11 Brilliant Free Things To Do In Worcester

Worcester is a city that has it all!  With a river, cathedral, great walks, free museums, lovely parks, free events, beautiful shops and streets to wander around – there’s plenty of cheap and free things to do.

It’s a city I love and live 20 minutes drive away from so I am in the know about where to go and what to do.

Whether you’re a solo traveller, a family with kids, young adult or a couple – there’s something for everybody.

Check out 11 brilliant ideas for things you can do for free or very little money. There’s suggestions for both adults and kids!

Go Back in Time at The Tudor House Museum

The Tudor museum is in a beautiful 16th century building located in Worcester’s oldest street.

This small hidden gem is free to visit, although donations are apprecitated.

The building has a varied history. During the 16th century it was home to Tudor weavers. In 1700s it became a tavern. In Victorian times it was a coffee house owned by Richard Cadbury, founder of the Cadbury chocolate brand.

In the Second World War, the house was an Air Raid Precautions warden’s office and then a school clinic.

A children’s trail and dressing up activities keep little ones occupied.

Why not finish your visit in the tea room with tea and cakes?

It’s open from Wednesday to Saturday. Check out the latest opening times at the Tudor House Museum website

Admire the Stained Glass Windows at Worcester Cathedral

Worcester’s beautiful cathedral is free to enter.

It’s Worcester’s top rated attraction on Trip Advisor so it’s definitely worth a visit!

Construction of the cathedral begin in 1084 so the building is steeped in nearly 1000 years of history. It has links to King John and he is buried in a place of honor in front of the high altar. It also has various examples of early English architecture.

Visitor highlights include stunning stained glass windows, which date back to the 13th century.

In addition, don’t miss the beautiful Norman Crypt, medieval Cloister, Royal Tombs and early 12th Century round Chapter House. The stone carving and roof interior are also impressive to see.

Families with children can can follow trails through the cathedral. During the school holidays there are sometimes free crafts, fun and games. Sometimes there are exhibitions aimed at children too.

Also, there’s a lovely little garden off the cloisters where you can eat a picnic.

In addition, numerous events are hosted at the catherdral throughout the year. Past events have included light shows, a Christmas tree festival, music events and exhibitions.

Check out the Worcester Cathedral website to see what’s on.

Venture Inside the Beautiful Guildhall

Walk down Worcester high street and slap bank in the middle is the historic Guildhall.

This beautiful building was built in the 1720s. It was once the seat of justice throughout the city and even housed a prison. Come inside for free. It’s open most days of the week unless there’s an event on. Check out the Facebook page for updates.

Inside, see the impressive Grand Staircase with ornate carvings and sculptures. Venture into the Council Chamber, which has a historic ceiling and portraits of past mayors and dignitaries. See the Assembly Room and it’s beautiful decorative plasterwork ceiling.

Today, the Guildhall is used for events, including weddings, conferences, and concerts. The building also houses the Worcester City Council.

Find out more at The Guildhall website

Walk Along the River Severn

The Severn way which runs through Worcester is beautiful. Walk along the path meanders alongside the river and you can view the wildlife as you stroll along the tree lined route.

Take a picnic and enjoy lovely views of the river, cathedral, city and the Malvern Hills.

Or pop into the Diglis hotel for a drink and a bite to eat.

The Diglis basin is where the Worcester and Birmingham Canal meets the River Seven. Here you’ll find Cafe Afloat which is a cafe on board a boat and great for a stop off.

A bit further down, kids can ride their bikes or scooters over the Diglis bridge and down the other side.

Experience Health Care in the Past at the George Marshall Medical Museum

The George Marshall Medical museum is free and located at Worcester Royal Hosptial. It’s tiny but it’s jam packed with exhibits.. You can spend over an hour here.

George Marshall was a surgeon who worked at the hospital in the 20th century. He collected a huge array of artefacts which illustrate how medicine and health care have developed over the past 250 years.

Inside the museum, you can to see the harsh reality of surgery over the years. Highlights include a re-creation of a Victorian operating theatre, a 1950s pharmacy, which has been restored to its original condition, and a 1920s dentist’s surgery, complete with a fully functional dental chair. Another notable exhibit is gory collection of death masks of hanged criminals

The museum is not far for Worcester Woods Country Park  which is also free so why not combine a trip to both.

Find out more at George Marshall Museum.

Learn About Medicine of the Past at The Infirmary

Another small and free medical museum in Worcester is The Infirmary. Located at the University of Worcester’s City Campus it’s a great way to spend an hour of your time.

The museum gives a good insight into 19th and early 20th century hospitals. There are a surprising number of interactive parts to try – the bone saw one is gross but fun!

Find out more at The Infirmary Museum.

Walk Round a Trail at Worcester Woods Country Park

Bluebells at Worcester Woods Country Park

Worcester Woods Country Park is a large countryside centre with walks, a cafe, playgrounds and a big green space for picnics and ball games.

If you like a stroll, walk a trail through Worcester woods or through the meadows.

Kids love the fun playgrounds. Many events and additional activities take place during the school holidays. Some are free and some have a small extra cost. .

Stop by at The Orchard Cafe for lunch, an ice cream or a coffee.

For more information, visit the Worcester Woods Country Park website and the Orchard Cafe website.

Book on a Free Event at The Hive Library

Located near Worcester city centre, is the Hive Library. The building is modern and spacious. There’s a huge collection of books and resources, plus a cafe to sit and have a bite to eat. It’s a great place to read and / or work.

As well as a library, The Hive is so much more, it’s also a centre for learning, events and activities.

At the time of writing there are a multitude of free events. For adults there are free writing workshops, talks on local walks, a wellbeing at work event, games and conversation cafe and lots more.

For kids there are free story telling sessions, language cafes, bounce and rhyme sessions, lego clubs and homework clubs.

Check out the website to find out what’s on at the Hive. 

Delve Into Worcester’s History at Worcester Art Gallery and Museum

The Worcester Art Gallery and Museum is located in a beautiful Victorian building. It’s free and has many permanent and temporary exhibitions for all ages.

See dinosaur footprints and the Worcestershire Sauce archive in the Gallery as well as interesting objects from a real Roman mosaic to a Native American totem pole.

There’s also galleries telling the history Worcestershire Regiment and the Worcestershire Yeomanry Cavalry. Also don’t miss the recreated Victorian Chemist Shop.

Additionally, the gallery hosts family events, bite size talks, activities and trails. It’s well worth checking out what’s going on

Finish your visit with some refereshsments at the Balcony cafe.

Find out more at museumsworcestershire.org.uk

Wander and Relax at Gheluvelt Park

Gheluvelt Park was created as a memorial park to honour soldiers who fought in World War 1.

It’s a lovely park to wander around with distinct sections which include a duck pond and wildlife area. With a playground and summer splash park, it’s is great for kids. There;’s also table tennis and plenty of space for ball games.

If you fancy a game of tennis, the courts are bookable in advance. There’s also outdoor gym equipment to help keep fit.

At the far end you’ll find the Pumphouse Environment Centre which has an eco shop and a cafe for refreshments. At this end, you’re also not far from the banks of the River Severn.

Find out more at Gheluvelt Park

See the Animals at Cob House Countryside Park

A great place to while away an hour or two with kids is the Cob House Country Park.

There’s lots of animals to see, a small playground, masses of space to explore and it’s free.

There’s also a coffee shop onsite. There are often events that take place too.

Find out more at the Cob House.

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