Streets with everything from shops to solicitors

Andrea Calvesbert takes a wander down Worcester's historic central thoroughfares and finds top-notch shopping and services--plus plenty of places to eat and drink on the way

A wander down Worcester's High Street, past The Shambles and into Foregate Street really gives a taste of old meets new. Taking the time to look up instead of just at the shop fronts reveals something about Worcester's past as the old buildings nestle alongside more modern additions housing such places as the Post Office, Foregate Street station and the cinema.

This central area of Worcester is fortunate to have a wide and varied selection of shops with a good mix of large, well-known names and small, independent retailers selling all manner of things.

The Shambles, one of Worcester's oldest shopping streets, was home to the city's butchers at one time, and is now the location for a wide selection of different shops.

These shops are crucial to the economic life of the city, as Christopher Harvey, head of policy and representation at the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire, is keen to point out.

He says: "From a wealth-creation point of view, a healthy retail sector like the one in Worcester is obviously very important because it creates and sustains jobs.

"Retailing is one of the top three industries in Worcestershire. The Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire, is very active in helping the city council and City Centre Forum support the city's shopkeepers.

"A good retail offering also attracts visitors to the city, who spend money not only in the shops but also in cafs, bars and restaurants. Hopefully, they might also be tempted to come back on holiday, once they see how much else Worcester has to offer."

The centre of Worcester is steeped in history, with many lovely old buildings and of course the Cathedral. Combine this with the River Severn, the backdrop of the Malvern Hills and beautiful countryside, and it has plenty to offer holidaymakers.

Mr Harvey adds: "Tourism is another big industry for Worcestershire and the importance of tourism pounds to the county cannot be underestimated.

"Jobs are sustained not only in the obvious sectors such as restaurants, hotels, gift shops and visitor attractions but also in the not so obvious, such as the laundry companies that supply clean linen to the restaurants, the taxi companies that take the visitors to their hotels and the design and print companies that make the many brochures and leaflets promoting Worcester's attractions."

As well as shops, there are many professional services operating in the centre of Worcester. A wander along Foregate Street and the High Street reveals an abundance of solicitors, accountants, recruitment agencies, estate agents, letting agents and insurance brokers, many of them members of the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

The recent revamp to the High Street has made it even more attractive to walk along now and Worcester is as busy as it has ever been. With a strong retail sector, healthy tourism numbers and a thriving professional services industry, no wonder Worcester is such a great place to live, work and do business.

For more information about becoming a member of the Chamber of Commerce Herefordshire and Worcestershire call them on 0845 641 1641.

Think there are just books in this building? Think again

There can't be many libraries containing an old washing machine and a rocking horse--but that's what you'll find in Worcester City Museum and Art Gallery (above).

The institution was opened in Foregate Street in 1896 and houses a surprisingly large collection of local and international artefacts from the fields of natural history, geology, ethnology and archaeology.

One of the oldest items in the fascinating social history exhibition is a working 1920s washing machine. The exhibition, which charts how people in the area used to live, also features toys and dolls, including a beautiful rocking horse.

Be prepared for great excitement if you are accompanied by young children when you enter the Worcester Regiment and Worcester Yeomanry collection -- there is plenty to delight five-year-old boys in here.

One of the best things about the art gallery and museum is that it is free so you really can change your library book before popping upstairs to enjoy the collections.

The art gallery was refurbished with a grant from the Arts Lottery Fund and now runs a programme of changing exhibitions which include contemporary and historical works, craft, photography, film, video and new media. And for anyone inspired to let loose their creative side, there is a room where workshops are often held and where children can find paper, pens and other fun things.

For more details on the gallery and museum, log on to www.worcestercitymuseums.org.uk or call 01905 25371.

How to get there

By car: There are many--some would say too many--car parks surrounding Worcester's central shopping area. Prices start at 50p per hour.

By train: Travellers emerge from Foregate Street station to find themselves in the centre of the city. Turn left up Foregate Street and you'll join the High Street. Turn left again and you find yourself o The Shambles, which runs parallel.

above: The revamped High Street attracts more shoppers than ever

FAR RIGHT: In the summer, the cafs spill out onto the pavement

RIGHT: The Shambles has a wide range of specialist shops

LEFT: Trees and benches mean there are plenty of places to sit down and relax in between shopping