9 things I have discovered about Worcester after six months

While Worcester is only an hour down the road from me, I am from the West Midlands and still had plenty to learn about the city .

However, writing feature stories for The Worcester News has really allowed me to discover more about the city; I have dug deep into the area’s history, spoken to the residents and really feel like I have integrated into the local community.

Here are just nine things I have discovered about Worcester after writing about the county for six months:

1. I discovered a lot about the city’s history
   
   According to Visit Worcester, the city is one of the oldest in the country
   
   After some research, I discovered that the first settlements in Worcester date back to 700BC- you can only imagine the historic events that have taken place between then and now.
    

I also found out that Worcester was once called The Faithful City.

Worcester gained this title for the role it played during the English Civil War and the steadfast loyalty the city gave to both Charles I and Charles II during the turbulent time.

Aside from this, I was also delighted to discover that Worcestershire sauce was created in Worcester too!
 

1. There are plenty of fantastic independent businesses in the city
    

I try to shine a light on some of Worcester’s best independent businesses whenever possible.

Over the past few months, I have discovered some gems that I will be sure to visit.

Award-winning Cornucopia on Chapel Walk is the place to visit for small gifts and unique trinkets.

Wotahoot is another local business to have on your radar; their sewing and embroidery kits would be a great gift for the knitters and crafters in your life.

I was also blown away by the unique sellers on Etsy.

For instance, the Little Bag of Love Shop sell little bags filled with heart-felt notes and little trinkets which are ideal for all occasions.

3.There are a lot of beauty spots in Worcester

Before writing about Worcester, I assumed that it was an industrial city devoid of many areas of natural beauty- I was delighted to be proven wrong.

In fact, there are several walking routes in the area that allow you to explore the most beautiful places in and around Worcester.

Nunnery Wood

(Photo: Geograph/ Peter Wood)

One of which is Worcester Woods Country Park which takes you through the ancient Nunnery Wood.

Worcester Cathedral

(Photo: Geograph/ Philip Halling)

There are also some stunning buildings in Worcester, my favourite of which is Worcester cathedral; I would love to visit this cathedral during the Christmas period.

1. Worcester floods… a lot

Flooding in Worcester

1. (Photo: Geograph/Chris Allen)

The rain might keep the countryside looking lush and the River Severn might contribute to Worcester’s beauty- but this combination comes with one unfortunate consequence.

After writing area guides and asking people about what the advantages and disadvantages of living in Worcester are, people remarked on how often the area floods.

Early last year, the flood levels across Worcester approached ‘the worst on record’.

However, this is an issue that has been going on for decades and in 1947 the maximum flooding recorded was 24ft 3ins.

1. It has an extremely haunted past

I love all things spooky and paranormal. While I may not necessary believe in spirits and ghosts, I still enjoy hearing spooky stories.

Last year, I looked into the most haunted places in Worcestershire and the spooky entities that are said to haunt them.

The Commandery and Ye Olde Talbot pub are just some of the eerie places said to be plagued by historic ghosts and demons.

The affectionately named, Bert the ghost, is said to haunt The Mug House in Claines Lane; the landlady said the spirit regularly smashes glasses and moves items around here.

1. There are plenty of things to do (once lockdown ends!)

I started writing for The Worcester News in the middle of the pandemic meaning most attractions and events have been cancelled.

While I have only scratched the surface, it’s clear to see that Worcester is a vibrant city with plenty to see and do.

It’s especially good for families, with West Midland’s Safari park just down the road in Kidderminster and plenty of parks, such as Gheluvelt Park, to enjoy a picnic in.  

Have you visited this museum?

(Photo: Geograph/ Colin Smith)

I have also noticed that there is always something going on in Worcester’s Tudor House Museum- it seems like a must-visit for any tourists.

1. I know exactly where to go for a fantastic holiday

With lockdown measures in place and the travel rules constantly changing, a proper holiday has been a pipe dream for many of us- myself included.

With the travel rules constantly changing, our safest option for a holiday this year seems to be staying in the UK.

Over the past six months, I have written extensively about the best hotels and staycation destinations in Worcester hoping to give readers a glimmer of hope about the prospect of a weekend away- even if it is just on the doorstep.

If I wanted to stay in a truly luxe local hotel near Worcester, my first option would be Abbots Grange in Broadway.

Alternatively, this Swedish cottage in Worcester would be a great option if I fancied staying somewhere quirky.

1. Harry Styles grew up just down the road

 

 

 

 

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(Instagram/@harrystyles)

As a former One Direction fan, I was delighted to hear that Harry Styles grew up just down the road in Redditch.

After further investigation, I discovered that Worcestershire is home to a lot of musicians.

Dave Mason (from band Traffic) and composer Edwin Elgar are just two names from the city of Worcester alone.

1. It is home to some dreamy properties

Over the last six months, I have written many articles about the properties for sale in Worcester; while some were in need of TLC, others were simply beautiful and would be considered ‘dream’ properties.

One property that sticks in my mind is this million pound home on Henwick Road.

The interiors are incredibly modern, with a unique and unconventional layout; the living areas are on the top two floors instead of the bottom.