Celebrate the Coronation with a break in glorious Worcestershire.
Throughout history Britain’s monarchs have known and loved the county of Worcestershire, so it’s no wonder it makes for the perfect location to enjoy a day or weekend trip fit for royalty. And with the Coronation of King Charles III set for Saturday 6th May, visitors can enjoy celebrations and events taking place across the county in honour of the occasion.
Worcestershire’s royal connections run deep and date back hundreds of years, with King John’s firm wish that he was to be buried in Worcester Cathedral following his death, which occurred in 1216. Four centuries later, Charles I was here during the English Civil War, resting his head at the Lygon Arms in Broadway – then known as the White Hart – in 1649. Today, his coat of arms hangs above the King Charles I Suite.. His adversary Oliver Cromwell occupied a room at the same inn before engaging the Royalists in the Battle of Worcester in 1651, with a reproduction of the ‘warts and all’ portrait of Britain’s ‘Lord Protector’ now hanging in a room named in his honour. The Lygon Arms’ long list of royal visitors also includes King Edward VII, who ‘motored’ there in 1905, while his grandson The Prince of Wales, and future Edward VIII, called by in 1913.
Not content with hosting several of Britain’s monarchs, The Lygon Arms is also associated with Hollywood royalty, with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton staying in one of its rooms at the height of their love affair in 1963. Nowadays guests looking to enjoy its old-world charm and luxurious rooms can enjoy food cooked by a team of chefs led by the ‘king’ of Saturday morning cookery TV, James Martin.
Edward VII’s Worcestershire destinations also included Witley Court where, as the Prince of Wales, he would often join the fashionable society that flocked to this great country house for decadent parties, balls and concerts. This impressive property was devastated by a fire in 1937 but it’s still possible to walk up its sweeping driveway, view its impressive architecture and explore its beautiful gardens, which contain the unforgettable Perseus and Andromeda fountain that shoots water high into the air.
The Severn Valley Railway is the place to go to peek through the windows of King George VI’s royal carriage, with guided tours offered when possible, and no visit to this popular attraction is complete without an exciting steam train ride along a scenic 16-mile span from Kidderminster to Bridgnorth. Visit on Saturday 6th May and join in the festivities as the Coronation of King Charles III is shown on a big screen alongside a great British afternoon tea.
Meanwhile, the Museum of Royal Worcester is a must for visitors who love porcelain, customers for which included our late Queen Elizabeth II, who herself visited Worcestershire several times during her long reign. And for those wishing to feel like a king or a queen themselves, why not cruise around the stunning country lanes in a Morgan Motor Company car, with an exclusive prestige driving experience in the vehicles loved by royalty and the aristocracy across the world.
Discover the fascinating history of Hartlebury Castle, which dates back to the 13th century, and has played an important role for Britain’s monarchs for centuries since. Visit on Monday 8th May and enjoy the castle’s Coronation celebration, including spectacular falconry displays, a fun Royal Trail around the castle and grounds, and the chance for little ones to experience being crowned like a monarch in the castle’s great hall.
With some much to see and do, there is always somewhere close by to rest your head and often with regal heritage or an exclusive connection. The Wood Norton near Evesham was once owned by an English King and was later used by the BBC and by 1940 it was one of Europe’s largest broadcasting centres. Now it houses a sumptuous hotel, with all the mod cons a discerning traveller could wish for. A stone’s throw from here and you arrive at Stanbrook Abbey, a former Grade II listed monastery, which marries its dramatic stone cloisters and gothic stained-glass windows, with brasserie style dining and luxury bedrooms.
Finally, don’t leave Worcestershire without a visit to King Charles 11 House Pub in the centre of Worcester, where they serve award-winning pies seven days a week, or the aptly names King’s Head for a traditional English pub experience. Wander along the canal and stop for artisan coffee or loose-leaf tea at Commandery Coffee, before discovering the rich history of The Commandery – famous for being the Royalist Headquarters during the deciding battle of the English Civil War – the Battle of Worcester in 1651.
Head a little further out towards Pershore for an AA 2 rosette meal at the Queen Elizabeth Inn. For an authentic experience any time of day, try Tisanes Tearoom, housed within a 17th century Cotswold stone building in beautiful Broadway, to enjoy hot beverages, delicious cakes and scrumptious lunches served by waitresses wearing vintage pinafores, before venturing back into the village to explore its honey-coloured houses and array of delightful shops. All in all, Worcestershire is bursting with fantastic places to visit, stay and experience and all with strong associations to the British monarchy, plus with its central location it is easily accessible from major cities such as Birmingham, London, Manchester and Bristol in less than 2 hours. With the Cotswolds on the doorstep, you can choose from the bustling city or the tranquil countryside in aristocratic style!
