Worcestershire mainly lies between the majestic Malvern Hills
and the mellow Cotswolds and does include the village of Broadway,
known as the Jewel of the Cotswolds and the northern gateway to
the Cotswolds.
It is a county of contrasts with charming villages, bustling towns and the magnificent cathedral city of Worcester nestle in a mixture of mature woodland, meandering river valleys, fruit orchards and farmland.
Worcestershire has peaceful countryside with a turbulent past. Rolling landscape, open hills and breathtaking views await you. Cattle graze in the shadows of Iron Age hillforts, medieval settlement remains or on the former battlefields of the English Civil War.
Worcestershire’s location in the heart of England makes it supremely accessible and closer than you think. If you are flying into the area, then Birmingham International Airport is approximately 30 minutes away, Manchester is 1h 50, Heathrow is 2h 10 and Gatwick is 2h 50 away.
Worcestershire has excellent road links to the major motorways (M5, M6, M40, M42, M50) and London is just 2½ hours away. If you are using public transport then Worcestershire has many major stations throughout the county with a regular main line train service to and from London, Birmingham, the north and the south west of England.
Map of the County of Worcestershire
Historic Worcestershire
All over Worcestershire there are historic buildings open to the public.
There's Hanbury Hall, now maintained by the National Trust and Croome Court, also a National Trust Property.
The City of Worcester has much to offer visitors. The Cathedral is one of the oldest and finest in the country and final resting place of King John.
The historic crypt has been fully restored to its original condition, as built by St. Wulstan in 1084.
Nearby, at The Commandery Museum, you can inspect the headquarters of the fated Royalist forces at the famous battle of the English Civil War, more than 350 years ago.
Abbeys, churches and priories grace the county towns of Pershore, Evesham and Malvern.
The once busy river port of Bewdley is home to the Severn Valley Railway, where you can travel to neighbouring towns and villages in steam powered splendour. www.svr.co.uk
At Redditch, the Forge Mill Needle Museum demonstrates the crafts that made the region famous all over the world.
And when you visit the Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings you can explore the architecture of seven centuries. The Victorians left a fine legacy of spa towns throughout the county. The therapeutic qualities of Droitwich Spa's Brine Baths have been known since Roman times.
The easiest airport for travelling to Worcestershire & the Cotswolds is Birmingham, a one hour drive away from Broadway in the south of Worcestershire and 30 minutes from the northern part of the county. Of the two London airports the region is best accessed from Heathrow. The 65 mile drive should not take more than 90 minutes. Gatwick airport is 2 hours drive away.
By Road
The M40 and M42 provide easy access to Worcestershire & the Cotswolds from London and the South East. The M5 runs north to south through the middle of the county and provides a direct link to Birmingham, England's North Country and the Counties of Devon and Cornwall in the south-west. It also picks up the M4 to London.
Car Hire
Another way to explore Worcestershire is by car, there
are many car rental companies to choose from to give you
the freedom to explore at your own pace.
By Bus
The National Express network runs bus travel throughout England. It offers a rage of discount fares and trail passes. The main route to Worcestershire & the Cotswolds from London starts at Victoria Coach Station. The main bus stations in Worcestershire & the Cotswolds are at Worcester, Evesham, Pershore, Great Malvern and Kidderminster .
By Rail
Worcestershire & the Cotswolds are at the heart of the British Rail network with main line routes to London, the Midlands and the North and the South West of England. There is a direct link from Heathrow Airport. Trains from London depart from Paddington Station and have a fastest journey time of 1hr 40 minutes to Moreton-in-Marsh and a little longer to Evesham. Thereafter the train stops at Pershore and Worcester.