Description
Worcester is a cultural city with an historic heart, known worldwide for its production of Worcestershire sauce (first produced in 1837 by chemists John Wheeley Lea and William Perrins), its important role in the English civil war and as the resting place of King John at Worcester Cathedral. Staying in the centre of the city, enjoy a special Easter weekend which takes in a visit to the Museum of Royal Worcester and a heritage train ride to likeable Bridgnorth, a unique split-level town with scenic views, a charming atmosphere and one of the steepest inland funicular railways in Britain. There will be plenty of stunning scenery with the magnificent Malvern Hills rising quite dramatically out of the Severn Valley and a tragic murder waiting to be solved with clues aplenty
Itinerary
What's Included
- Hotel for 3 nights with breakfast & dinner- Porterage- Welcome tea / coffee on arrival- Tea / coffee after dinner- Included excursions as stated- Time at leisure in Worcester & Bridgnorth- Entrance to the Museum of Royal Worcester- One way ride on Severn Valley Railway (Kidderminster - Bridgnorth)- En-route visit to Stow on the Wold
Tragic Murder at the Manor!
Day 1 - After joining your holiday coach, head to Stow on the Wold where time will be allowed for refreshments and sightseeing. At nearly 800ft, Stow is the highest of the Cotswold towns, located on the Roman Fosse Way and at the point where several roads meet, hence an important trading centre. Continue on to arrive at 4* Worcester Whitehouse Hotel right in the heart of historic Worcester for the next 3 nights. DBB\n\nDay 2 - 3 - At leisure in Worcester with one included excursion and a leisure day in Worcester with an included entrance to the Museum of Royal Worcester\n\nTragedy at the Manor on Sunday evening as you relax and enjoy the upper class hospitality of his Lordship in a classic Edwardian themed Murder Mystery. As you settle down to dinner, a shot rings out and (you've guessed it)....an inspector is called! Follow the clues to solve the crime and enjoy a few laughs along the way\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nMuseum of Royal Worcester & Worcester\nThe Museum of Royal Worcester is located on the former Worcester Porcelain Factory site and boasts the world's largest collection of Royal Worcester Porcelain. Learn about 250 years of ceramic design, skill and innovation through the extraordinary story behind Britain's most famous porcelain, which was granted a royal warrant in 1788 (audio-guide included). Discover tales of the workers and artists who skilfully made the objects and the celebrity customers who enjoyed them. Enjoy interactive displays and see some of the earliest porcelain made in England and iconic objects like Admiral Lord Nelson's breakfast teapot, and the famous Evesham oven-to-tableware.\n\nThe remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore Worcester, one of the oldest cities in the country, with evidence of settlements dating back to 700BC. The city was fortified in Saxon times and the rich history is still visible today, from cobbled Tudor streets to elegant Queen Anne architecture. The street layout hasn't changed since the Middle Ages and you can visit the remnants of the once majestic city walls and walk paths trodden by Romans. Dramatic Worcester Cathedral rises out of the city landscape, alongside Britain's longest river, the River Severn. It houses Royal tombs, as well as the tomb of three-time Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin; the only Prime Minister to have ever served under three monarchs.\n\nSevern Valley Railway & Bridgnorth\nHead to Kidderminster to board the Severn Valley Railway, an award-winning heritage railway, which runs through 16-miles of beautiful Worcestershire and Shropshire countryside (may operate by diesel or steam). The full line is now up and running again following a 5-month closure in 2025 following a landslip. Step back in time and experience the golden age of travel as you head along the line to the terminus station at Bridgnorth (complete with on-platform pub) where you will disembark.\n\nBridgnorth was once one of the busiest river ports in Europe, but nowadays, the Severn, clear and unpolluted, is a quiet haven for anglers, walkers and wildlife. The river divides the town into High Town and Low Town, the two being linked by seven sets of ancient donkey steps and a Victorian electrically operated funicular, the Bridgnorth Cliff Railway (Small fare applies - not included). Maybe enjoy King Charles I's' 'finest view' from Castle Walk, before checking out another of the valley's superlatives, the Castle Keep that leans at an impossible angle greater than the Tower of Pisa.\n\nDay 4 - After breakfast, depart for a drive through the Cotswolds with time for a lunch stop and onwards to interchange and your local joining points mid-evening.
Venue Information
Stay in the Heart of Worcester
WORCESTER WHITEHOUSE HOTEL\n\nThe 3* Worcester Whitehouse Hotel offers quintessential English charm coupled with modern convenience right in the heart of the historic city centre of Worcester. Built in the 16th century, this classic townhouse hotel is situated adjacent to Foregate Street station and is within walking distance of shops, bars and the Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum. Comfortable guestrooms feature all modcons including desk, in-room safe and tea / coffee making facilities. There is a brasserie-style restaurant as well as a relaxed bar. Use of the leisure club is free of charge to hotel residents and features a small gym, steam & sauna as well as an indoor pool. There is a lift to all floors.\nNB Dinners are served in a private room at tables of 6-10s