Worcester (England)

The Cathedral Church of Christ the King and the Blessed Virgin Mary, a place of worship since 680AD, the present building dates from 1084AD onwards. Attractions include the tombs of King John and Prince Arthur (elder brother of Henry VIII). Free entry. From Easter until the end of October the tower is open (weather permitting). There is a small charge for this (£3 for adults, £1 for children) but it is well worth it as there is a superb view of Worcester and the Malvern Hills. The entrance is via a small doorway on the North West corner of the North Transept, and the route goes over the North Transept and then into the base of the main tower (where the clock mechanism can be seen). The tower is also open on Bank Holidays and during the summer school holidays. The crypt is usually open to the public, and dating from 10th century, is fascianting and atmospheric. The entrance to the crypt is just behind the Prince Arthur's Chantry in the South Transept.

Although most of the buildings around this square are used by the King's School or the Cathedral, this is a public space, and is very picturesque and tranquil. It is immediately to the south of the cathedral and is reached either through the cathedral's cloisters, or from Watergate (on the River Severn foot path) or via Edgar Tower (a fortified gateway built in the mid-14th century and which formed the entrance to the monastic precinct). If you pass through the Watergate watch out for the markings in the block work which record how high the various floods have reached.

Call first as the factory portion is being converted into housing. The Visitor Centre, Café and Shop are expected to remain, however.

The house where the great composer was born, a modern visitor centre and lovely cottage garden in beautiful countryside just outside Worcester City

A glorious Grade 1 listed site dating back to the 12^th century when it was a monastic hospital. The main attraction is that during the English Civil War (1642–1651), it was used as the headquarters for Charles II and his Royalist forces before their catastrophic defeat. On display, is Oliver Cromwell's death mask with a rumour that he made a Faustian bargain with the devil to ensure victory to only die seven years later. There is also a good view of the Fort Royal hill from the garden.

Built in 1480, and rescued from demolition in the 1930s.