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ABOUT WORCESTERSHIRE Worcestershire is a county of great diversity. It's perhaps most famous for the beautiful Malvern Hills which are a joy to explore - especially on foot - with their magnificent views and fascinating flora and fauna. The water from these hills is world-famous and can be collected at a number of different springs. Of course, the Malverns also inspired Sir Edward Elgar, our famous British composer, who was born in this county. You can visit the little cottage where he was born, just outside Worcester and see a most interesting collection of memorabilia associated with his life. At the foot of the Malverns lies the fertile Vale of Evesham, renowned for its market gardens. Here there are many little farm shops and "pick your own" farms where you can buy and enjoy the delicious fruits and vegetables which grow in this area. What better gift to take home to the family on your way back from Worcestershire than, for example, some bunches of freshly-picked asparagus in June? The city of Worcester itself is a marvellous shopping centre and a delight to visitors with its magnificent cathedral. Here lies the tomb of King John and also that of Arthur, the elder brother of Henry V111. The Norman crypt is most impressive - as is the whole of this cathedral. Just a short walk from the cathedral stands the Worcester Porcelain Factory. Here you can visit its museum and buy goods from its shops. Worcester is where the last great battle of the English Civil War took place and the ancient Commandery where the Royalists stationed themselves is well worth a visit. In the summer months you can enjoy a leisurely trip down the river in one of several pleasure boats - or visit the famous cricket ground. Near Kidderminster there is an intriguing stately home, Harvington Hall, which is full of priest holes. This was home to a Catholic family who had to provide bolt holes for their priests during a time when their religion was banned. If you feel like enjoying a truly relaxing experience, try out the Brine Baths at Droitwich where you can float on the buoyant salty waters and read a magazine at the same time! Interesting ruins to visit in Worcestershire include those of another stately home, Great Witley , which was destroyed by fire in the nineteen thirties and Bordesley in Redditch, where you can find the remains of a Cistercian abbey. The monks dug a deep ditch when building their abbey which they called "The Red Ditch" because of the red colour of the local clay. This is how Redditch got its name! Next door to the abbey stands the Forge Mill Museum, a 19thC water mill where needles were once manufactured.
All of these places and many, many more can be viewed in the comfort of your
home with our video
"Worcestershire A Land of
Fruitfulness". Worcestershire County Council - Visitors' Information Worcestershire Organisations, Places to visit, etc
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