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Worcester Cathedral

One of England's loveliest cathedrals, Worcester Cathedral has been a place of prayer and worship for fourteen centuries and is dedicated to Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary. The present Cathedral building was begun in 1084. Its attractions include King John's tomb, Prince Arthur's chantry, the early 12th Century Chapter House and tranquil St. Wulfstan's crypt.

Edward Winslow was educated at King’s School Worcester, which is situated in the Cathedral precinct and was at the time run by the Cathedral. He was one of ten students championed for a scholarship by the Dean of the Cathedral. His admission is listed in the Cathedral Library. At the time that he attended, from April 1606 aged 10 to April 1611 aged 15, the school room would have been in College Hall (previously the monastic refectory). Edward would have studied Grammar, Latin and Greek.

The Cathedral Library, once also a school room for King’s School, houses one of the country’s most important collections of medieval books, manuscripts and music. It has rare documents and books from around the time of the Pilgrim Fathers leaving England. There are also various books published since the Pilgrim landing in 1620 such as a book called Purchas His Pilgrimes, written by Samuel Purchas and published in 1625. Part 4 covers the West Indies and the early settlers in America. The Library also has a 17th century French map of America, a large French royal atlas, plus 17th century Greek and Latin books.

The Cathedral is open daily and is free to enter. Access to see the Library and College Hall needs to be pre-booked.

Guided tours for individuals or groups tours can be booked in advance. Special needs groups are welcome.

Booked tours of the Cathedral cost £6.00 pp (£5.50 concessions). Tours of the Library cost £5pp.

Book a guided tour and discover amongst other things -

• Where Edward Winslow may have lived when he studied at Kings School.
• Why King John is buried at Worcester Cathedral – his effigy, said to be a likeness, is the oldest royal effigy in England.
• The early 12th Century painted angels in the Chapter House – thought to be the first round Chapter House in the world.
• The final resting places of not only a king and a prince, but that of a duke, prime minister and the Worcester Pilgrim and the stories of other interesting people associated with the Cathedral.
• The spot where British composer Sir Edward Elgar stood as a boy to watch the world famous Three Choirs Festival, that he later conducted at.

Climb to the top of the Cathedral tower to see magnificent views of the city, River Severn, County Cricket ground and countryside beyond. The Tower is open on Saturdays and school holidays from Easter to the end of October, weather permitting. Charges apply.

The Cathedral’s Cloister Café welcomes visitors with a range of hot and cold food. Groups are asked to book in advance.

The shop, also situated in the medieval Cloister, offers books, jewellery and gifts, with music as a speciality.

Disabled Access - most parts of the Cathedral are accessible and parking can be made available for disabled visitors.

Unfortunately there is no disabled access to the Library or Tower, which are accessed via steep spiral staircases.

Churchfields Farmhouse

Visitor Attraction

Croome Park

Park / Open Space

Discover History

Guided Walking Tour

Droitwich Spa Heritage and Information Centre

Museum

A very friendly and welcoming Tourist Information Centre, and a fascinating permanent local history exhibition.

Droitwich Spa Lido Park

Park / Open Space

Greyfriar's House & Garden NT

Museum

Set in the heart of historic Worcester, The Greyfriar's is a stunning timber-framed merchant’s house.

King Charles II Pub (Worcester)

Food and drink

St Peter's Church, Droitwich Spa

Church or religious building

The Vestry of St. Peter's church is dedicated to the memory of Edward Winslow who was baptised here in 1595.

The Commandery

Visitor Attraction

A glorious Grade I listed building dating back to the 12th century.

The Firs - Elgar’s Birthplace

Historic Site

The Hive

Educational

Tudor House Museum, Worcester

Museum

Situated on one of the most historic streets in Worcester this 16th century timber framed building brings a vanished Worcester back to life.

Accommodation Nearby

Bank House Hotel, Spa and Golf Club

Hotel

Brockencote Hall Hotel

Hotel

This Victorian country manor house hotel is set in 70 acres of stunning Worcestershire parkland

Diglis House Hotel

Hotel

Diglis House Hotel offers 1st class accommodation in the most unique riverbank location in Worcester City. Our Worcester City centre hotel has 28 rooms offering comfort and individuality alongside the convenience of easy access to all Worcester City has to offer.

Hogarths Stone Manor Hotel

Hotel

St Andrews Town Hotel

Hotel

Stanbrook Abbey Hotel

Hotel

Once a historic monastery offering silence and spiritual direction, now a modern hotel with a beautiful collection of 55 bedrooms

The Elms Hotel & Spa

Hotel

The Wood Norton

Hotel

The Wood Norton is a beautifully crafted hotel built by the Duc D'Orleans, exiled French Royalty in 1897 and now a stunning destination for a fabulous country break.

Worcester Whitehouse Hotel