Oh dear. Here we go again. Another travel guide doing a demolition job on Worcester.

This time, it's Lonely Planet. Nevertheless, this newspaper thinks the "Lonely" bit is quite apt.

For they really should get out more, see beneath the surface... and view the real Worcester.

The problem with publications such as this is that its writers just skim the surface.

The result is a shoddy piece of journalism.

Yes, the observations of the Faithful City include Elgar and the glories of the Cathedral.

But this really is flick-around-a-website stuff. It's just the bones. Where's the flesh on them?

So let's see what's missing. Nearly everything, actually.

You'd be forgiven for thinking that England's longest river did not run through Worcester. Lonely Planet has apparently never heard of the Severn.

Yes, King John gets a mention. But what about Henry VIII's brother Prince Arthur who's also buried in the Cathedral?

However, the most glaring omission is any mention of the English Civil War, a catastrophe that began and ended at Worcester.

Not only that, but the future King Charles II fled along Friar Street and escaped in September, 1651, thus ultimately ensuring the survival of the Monarchy.

Historians might also argue that British democracy was forged out of the heat of battle so bloodily fought on Powick Hams and at Sidbury Gate.

And then there's Shakepeare, who married Ann Hathaway in Worcester. Is that enough?

Go back to the drawing board, Lonely Planet. You have not done justice to our fair city.