Hartlebury Common.
Visit Website For Further Information
FOR MORE GREAT DAY'S OUT - ALSO TAKE A LOOK AT
Parks and Picnics Worcestershire
Attractions near Worcestershire
Events/What's On
WHITLENGE GARDENS & NURSERY
Whitlenge Gardens, Whitlenge Lane, Hartlebury, Worcestershire, DY10 4HD
Tel: 01299 250720
Welcome to our "little piece of heaven on earth"
That's what most people say after they've spent a while strolling through our award-winning show gardens and then browsing around the nurseries selecting just the right plants for the right place and marvelling at our superb range of specimen plants which can make any garden look established in double-quick time.
Whether you are an avid gardener of many years or you are just starting out with your first plot, Whitlenge Gardens, Nurseries and Tea Rooms, the home of Creative Landscapes is teaming with ideas.
Over 800 varieties of trees, shrubs and alpines set in 3 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and for the children our new 'Hobbit' holes within the fairy glade area, plus the pets corner and adventure play area.
Visit our Website HERE
COB HOUSE
Cob House Fisheries, Worcester Road, Wichenford, Worcester, WR6 6YE
Tel: 01886 888 517
Cob House nestles right in the heart of rural Worcestershire, only three miles from the centre of the Cathedral City of Worcester itself. The idyllic surroundings offer the visitor time to relax to sit and enjoy the countryside from our spectacular Mayfly Café overlooking some of our beautiful lakes and parkland whilst participating in many of our wonderful activities on site.
Visitors can explore the extensive site by taking a stroll along the many footpaths, wildflower meadow and the parkland which contains the timber trail play area, wildlife pool, Reindeer, Alpacas, Pigs, Goats, Chickens and Ducks.
Most activities at Cob House are free*(*excludes fishing and archery) so why not pop and see us for a fun packed visit and then take advantage of the great value buffet breakfast or carvery lunch and take in the stunning views?
Cob House offers a wide appeal with something for everyone to enjoy and makes an ideal family day particularly for those who love the tranquillity of the countryside.
With full disability access, Cob House simply invites further exploration.
Visit Cob House Website
GO APE - WYRE FOREST
Go Ape! Wyre Forest, Callow Hill, Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY14 9XQ
Climb the trees and slide across high wires, crawl through tunnels, cross rope bridges, walk the planks and zip down to the ground!
Go Ape is an award-winning high wire forest adventure course of rope bridges, tarzan swings and zip slides... all set high up in the trees.

Providing a fun day out with friends, families or colleagues, you'll be fitted with a climbing harness and given instruction before trekking from tree to tree high above the forest floor. Split into a number of different sections, the experience takes approximately 2.5-3 hours to complete but may vary depending on how many people are up in the trees.
Book online now or call 0845 643 9215
More information on the Go Ape website HERE
WEST MIDLAND SAFARI & LEISURE PARK
West Midland Safari Park Ltd.
Spring Grove, Bewdley, Worcestershire, DY12 1LF.
Tel: 01299 402114 / 0700 4 SAFARI
One of the Midlands top destinations. West Midlands Safari Park has been voted as the most popular tourist attraction in the West Midlands, by children and parents from the region. A fun day out for all the family.
Website Information Here
FORGE MILL NEEDLE MUSEUM
Forge Mill Needle Museum & Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre
Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch B98 8HY.
Telephone: 01527 62509 Email: info@forgemill.org.uk
Forge Mill Needle Museum in Redditch is an unusual and fascinating place to visit. This historic site illustrates the rich heritage of the needle and fishing tackle industries. Models and recreated scenes provide a vivid illustration of how needles were once made, and how Redditch once produced 90% of the world's needles.
On the same site, just a very short walk from Forge Mill Museum, are the ruins of Bordesley Abbey - a medieval Cistercian Abbey which has been extensively excavated. Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre, which is set in an original reconstructed 16th century barn, tells the extraordinary story of the Abbey from its development in the 12th century to its destruction in 1538 by Henry VIII during the dissolution.
Forge Mill Needle Museum and Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre holds many different events throughout the year including Medieval Festivals, Farm Fun Days, workshops, displays, puppet shows, outdoor theatre presentations and many more.
With such a variety of events there is something for everybody!
Visit Website for further information
EASTNOR CASTLE
Lots of fantastic events for a great family day out.
Visit Eastnor Castle
WORCESTER CITY MUSEUMS
ART GALLERY & MUSEUM
Housed in a beautiful Victorian building in the heart of Worcester, the City Art Gallery & Museum runs a lively programme of exhibitions, activities and events for all the family. Explore the fascinating historic displays or drop in to see one of our contemporary art exhibitions. Discover the children’s activity space, enjoy a cappuccino in the balcony cafe and don’t miss the gallery shop.
THE COMMANDERY
Also known as St Wulfstan's Hospital, this fascinating site offers displays about the history of the building as well as a major exhibition on the English Civil War. With a full programme of activites and events throughout the year, and with its own gardens and nearby Fort Royal Park, the site makes for an ideal family visit.
Visit Website For Further Information
BODENHAM ARBORETUM & VISITOR CENTRE
Bodenham Arboretum,
Wolverley, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY11 5SY.
Telephone: 01562 852444
Meander through the beauty, peace and tranquility of Bodenham......
A mile long drive winding through undulating countryside gently climbs to the brow of the hills to reveal a secret garden nurtured since 1973.
An oasis of plantations, pools and avenues beautifully landscaped including over 3000 species of trees and shrubs from all over the world.
Bodenham is an area of outstanding landscape beauty and interest. Its 156 acres contains mature woodland, specimen trees and shrubs and two acres of pools and lakes.
Integrated within the arboretum is a working farm and an award winning Visitor Centre set in the hillside and overlooking the big pool.
More information on Bodenham Arboretum HERE
ARLEY ARBORETUM AND GARDENS
Arley Arboretum is one of the oldest Arboretums in Great Britain. Tucked away in the beautiful countryside of the Worcestershire and Shropshire borders near Bewdley, it boasts more than 300 species of trees in formal and informal plantings and gardens. The collection includes many rare and spectacular domestic and exotic trees. Nestling in the Severn Valley and overlooking the river, it has been growing and maturing in this idyllic setting for two centuries.
The arboretum has been open to the public since 2002. There is ample parking, and there are facilities for picnics and a tea room.

Further information HERE
AVONCROFT MUSEUM OF HISTORIC BUILDINGS
Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 4JR
Tel: 01527 831363/831886
Email: admin@avoncroft.org.uk
www.avoncroft.org.uk
The Avoncroft Museum of historic buildings has its home in Bromsgrove. This museum includes the National Telephone Kiosk Collection.
Avoncroft is a fascinating museum of historic buildings spanning seven centuries, rescued from imminent destruction and carefully rebuilt timber by timber or brick by brick on a beautiful open-air site in the north of Worcestershire.

At Avoncroft you can walk into buildings from many different periods: houses, farm buildings and machinery including a working windmill, industrial workshops, a tin chapel, prison cell block and the biggest working collection of historic telephone boxes in the country.
Around the site you will also find a traditional cider orchard, gardens, a farm pond, model railway, wildflower meadow and play areas as well as plenty of open space for relaxing and picnicking.
WITLEY COURT AND GARDENS
Discover the spectacular ruins of this once great house destroyed by fire in 1937. Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful gardens and lake, woodland walks and amazing fountains, a magical world for all to explore and a great day out.

More information on Witley Court HERE
SEVERN VALLEY RAILWAY
The Severn Valley Railway runs steam hauled trains between Kidderminster, Bewdley and Bridgnorth. Your journey has fine views of the River Severn en-route.
Visit the new Visitor and Education Centre, The Engine House, at Highley is a must for every visitor. It contains seven steam locomotives and other rolling stock and gives an insight to the history, background and operation of the railway.

More information on Severn Vallley Railway HERE
WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY MUSEUM
Worcestershire County Museum, housed in historic Hartlebury Castle.
Hartlebury Castle has been home to the Bishops of Worcester for over 1,000 years
A great family day out, learn about everything from the Romans to Regency.
Explore a selection of themed rooms based on the Victorian, Georgian and Civil War periods, giving visitors an idea how their ancestors lived. The castle features some original rooms such as the scullery and roomsets like the classroom and nursery. Within the grounds you will find a 300 year old cider mill, a nature reserve, picnic areas and the Transport Gallery which houses a large collection of horse -drawn vehicles, cars, bicycles and a wonderful display of gypsy caravans.
A new visitor welcome area, a large cafe in the historic castle kitchen and a glass lift giving visitors access to every floor of the museum offering great views across Hartlebury Common.
Visit Website For Further Information
FOR MORE GREAT DAY'S OUT - ALSO TAKE A LOOK AT
Parks and Picnics Worcestershire
Attractions near Worcestershire
Events/What's On