Worcestershire
A lush county of rolling hills and deep green fields, Worcestershire, perched on either side of the M5 motorway has much to recommend a visit.
Arrive in springtime and you’ll find apple and pear orchards spilling delicately-scented pink and white blossom over paths and country roads, freshly picked asparagus (imported by the Romans) from the Vale of Evesham served dripping with warm hollandaise sauce in gastropubs and splendid walks on offer in the remains of ancient woodlands scattered across the countryside.
The city of Worcester has plenty of fascinating history to explore, including the cathedral – though it’s best to plan out a trip in advance so you’re not hijacked by the less attractive bits of the modern city centre. And then there’s the beautiful Malvern Hills in the south of the county, offering great hiking, riding and cycling, and the Elgar Route, a circular drive taking in more than 40 places associated with the composer's life and music, including his Birthplace at Lower Broadheath. Admire the extravagant villas of Great Malvern, tumbling down the eastern skirts of the hills; the lovely stained-glass window dedicated to the composer in Worcester cathedral; and the extraordinary views from those nine long-backed, round-topped Malvern Hills that rise without prelude, like a child's painting, from the Severn plain below.
Something that’s lacking in Worcestershire is, we are sorry to report, is good hotels and we find it hard to recommend more than a handful. In fact, as you will see, the bulk of our recommendations are guesthouses, all of which, in our opinion, will make preferable places to stay than the county’s dubious selection of hotels. The order by which the hotels are listed bears no reflection on our preference.
The best hotels in Worcestershire
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The Elms
Abberley, Worcestershire
A family haven with plenty to do. Luxurious backdrops for parents. Spa, sauna, award-winning restaurant.
23 rooms from $242Child friendlySpa - Mud-therapy roomCooking classes - For childrenSwimming Pool - 2 pools -
Brockencote Hall
nr Kidderminster, Worcestershire
French style chateau hotel set in 70 acres of parkland with a lake. Understated elegance, discreet service, and a restaurant that serves fabulous food.
21 rooms from $225HoneymoonsFishing - On the lake at the hotelSecluded setting - For escaping.Views - Great views from hotelRecommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays -
Eckington Manor
Worcestershire
Gorgeous upmarket b&b in a restored timber-framed farmhouse
15 rooms from $209Cooking classes - Acclaimed cookery school on site.Romantic - Good for couples.Views - Great views from hotelGreat walks - Good for walkers.Recommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, Sawdays -
Windrush House
Worcestershire
A guesthouse that sets itself very high standards, impeccably run by friendly new owners
5 rooms from $145Great walks - On the doorstep -
Brook Farm Berrington
Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire
A delightful haven of calm in rural north-west Worcestershire, a perfect rural b+b in a quirky farmhouse with a pretty garden, stream and roaring fires in winter.
2 rooms from $137Garden - Cottage garden, woodland and an orchard.Sights nearby - Historical sites aroundSecluded setting - For escaping.Views - Great views from hotelRecommended by - Sawdays -
The Cottage in the Wood Hotel
Malvern Wells, Worcestershire
Family run country house hotel on a plateau in the Malvern hills. Stunning views over the Severn Valley. Lovely restaurant onsite.
30 rooms from $135Views - Great views from hotelSecluded setting - For escaping.Outstanding locationGreat walks - Good for walkers.Recommended by - Good Hotel Guide, Sawdays -
Harrowfields
Eckington, Worcestershire
Pretty cottage B&B with plenty of character and a warm welcome between Worcester and Tewkesbury.
1 rooms from $129 -
Royal Forester Inn
Worcestershire
Hearty food in an historic coaching inn with very decent accommodation
7 rooms from $127Sights nearby - Across the road from the Wyre Forest visitor centreQuirky - An experience! -
Old Country House
Worcestershire
Peace and quiet in an Area of Natural Beauty
3 rooms from $105Great walks - 5 miles from the Malvern Hills
