2025 - Worcester & The Magical Malverns

Worcester is a cultural city with an historic heart, known worldwide for its production of Worcestershire sauce (first produced in 1837 by chemists John Wheeley Lea and William Perrins), its important role in the English civil war and as the resting place of King John at Worcester Cathedral. Staying in the centre of the city, enjoy this brand new tour which takes in some unusual visits to Morgan Motor Company, a 'behind the scenes' talk at the Museum of Royal Worcester and a cream tea at the whimsical Ralph Court Gardens. There will be plenty of stunning scenery to admire as well with the magnificent Malvern Hills rising quite dramatically out of the Severn Valley.What's Included
- Hotel for 4 nights with breakfast & dinner- Porterage- Tea / coffee after dinner- Included excursions as stated- Guided factory tour of Morgan Motor Company- Visit, introductory talk & cream tea at Ralph Court Gardens- Visit, expert talk & artisan demo with tea/coffee & biscuits served on Royal Worcester porcelain- Time at leisure in Worcester- Visits to Hereford, Great Malvern & Tewkesbury- En-route visit to Stow on the Wold

Timeless craftmanship & whimsical gardens
DAY 1 - After joining your holiday coach, head to Stow on the Wold where time will be allowed for lunch and sightseeing. At nearly 800ft, Stow is the highest of the Cotswold towns, located on the Roman Fosse Way and at the point where several roads meet, hence an important trading centre. Continue on to arrive at 4* Worcester Whitehouse Hotel right in the heart of historic Worcester for the next 3 nights. DBB\n\nDay 2 - 4 - At leisure in Worcester with THREE included excursions\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nMuseum of Royal Worcester & Worcester\nThe Museum of Royal Worcester is located on the former Worcester Porcelain Factory site and boasts the world's largest collection of Royal Worcester Porcelain. Hear the extraordinary stories of Britain's most famous porcelain during a guided tour of the museum, which was granted a royal warrant in 1788. Discover 250 years of ceramic design, skill and innovation in the original factory building where over 8,000 objects including exclusive Royal commissions are displayed. A porcelain expert will bring unique perspective with a private talk and artisan handcrafting demonstration, followed by tea/coffee and biscuits served on Royal Worcester porcelainware.\n\nThe remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore Worcester, one of the oldest cities in the country, with evidence of settlements dating back to 700BC. The city was fortified in Saxon times and the rich history is still visible today, from cobbled Tudor streets to elegant Queen Anne architecture. The street layout hasn't changed since the Middle Ages and you can visit the remnants of the once majestic city walls and walk paths trodden by Romans. Dramatic Worcester Cathedral rises out of the city landscape, alongside Britain's longest river, the River Severn. It houses Royal tombs, as well as the tomb of three-time Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin; the only Prime Minister to have ever served under three monarchs. Thursday is market day in Worcester on Angel Place until 15.30.\n\nMorgan Motor Company, Great Malvern & Tewkesbury\nTake a fascinating guided factory tour of the Morgan Motor Company, the oldest privately owned car manufacturer in the world. Experience their unconventionality first hand and walk through the factory workshops and the production line within metres of the vehicles being handcrafted. Learn the story and heritage of the company as well as the mix of rare craft skills and latest modern technology that goes into each Morgan sports car and see the craftsmen at work who hand build these head-turning cars. The tour is approximately 90 - 120 minutes.\n\nAfterwards head into the centre of Great Malvern, a popular tourist spot since the days of the Victorian Water Cure which is still evident today through the Victorian architecture. People used to visit from far and wide to take Malvern Spring Water for medicinal purposes in the form of hydrotherapy including Florence Nightingale, Charles Dickens, and Charles Darwin. After time for lunch, meander through some of the delightful historic towns and countryside of the Malvern Hills to medieval Tewkesbury, an historic riverside town in Gloucestershire with its ancient Abbey, an imposing feature of the town's landscape for nearly 900 years.\n\nRalph Court Gardens & Hereford\nStart the day in Hereford, the Cathedral City with the relaxed atmosphere of a country market town. Its origin dates back to Saxon times and today visitors delight in the harmony of a rich heritage and modern facilities. The Black and White House Museum is a beautifully conserved 17th century house, furnished in period style. (Small admission charge applies and not included). Make sure to drop into Hereford's grand cathedral, home to the magnificent Mappa Mundi, the famous medieval map which shows how scholars interpreted the world over 700 years ago (admission approx. £7.50 in 2024).\n\nThis afternoon's visit is to the mythical world of Ralph Court Gardens in Bromyard. Crafted to reflect their love of the arts, mythology and culture, owners Stephen and Paula have designed a set of 14 quirky themed gardens. Unique, quirky & creative, horticulture is at the heart of the gardens and after an introductory talk, you can enjoy rose gardens, dwarf conifers, bog gardens, seasonal bedding schemes, Italianate and Japanese planting and much more. Every garden has seating, allowing visitors to relax and take in the details including water features and sound effects. Experience an Italian Piazza, an African Jungle, a Dragon Pool, Alice in Wonderland and 'Monet's Waterlily Garden'. Then delve into a delightful cream tea, served with homemade strawberry jam, Cornish clotted cream and a pot of 'Phileas Fogg' breakfast tea.\n\nDay 5 - After breakfast, depart for a drive through the Cotswolds with time for a lunch stop and onwards to interchange and your local joining points mid-evening.Stay in the Heart of Worcester
WORCESTER WHITEHOUSE HOTEL\n\nThe 3* Worcester Whitehouse Hotel offers quintessential English charm coupled with modern convenience right in the heart of the historic city centre of Worcester. Built in the 16th century, this classic townhouse hotel is situated adjacent to Foregate Street station and is within walking distance of shops, bars and the Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum. Comfortable guestrooms feature all modcons including desk, in-room safe and tre / coffee making facilities. There is a brasserie-style restaurant as well as a relaxed bar. Use of the leisure club is free of charge to hotel residents and features a small gym, steam & sauna as well as an indoor pool. There is a lift to all floors.\nNB Dinners are served in a private room at tables of 6s and 8s