Worcester Landmarks and Monuments

(Worcester, Worcestershire, England, UK)

The resplendent architectural landmarks of Worcester include churches, mansions, historic buildings and a wonderful statue of local composer Edward Elgar, which stands at the far end of the High Street. The freestanding Glover's Needle really is very hard to miss and towers high above the surrounding buildings, being clearly visible for literally miles.

A magnificent Anglican landmark standing right next to the River Severn, Worcester Cathedral dates back to the latter part of the 11th century, when construction of its Norman crypt first began. The following 250 years saw the building of the nave, the chapter house, the central perpendicular tower and various structural reinforcements, while in the mid-19th century, substantial restoration work was carried out and many of the cathedral's stained-glass windows replaced.

Worcester Cathedral

Address: 8 College Yard, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR1 2LA, England, UK
Tel: +44 01905 732900
Particular attractions at Worcester Cathedral include the tomb of King John, the chantry of Prince Arthur, and the crypt of St. Wulfstan. Guided tours are available and on Saturdays, and during school holidays it is actually possible to climb to the top of the tower, which is just under 60 metres / 200 feet high. Visitors who reach the top of the tower will be able to enjoy some stunning city panoramas. The tower houses a ring of 12 enormous individually numbered bells, widely considered to be amongst the world's finest.
Open hours: daily - 07:30 to 18:00; tower open from April to October, Saturdays and school holidays - 11:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Glover's Needle

Address: Deansway, Worcester, Worcestershire, England, UK
Once the spire crowning the roof of St. Andrew's Church, the Glover's Needle is all that remains of this former landmark, since the rest of the church was demolished in the 1940s after being condemned.

Glover's Needle dates from the mid-18th century, being built to replace a previous spire destroyed in a heavy storm, and is named after the city's famous glove-making industry. The surrounding garden of remembrance is especially tranquil and leads to the riverfront.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

The Greyfriars

Address: Friar Street, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR1 2LZ, England, UK
Tel: +44 01905 23571
Built towards the end of the 15th century, Greyfriars is a historical merchant's house and full of character, with a distinctive black and white timber facade. The interior is packed with period features, antiques and historic textiles. Outside, the traditional walled gardens can be reached through an archway and offer colour all through the seasons, being known for their snowdrops and bluebells in the springtime, and hosting many weddings during the summer months. It seems almost inconceivable that Greyfriars was almost demolished in the 1940s and fortunately saved for future generations to admire.
Open hours: March to June, September to December, Wednesday to Saturday - 13:00 to 17:00; July and August, Wednesday to Sunday - 13:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children, members of the National Trust are free

Croome Park and Court

Address: High Green, Severn Stoke, Near Worcester, Worcestershire, WR8 9JS, England, UK
Tel: +44 01905 371006
Croome Park is located approximately 11 km / 7 miles to the south of the city centre and next to the village of Besford, and is therefore no more than 15 minutes away. This important Worcestershire landmark was built in the middle of the 18th century and has seen some very noble visitors over the years, such as King George III, King George V and Queen Victoria. In the mid-20th century, this mansion was sold and used as a school, before laying empty for just over a decade. The National Trust and the Croome Heritage Trust became joint-owners of Croome Park in 2007 and embarked on a £4 million restoration project, returning both the house and the spectacular Capability Brown gardens to their former glory.
Open hours: January and February, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 16:00; March, September and October, Wednesday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:30; April to August, daily - 10:00 to 17:30; November and December, daily - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children and families, members of the National Trust are free

The Commandery

Address: Sidbury, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR1 2HU, England, UK
Tel: +44 01905 361821
An imposing Grade-I listed landmark originating in the 12th century, Worcester's Commandery building has recently been completely refurbished, at a cost of more than £1.5 million. The architectural history is immediately apparent as you explore the house, with its medieval and Victorian features blending well. Audio tours take visitors through the Commandery's six main periods and bring its heritage and former occupants to life. The exact history of the house is somewhat unknown, although it is said that it started its life as a local hospital, being built on the remains of an ancient Saxon chapel. Past uses of the Commandery have included a college, military headquarters, a factory and a luxurious private residence.
Open hours: January to March, Monday to Thursday - 10:00 to 17:00, Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 13:30 to 17:00; April to December, Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 13:30 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children