Worcestershire Group Travel Itinerary Brochure

InSpIrAtIonAl ItInErArIES GArdEnS • HErItAGE • ElGAr • GrEAt outdoorS

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3pm Arrive at Croome (national trust) Discover statues, bridges, follies and temples hidden through the shrubberies around the lakeside, which have been restored over the last 15 years. From the lake, head along the serpentine river to Croome Court and beyond to the Rotunda, an enchanting ‘garden room’ guarded by giant Cedars. tea room available www.nationaltrust.org.uk/croome

Group trAvEl ItInErAry Worcestershire is the perfect place to enjoy the sights and smells of beautiful English Country Gardens. With beautiful arboreta, mazes, open parks, cottage gardens and garden centres including the Midland’s largest garden centre, Webbs of Wychbold.

dAy onE 9am Arrive at Arley Arboretum Discover a tranquil wonderland of rare and ancient trees, exquisite walled gardens and panoramic views at Arley Arboretum. Let an expert guide take you, or wander at your will – includes free maps and information along your walk. tea room available www.arley-arboretum.org.uk 11.30am Arrive at Harvington Hall The Hall has small, but charming, walled gardens running down to the moat. Humphrey Pakington was a keen gardener himself, and 2

the herb garden in the south-east angle of the moat has been restored and replanted.

The moat attracts water-fowl to the island, on the west side of which is a Georgian Chapel. tea room available www.harvingtonhall.com lunch options Fusion Brasserie, Nr Worcester www.fusionbrasserie.com Worcester Event House, Worcester www.worcestereventhouse.com Menzies Birmingham Stourport Manor, Stourport-on-Severn www.menzieshotels.co.uk

© Andrew Butler

There are a great selection of historic houses and sites with fantastic gardens waiting to be explored. The landscape has been influenced over the years by many landscape designers from ‘Capability’ Brown’s first landscape design to the formal styles of George London and William Nesbit.

5pm Arrive at the accommodation of your choice There are a variety of accommodation options available dependent on your budget and the size of your group. the Malvern One of the most significant hotel and spa developments in the UK in recent times, providing luxurious accommodation and fabulous fine dining. www.themalvernspa.com Hilton Birmingham Bromsgrove Hotel With excellent road connections, this Hilton is perfect for group holidays. All rooms are spacious with at least one queen sized bed. www.hilton.com/bromsgrove St Andrews town House Here you could be forgiven for thinking you are miles away from anywhere, yet your drive from the M5 will take you less than ten minutes. www.st-andrewshotel.com

dAy tWo 9am Arrive at Spetchley park Gardens This beautiful historic house, gardens and parklands set in the wonderful Worcestershire countryside provides the ideal day out. The 30 acre garden is the perfect venue to bring a group. A garden full of secrets, every corner reveals some new vista, some new treasure of the plant world, whether it is a tree, shrub or plant. There is also a wonderful tea room where you can buy anything from a light lunch, to full, traditional afternoon tea. tea room available www.spetchleygardens.co.uk

11.30am Arrive at Witley Court (English Heritage) Witley Court’s extensive gardens are some of the most romantic in English Heritage care. Once one of the grandest estates in England, it has endured many dramas including a fire in the early 20th century.

Its future was secured in the 1950s and today visitors can enjoy formal gardens with the recently restored East Parterre designed

by William Nesbit, a spectacular lake and a fountain of Perseus and Andromeda which fires 50ft into the air. Home to Britain’s finest baroque church. tea room available www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/ properties/witley-court-and-gardens lunch options the Fold EcoCafé www.thefold.org.uk the Abbey Hotel, Malvern www.sarova-abbeyhotel.com Malvern theatres www.malvern-theatres.co.uk 3pm Arrive at Eastnor Castle Eastnor Castle’s arboretum is surprising for its beauty and exceptional size of the trees, growing as they do in the alkaline soil of the Malvern Hills rather than in the acid soil where most other conifer collections are found. Most of Eastnor Castle’s exotic trees were planted in the 19th century and many plants come from botanical expeditions and from specialist nurseries where trees were raised from seed imported from all over the world. tea room available on Special days www.eastnorcastle.com not to BE MISSEd 45 mile AA Signposted Spring Blossom trail www.blossom-trail.org.uk Worcestershire Wildlife trust www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk Worcestershire Country parks www.worcestershire.gov.uk/countryside 3

Group trAvEl ItInErAry Worcestershire’s historic roots are embedded into many attractions depicting life in bygone years. the county is steeped in history and on this historic two day tour you can learn about the county’s past including Benedictine monks, stately home ruins, the historic city of Worcester and the industrial heritage in the north of the county.

dAy onE 9.30am Arrive at Worcester Cathedral Enjoy a guided tour around Worcester Cathedral, one of England’s most magnificent and inspiring buildings, a place of prayer and worship for fourteen centuries.

The tower is open on Saturdays and school holidays in the summer, giving fantastic views of the city and beyond. tea room available. visit the library – by appointment only www.worcestercathedral.co.uk 11.30am Arrive at the Museum of royal Worcester The Museum of Royal Worcester has 4

collections dating back to 1751, with the finest and most extensive collections of Royal Worcester Porcelain. www.museumofroyalworcester.org 12.45pm Arrive at the Commandery This glorious Grade I listed building dating back to the 12th century has a long and varied history that reflects its range of architectural styles from mediaeval to Victorian. The Commandery has exciting stories to tell you about, power, greed, war, wealth, romance, death, society and industry. Step back in time to catch a glimpse of the lively characters that have inhabited this ancient building during the past seven centuries. www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk

lunch options Worcester Event House www.worcestereventhouse.com the Fold EcoCafé www.thefold.org.uk 2pm Arrive at Croome (national trust) In 1751 the 6th Earl of Coventry commissioned Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown to redesign his country seat at Croome. The project took over 30 years and established the principles of the “English Landscape Style” – an idealised vision of nature. The gardens consist of winding shrubberies leading to ornate buildings designed by Robert Adam and James Wyatt. Brown also created an ornamental lake, nearly 2 miles long. The wider parkland offers stunning views of ‘eye-catcher’ follies. tea room available www.nationaltrust.org.uk/croome 5pm Arrive at the accommodation of your choice.

There are a variety of accommodation options available dependent on your budget and the size of your group.

St Andrews town House Hotel with 30 rooms (suitable for larger groups). Here you could be forgiven for thinking you are miles away from anywhere yet your drive from the M5 will take you less than ten minutes and your walk into historic Droitwich Spa even less. www.st-andrewshotel.com the Abbey Hotel Golf and Spa Redditch The Abbey Hotel Golf and Spa is situated in Worcestershire on a lovely 175 acre estate that once belonged to the now ruined local abbey. www.theabbeyhotel.co.uk Menzies Birmingham Stourport Manor Stourport-on-Severn The four star Menzies Birmingham Stourport Manor has something to suit your requirements and prides itself on great customer service and high standards. www.menzieshotels.co.uk

dAy tWo 9.30am Arrive at Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings Avoncroft Museum is a unique home for historic buildings which have been rescued from demolition and rebuilt in a beautiful corner of Worcestershire’s rural countryside. tea room available www.avoncroft.org.uk 11.45am Arrive at Arley Arboretum One of the oldest and most spectacular Arboreta in Britain was originally planned

by Earl Mountnorris around 1800, some trees possibly dating back to mid 1700’s. Discover a tranquil wonderland of rare and ancient trees, exquisite walled gardens and panoramic views at Arley Arboretum. tea room available www.arley-arboretum.org.uk lunch options Green’s restaurant at Wharton park Golf Club www.whartonpark.co.uk the Hop pole Inn www.thehoppolebewdley.co.uk the Mug House Inn www.mughousebewdley.co.uk 2.30pm Arrive at Severn valley railway Steam trains operate along this superbly restored branch line most weekends of the year in 2014. The Railway boasts one of the largest collections of working steam locomotives and coaches, including some rolling stock, which is over 80 years old.

At the Visitor Centre there are eight full size steam locomotives plus other exhibits including a King George VI Royal Saloon. tea room available www.svr.co.uk Must be booked at least 5 working days in advance of your visit. these tickets also include a visit to the Engine House visitor Centre at Highley. not to BE MISSEd the Almonry Heritage Centre, Evesham www.almonryevesham.org Broadway tower www.broadwaytower.co.uk 5

Alternatively, enjoy the attractions Great Malvern has to offer including the Malvern Museum, Great Malvern Priory, Elgar statue, Malvern spring water, Priory Park, boutique shopping or visit the Malvern Tourist Information Centre to buy some Elgar merchandise.

Group trAvEl ItInErAry Explore the county which inspired Sir Edward Elgar to compose his music and the county he called home. the ‘land of Hope and Glory’ tour enables groups to step in the footsteps of the great composers footsteps and learn about his life.

dAy onE 11am Arrive at the Elgar Birthplace Museum The Elgar Birthplace Museum offers a fascinating insight into the life and music, family and friends, and musical inspirations of Sir Edward Elgar. www.elgarmuseum.org lunch option the Fold EcoCafé www.thefold.org.uk

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3pm Enjoy exploring Great Malvern and the Malvern Hills Malvern is a beautiful spa town along the Herefordshire and Worcestershire borders.

Stunning views and amazing walks over the hills that have been developing for 600 million years. Take the opportunity to walk to the summit of the Worcestershire Beacon to see the views across to British Camp, which inspired Elgar to write ‘Pomp and Circumstance’. Please allow 1 hour 30 minutes to walk to Worcestershire Beacon and back dependent on fitness levels.

5pm Arrive at the accommodation of your choice.

There are a variety of accommodation options available dependent on your budget and the size of your group. the Abbey Hotel The Abbey Hotel is based in Great Malvern.

The setting is one of the most perfect in the country. It is close to a number of interesting and historical sites, yet situated right in the heart of the traditional English countryside, at the foot of the Malvern Hills. www.sarova-abbeyhotel.com the Malvern The Malvern is one of the most significant hotel and spa developments in the UK in recent times, providing first class spa and wellness facilities alongside luxurious accommodation and fabulous fine dining. www.themalvernspa.com Mount pleasant Hotel (for smaller groups) Enjoy the excellent service and comfortable surroundings of a family-run hotel in an attractive Georgian building with beautiful views. www.mountpleasanthotel.co.uk Colwall park Hotel (for smaller groups) Colwall Park is an independent country house style hotel located in the centre of a peaceful rural village on the sunny western flanks of the breathtaking Malvern Hills. www.colwall.co.uk dinner options Mac & Jac’s www.macandjacs.co.uk Malvern theatres Malvern Theatres and Lindley Heritage are pleased to celebrate the opening of their newly refurbished restaurant: Scene Bistro. www.malvern-theatres.co.uk Optional Extra: Evening Entertainment Enjoy a performance of interest, which would be dependent on date of visit. www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

dAy tWo 9.30am Arrive at Worcester Cathedral Enjoy a guided tour around Worcester Cathedral, one of England’s most magnificent and inspiring buildings, a place of prayer and worship for fourteen centuries.

The Cathedral is home to the Elgar Memorial Window, which was unveiled in 1935 a year after the composer’s death. The window depicts as scene from his oratorio ‘The Dream of Gerontius’. tea room available www.worcestercathedral.co.uk 11.45am Elgar Walking tour Join Discover History on an informative Elgar Tour of Worcester. Visit the site of his music shop, hear of his interest in cycling and see the many haunts frequented by this great composer. Sites include his Glee club and St Georges Catholic Church in Lowesmoor.

A tour for Elgar enthusiasts and people with an interest in old Worcester. www.discover-history.co.uk lunch options Worcester Event House www.worcestereventhouse.com Stanbrook Abbey www.stanbrookabbey.com Mac & Jac’s (for smaller groups) www.macandjacs.co.uk 3.30pm Enjoy a walk round Spetchley park Gardens Elgar used to stay in Gardeners Cottages within the grounds of Spetchley Park Gardens and was inspired to write ‘Dream of Gerontius’ from the sound of the wind blowing through the pine trees. tea room available www.spetchleygardens.co.uk not to BE MISSEd the Elgar route www.visitworcestershire.org/ things-to-do/driving-routes.aspx

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Events in Worcestershire 2014 SprInG

Fri 2–Mon 5 Upton Folk Festival Upton upon Severn

Fri 13–Sun 15 AuGuSt Royal Three Counties Show Sat 2 Three Counties Tenbury Wells Countryside Showground, Malvern Show Fri 20–Sun 29 Burford, Tenbury Wells Worcs Lit Fest & Fringe Sat 2–Sun 3 Worcestershire BID Food & Drink Festival Fri 20–Sun 6 July City Centre, Worcester Droitwich Spa Food & Thu 7–Sat 9 Drink Festival Worcester CAMRA Beer, Droitwich Spa Cider & Perry Festival Sun 22 Worcester Racecourse, Family Fun Day Grandstand Road Worcester Racecourse, Sat 9 Grandstand Road WW1 Parade & Service Fri 27–Sun 29 City Centre, Worcester Upton Jazz Festival Sun 9–Mon 25 Upton upon Severn Worcester Festival City Centre, Worcester July

Fri 2–Wed 7 Malvern Well Dressing Malvern

Sat 5 Blues @ The Fold Bransford, Worcester

Sun 10 Riverside Arts Market South Quay, Worcester

Sun 4–Mon 5 Discover Bewdley Spring Fair Bewdley

Sun 6 Race for Life City Centre, Worcester

Sat 16 Arts Market High Street, Worcester

Spring Blossom Trail Vale of Evesham

AprIl Sat 5 Arts Market High Street, Worcester Sat 12 Chocolate Day City Centre, Worcester Wed 23 April–Sat 21 June British Asparagus Festival Vale of Evesham

MAy

Sat 12–Sat 19 Thu 8–Sun 11 Malvern Civic Week RHS Malvern Spring Festival Great Malvern Three Counties Showground, Fri 18–Sun 20 Malvern Upton Blues Festival Sat 17 Upton upon Severn Worcester Motor Festival Wed 23 City Centre, Worcester Senior Citizens Day at Sat 24–Sun 1 June Worcester Races Malvern Walking Festival Worcester Racecourse, Malvern Grandstand Road

Sat 16 150th Freedom Parade City Centre, Worcester Sun 17 Riverside Arts Market South Quay, Worcester Sun 17 The Worcester Show Gheluvelt Park, Worcester

Sun 25 The Malvern Munch 8 mile food walk

Fri 25–Sun 27 Welland Steam Rally Woodside Farm, Welland

Tue 19 Ladies Evening at Worcester Races Worcester Racecourse, Grandstand Road

Mon 26 Malvern Food Festival & Farmers’ Market Great Malvern

Sat 26 The Big Busk City Centre, Worcester

Fri 22–Sun 24 Upton Sunshine Festival Upton upon Severn

Sat 26–Sun 27 Bewdley Regatta Bewdley

Sun 24 Riverside Arts Market South Quay, Worcester

Fri 30–Sun 15 June Broadway Arts Festival Broadway

Sat 26–Sat 2 August Sat 31–Sun 1 June Three Choirs Festival Evesham Asparagus Festival Worcester Evesham Tue 29 Pershore Plum Racing Day JunE Worcester Racecourse, Grandstand Road Sat 7 Ladies Day Worcester Racecourse, Grandstand Road

Mon 25 Pershore Plum Festival Pershore Mon 25 Worcester Festival Fireworks Finale South Quay, Worcester Fri 29–Sun 31 Worcester Music Festival Worcester

Sat 30 Severn Festival South Quay, Worcester Sun 31 Family Fun Day Worcester Racecourse, Grandstand Road

SEptEMBEr Wed 3 Battle of Worcester Worcester Wed 10 Tour of Britain City Centre, Worcester Thu 11–Sat 27 Uniquely Worcester City Centre, Worcester Sat 13–Sun 14 Droitwich Salt Festival Droitwich Spa Sun 21 Run Bike Run City Centre, Worcester Sat 27–Sun 28 Autumn Show Three Counties Showground, Malvern

oCtoBEr Sat 4 Tenbury Wells Applefest Tenbury Wells Sat 4–Sun 5 Discover Bewdley Harvest Fair Bewdley

novEMBEr Sat 8 Arts Market High Street, Worcester Thu 27–Sun 30 Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre City Centre, Worcester Thu 27–Sun 30 Tenbury Mistletoe Festival Tenbury Wells Sat 29 Great Malvern Christmas Malvern Sat 29 Christmas Lights & Festive Market Bewdley All dates are correct at time of printing but please check before travelling. For further information whatsonworcestershire.co.uk