Hartlebury Castle
History & HeritageHartlebury Castle
Hartlebury Castle has a fascinating history, with many intriguing stories to tell. First given to Bishop Aelhun in 855AD, the Castle continued to be home to the Bishops of Worcester right up until 2007. Today, the Castle is made up of two sections; the Bishop’s House and Worcestershire County Museum.
As you enter the Bishop’s House, Bishop Henry Pepys (Bishop of Worcester 1845 – 71) and his wife Maria will welcome you to the Castle and take you through the story of this magnificent building and the captivating lives of the bishops who lived here. You’ll be able to marvel at talking portraits, uncover hidden rooms and see our magnificent Great Hall, Georgian Saloon and Gothic Chapel.
In the North wing of the Castle, you can explore Worcestershire County Museum which has been welcoming visitors for over 50 years. Exploring the Museum’s themed galleries, evocative room sets and superb collections, uncover the intriguing story of Worcestershire and what life was like for people who lived here over the ages.
Outside you will find our Travel & Transport gallery containing a wide range of horse drawn vehicles and a fantastic collection of Gypsy caravans, alongside our 18th century cider mill.
With hands-on displays and fascinating themes Hartlebury Castle is a great day out for all the family.
Kidderminster
Visit Kidderminster the largest town in the Wyre Forest District, just 17 miles south west of Birmingham, with it’s many Victorian buildings, through which flows the River Stour and the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal, has plenty on offer visitors.
Boasting three shopping centres and a retail park, there are numerous pubs, restaurants and cafes to choose from and a twice weekly outdoor retail market.
Visit Worcestershire a great destination for family fun with lots of attractions, great events and action-packed outdoor activities.
In the south are the Cotswolds and their enchanting stone-built villages and heart-lifting rural scenery. And to the west is the Malverns; dark, brooding hills that rise suddenly over the valley of the River Severn that courses north to south down to the Bristol Channel.
