Hagley Hall

Hagley Hall and Park is a wonderful example of 18th century English Architecture. Boasting 350 acres of deer park with its own church, the hall houses Van Dyke paintings, fine Chippendale furniture and Rococco plasterwork. The property once belonged to George 1st Lord Lyttelton who was secretary to the Prince of Wales. The hall was completed in 1760.

In 1925 a terrible fire destroyed a large section of the property and much of its contents. However, the damage was repaired and the hall restored to its former glory. Today the hall is home to Lord and Lady Cobham who own the residence which is used as their family home. The hall also caters for conferences, business meetings and events throughout the year. No trip to the West Midlands is complete without a visit to this fine example of architecture and glorious parkland.

Further information about Hagley Hall can be obtained by visiting their website at:

www.hagleyhall.info

Avoncroft Museum

The Avoncroft Museum can be found just 2 miles from Bromsgrove off the A38. It is signposted from Junctions 4 and 5 of the M5 motorway. The museum features historic buildings in an open air site situated in the beautiful Worcestershire countryside.

The museum was opened in 1967 to provide a location for the reconstruction of a 15th century timber-framed house in Bromsgrove. Since then the collection has grown magnificently into a diverse range of interesting buildings which have been relocated from their original sites.

The collection includes a working windmill, a 1940's prefab house, a church, barns and houses, telephone kiosks of all types including a real live Dr Who Tardis! In fact, this is also the home of the National UK Collection of telephone kiosks, including a complete working telephone exchange.

The museum does its best to depict what West Midlands working life must have been like through the ages. There are workshops from the chain making trade and nail industries. This truly is an insight into the social history of the region as much as it is for the architecture.

On event days there are often demonstrations and crafts people who portray the domestic, working and religious lives of our ancestors. The museum also features a children's playground, gift shop and tea room and a picnic site.

There are buildings from many different periods and the unique setting and diversity of the museum should be of interest to all age groups. Check with the Avoncroft Museum website for the latest news and events. http://www.avoncroft.org.uk/

For more photographs of Avoncroft Museum click here or view on You Tube

Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B60 4JR. Tel: 01527 831363

Bodenham Arboretum

The historic town of Droitwich Spa is known for being a Brine Spa. Surrounded by rural countryside and approx 15 miles south of Birmingham, Droitwich is a town of great charm and character, offering both visitors and locals plenty to see and enjoy. Droitwich was known as "Salinae" by the Romans - this means the place of salt, salt was originally produced here by prehistoric salt makers.

Droitwich developed as a fashionable Spa through the efforts of the leading entrepreneur of the day - John Corbett, the member of parliament and Droitwich "Salt King", who built the truly magnificent Chateau Impney (now a hotel) with its castle turrets and splendid French gardens. The natural Droitwich brine contains 2 1/2 lbs of salt per gallon - ten time stronger than sea water and only rivaled by the Dead Sea. The historic Brine baths built in 1876 are known for their therapeutic and remedial benefits, you can float in the water weightless in the warm brine of the bathing pool.

Droitwich High Street boasts many timber-framed buildings. The heart of the town is Victoria Square. The magnificent Worcestershire Brine Baths Hotel and the attractive Raven Hotel can be found here as can St Richard's House, once the entrance to the old St Andrew's Brine Baths.

The original Brine baths no longer exist, but today's visitor can experience the benefits of great natural resource in the new Brine Bath located off Victoria Square - opened in 1985, and the first new Spa facility built in Britain this century.

Now Droitwich Spa boasts a thriving shopping centre, and an excellent variety of sporting facilities. The Lido swimming pool is open in the Summer months which has natural Droitwich brine still used in it, to give users the taste of the seaside in the heart of rural Worcestershire.

Droitwich

The historic town of Droitwich Spa is known for being a Brine Spa. Surrounded by rural countryside and approx 15 miles south of Birmingham, Droitwich is a town of great charm and character, offering both visitors and locals plenty to see and enjoy. Droitwich was known as "Salinae" by the Romans - this means the place of salt, salt was originally produced here by prehistoric salt makers.

Droitwich developed as a fashionable Spa through the efforts of the leading entrepreneur of the day - John Corbett, the member of parliament and Droitwich "Salt King", who built the truly magnificent Chateau Impney (now a hotel) with its castle turrets and splendid French gardens. The natural Droitwich brine contains 2 1/2 lbs of salt per gallon - ten time stronger than sea water and only rivaled by the Dead Sea. The historic Brine baths built in 1876 are known for their therapeutic and remedial benefits, you can float in the water weightless in the warm brine of the bathing pool.

Droitwich High Street boasts many timber-framed buildings. The heart of the town is Victoria Square. The magnificent Worcestershire Brine Baths Hotel and the attractive Raven Hotel can be found here as can St Richard's House, once the entrance to the old St Andrew's Brine Baths.

The original Brine baths no longer exist, but today's visitor can experience the benefits of great natural resource in the new Brine Bath located off Victoria Square - opened in 1985, and the first new Spa facility built in Britain this century.

Now Droitwich Spa boasts a thriving shopping centre, and an excellent variety of sporting facilities. The Lido swimming pool is open in the Summer months which has natural Droitwich brine still used in it, to give users the taste of the seaside in the heart of rural Worcestershire.

Chateau Impney

Quite how this could be described as an ugly building or even the second most ugly building in Britain does somewhat defy belief but there are some that think this building is anything but delightful.

The history behind this mansion is one of romance and shattered dreams. John Corbett, known as the 'Salt King' and the builder of this magnificent chateau fell in love with a French lady, or perhaps it is more appropriate to say French educated, as her name was - Ann Eliza O'Meara.

A condition of his marriage to her involved the building of a French Chateau - the Chateau Impney you see today. The marriage did not last long but the building remains as a reminder of that once romantic gesture that was responsible for its creation.

The Chateau is built in the style of Louis XIII and was completed in 1875. The Salt Industry of Droitwich was once the towns main income and John Corbett was a prominent figure in Drotiwich history. Born in 1817 he was the son of a Black Country barge owner.

The Chateau Impney stands in 130 acres of parkland and is now a hotel which provides modern and luxury accommodation and conference services. Considerable effort once went into the landscaped parkland which include lakes, waterfalls, tropical gardens and an extensive variety of trees and shrubs.

Chateau Impney is a well known local landmark near Droitwich and anyone entering from the North or from Junction 5 of the M5 motorway will pass by it. The website for the Chateau Impney can be found at: www.chateau-impney.com/

Malvern

Malvern watches over Worcestershire with its hills. An absolute must in the summer months is to take a walk across the Malvern Hills to take in the amazing views of Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Malvern is full of green countryside, old buildings and specialist shops and restaurants, boasting some of the most spectacular views of the county. Every summer at the Three Counties Showground they hold their agricultural show, normally held in the middle of June. This show is renowned all over the country.

Malvern is also well known for its love of theatre.

For more photographs of Malvern click here

Witley Court

Only a hundred years ago and Witley Court was one of England's finest country houses. Unfortunately today it is a spectacular ruin. A visit to Witley Court gives the visitor a glance into a bygone age of prosperity. This house would have played host to many social events and royal weekend parties.

It was built by Thomas Foley in 1655 on the site of a former manor house near Great Witley. Subsequent additions were designed by John Nash in the early 1800s and the Court was subsequently bought by the Dudley family in 1837.

In the 1850s, the Earl of Dudley engaged the architect Samuel Daukes, who had already altered his London house and the church at Great Witley, to remodel the house in Italianate style using ashlar stone. He also commissioned the garden designer W. A. Nesfield to transform the gardens. This was Nesfield's 'Monster Work'.

In 1920 Witley Court was sold by the 2nd Earl to Sir Herbert Smith, a Kidderminster carpet manufacturer. The property was sold again following an accidental fire in 1938. Thereafter the estate was broken up and, with the exception of the church, allowed to fall into ruin.

In 1972 the remnants of the house and garden were acquired by the government. Almost 70 years after the devastation, its ruins are still spectacular, and today the property is in the care of English Heritage. Great Witley Church, which is attached to the ruins, survived the fire, and so visitors can still view the paintings.

The immense fountains created by Nesfield have survived. The largest, the Poseidon Fountain has been restored to working order by English Heritage. The grounds are extensive and ideal for picnics and leisurely walks around the beautiful gardens, lake and woodlands. The ornate parish church of Great Witney and the tea rooms are definately worth a visit.

Great Witley, Worcestershire, WR6 6JT. Tel: 01299 896636

For more photographs of Witley Court click here or view on You Tube

Worcestershire Sauce

Worcestershire Sauce was brought back from India by Lord Marcus Sandys, ex-Governor of Bengal, who gave it to two local chemists, John Lea and William Perrins, with an order for a large batch to be made up from his recipe. A few weeks later he returned to pick up the sauce, only to proclaim upon sampling some that it tasted filthy and was nothing like how it should be, and left in disgust.

Nothing more was thought of this until the chemists discovered it at the back of their stores a few months later, and they decided to give it just one more try before tipping it down the drain. To their surprise, the foul-tasting anchovy broth, after being left to ferment, had matured into an interesting spicy condiment, and they immediately purchased the recipe from Lord Marcus. So thanks to this chance retasting, 1838 saw the UK's best-known sauce launched, and the name of Worcestershire Sauce (originally called just Worcester Sauce), has spread to be mispronounced by many a foreigner in every corner of this spherical world.

In the UK, Worcestershire is pronounced 'woost-ur-shire' and Worcestershire Sauce is referred to as 'Worcester Sauce', pronounced 'woos-tah'. In many other parts of the world, however, it is referred to as 'War-sest-uh-shire' Sauce.

Worcestershire

Once the county of Hereford and Worcester, the name Worcester comes from being a roman fort town which is why it has the -cester suffix attached to it. However, the first part of the name is probably attributed to an ancient tribal name such as Wigora, meaning winding such as a winding river. The Domesday records show the town as being called Wirecestre.

Worcester is one of the old cathedral cities and the splendid norman cathedral is one of the main tourist attractions to the area. Worcester countryside is like that of its neighbour, Gloucestershire, and the town of Evesham in Worcestershire is the gateway to the Cotswolds.

Every year at the beginning of December Worcester comes alive with the excitement of the Victorian Christmas Fayre, the Midlands most prestigious Victorian themed street market. It boasts funfair rides, street performers, period costume, roast chesnuts, mulled wine and offers a truely memorable festive experience right in the heart of Worcester City Centre.

Evesham

Evesham is a bustling market town on the banks of the river Avon. Although attractive at any time of the year, Evesham and the surrounding rural area are at their best in Spring when the sights of fruit trees in blossom are evident wherever you journey. A scenic route known as the Blossom Trail has been routed around Evesham for the motorist to admire the most scenic and advantageous views of the blossom at its best.

The Avon at Evesham offers, fishing, boating holidays and much of the Avon is used for dinghy sailing and canoeing.

The town centre has many interesting buildings. In the market place stands the Round House, a 15th century timbered building and the Town Hall dating from 1586. The 14th century timbered building is the Almonry Museum, once part of the Abbey and now a museum of local history. The old town stocks with their roof is still preserved outside.

Evesham is approx 15 miles from Worcester, and if travelling from Birmingham the easiest way to get to Evesham is to exit the M5 motorway at Junction 7 and follow the A44 this road takes you all the way to Evesham.

For more photographs of Evesham click here

Forge Mill Needle Museum

The Forge Mill Needle Museum in Redditch was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1983 and it is dedicated to showcasing the needle and fishing tackle industry that took place in Redditch in Victorian times. This is a fascinating museum and of interest to all age groups.  There is ample parking on site, a gift shop and picnic tables for those that wish to bring their own food. There is no restaurant or cafe on site. 

There are exhibitions and demonstrations and many examples of needles and the work that has been made using fine needles in the leather and textile industries. The museum is right by the ruins of Bordesley Abbey which is the site of a medieval Cistercian Abbey with extensive excavations. The Visitor Centre which is housed in a 16th century barn documents the history of the Abbey until its dissolution by Henry VIII in 1538. 

Forge Mill Needle Museum & Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre
Needle Mill Lane, Riverside, Redditch, B98 8HY. Tel: 01527 62509

For more photographs of the Needle Museum & Bordesley Abbey click here 

You can also view the photos on You Tube

Kidderminster

Kidderminster is a town just seventeen miles south of Birmingham. It is famous for its carpet industry history. Some of the famous names in carpets come from the town of Kidderminster. The town is full of wonderful architecture from old mill buildings, many of which are situated along the canal waterways.

A settlement has been at Kidderminster since Anglo Saxon times but the invention of the power loom and large scale carpet production has always been an important part of the economy. Carpets are still made in the town today. Brintons Carpets is a firm that started carpet making in the town in 1785 and it is still going strong.

There are three shopping areas in Kidderminster with Weavers Wharf being the latest addition. Many major brands are present here and the old mill buildings have been used to house various retail outlets.


For more photographs of Kidderminster click here or view on You Tube

Bromsgrove

Bromsgrove in Worcestershire is just 13 miles south west of Birmingham near the M42 Junction of the M5. Surrounded in beautiful countryside with the Lickey, Clent and Waseley Hills beyond, a settlement has been here since as early as the 9th century.

The town used to be famous for its nail making and wool. Today it has a vibrant services and industrial economy. The town is served with good shopping facilities and there are plenty of places to visit nearby. The Avoncroft Museum is one popular destination with its restored buildings and the privately owned Hagley Hall and the National Trust Hanbury Hall are top favourites when visiting Bromsgrove. There is also the Needle Museum in Redditch.

For more photographs of Bromsgrove click here or view on You Tube

Pershore

 About 5 miles from Evesham on the banks of the Avon lies Pershore surrounded by orchards, a former coaching post on the London to Holyhead road it is now a peaceful and graceful English market town.

Pershore's pride and glory is it's Abbey, an architectural gem, parts of which date back to the 11th century. The town centre is full of charm, specialist shops and Georgian architecture, it has been designated as a town of major architectural importance by the Council of British Archeology , and listed as an outstanding conservation area.

Evesham Country Park

Evesham Country Park features a large garden centre and a courtyard of Trade Outlets. There is a light railway which passes through the beautiful countryside and also a farm shop.

With good parking facilities there are is also a restaurant, cafe and snack facilities. 

Evesham Country Park • Evesham • Worcestershire • WR11 4TP

Severn Valley Railway

The Severn Valley Railway has done well in its preservation over recent years. Railway enthusiast around the country will recognise the SVR and many people from around the Midlands will have been fortunate enough to take a trip on one of its trains or take part in one of its many events. The Severn Valley Railway operates its trains on full standard guage railway track. The services run every weekend throughout the year and daily during the school holiday periods and designated holiday times. The existing track runs through beautiful countryside and passes over six viaducts.

Passengers can take a train ride from any of the stations along route but a popular choice is the Kidderminster to Bridgnorth route which takes in some 16 miles of countryside and passes through or stops at the stations of Bewdley, Arley, Highley, Hampton Loade and finally Bridgnorth.

Running the Severn Valley Railway requires a certain degree of dedication and volunteers as well as membership and shareholders help to keep the spirit of the railways alive. The track and the signalling has to be maintained and the SVR have their own workshops and an impressive array of rolling stock which consists of some twenty seven steam locomotives, eighteen deisel locomotives, sixty passenger coaches and over one hundred goods wagons of various descriptions. More information about the Severn Valley Railway can be found at www.svr.co.uk

Severn Valley, Railway, Railway Station, Bewdley, Worcestershire. DY12 1BG.
Tel: 01299 403816