It may be just 31 miles south west of England’s Second City Birmingham, but Worcester has an identity all of its own.
And it’s that rural, regency feel fused with the transport links of a modern city and great schools that has seen families flock to the cathedral city.
Known for Worcestershire Sauce, the city of Worcester is just as unique… as we discover here.
Living in Worcester
Buyers opt for Worcestershire for its period charm and green space of the Cotswolds and Malvern Hills, with many families drawn to Worcester for its rail and road links, as well as great schools.
It’s not all peace and tranquility, though. Worcester has a lively city centre for those who desire it, with plenty of pubs and shops to satisfy the whims of nightlife and retail therapy lovers.
There’s plenty for sports fans to get excited about, too. The Worcester Warriors ply their trade in rugby union’s top division, the Guinness Premiership, while Worcester City FC are in the National League North.
Worcestershire county Cricket Club, meanwhile, is based at New Road in the city and has produced such luminaries as Sir Ian Botham, Basil D’Oliveira, Graeme Hick and, in more recent years, England all-rounder Moeen Ali.
Property in Worcester
Fans of Regency style homes have plenty of choice in central Worcester, while Georgian properties also feature heavily.
Houses for sale in Worcester
The majority of Worcester properties sold in 2018 were semi-detached homes with an average price of just under £220,000, according to Rightmove.
Terraced homes command an average price of £191,148, while larger detached properties fetch £340,856 on average.
Worcester property prices have held up well despite Brexit-fuelled economic uncertainty and were 4% up on 2017 prices.
Flats for sale in Worcester
Worcester transport links
Worcester’s rail links into Birmingham are a huge attraction for commuters wanting away from the big city.
Trains from Worcester Foregate Street arrive at Birmingham New Street in a brisk 45 minutes, while London Paddington is accessible in around two hours.
But it’s the roads where Worcester’s proximity really shines, with the M5 north into Birmingham and south to Gloucestershire and Bristol, via the M4, particularly appealing.
The A40 into Oxford can also be picked up from the M5 southbound.
Employment in Worcester
Many Worcester residents use the city’s commuter links to reach work in other towns and cities, but those working more locally are backed by some large employers in the city itself.
Boiler company Worcester Bosch employs around 1,000 people at its Worcester HQ, while engineering firm Yamazaki Mazak has a staff of around 500.
Worcester schools
When it comes to education, Worcester really is right up there with the best.
No fewer than seven schools in the city were given the prestigious five-star rating from schools guide.co.uk, including five primary schools which sat proudly alongside The King’s School and Royal Grammar School Worcester.
Shopping in Worcester
As well as three main undercover shopping areas in the CrownGate shopping centre, Cathedral Plaza and Reindeer Court, Worcester also hosts many independent shops and retailers, many of which are based in the old Tudor buildings that adorn the city centre.
High street brands feature heavily in the CrownGate shopping centre, with Boots, House of Fraser, Debenhams, Primark, Game and New Look all present.
Eating out in Worcester
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay all night, The Olive Branch on Church Street in the city is a great option.
Set over three floors, the restaurant serves rustic, Mediterranean food, while the downstairs is now a cocktail bar, perfect for some post-dinner drinks to end the night.
For those who prefer a pint with their meal, The Blue Bell at Callow End is worth a visit – particularly for its much-lauded Sunday roast.
Things to do in Worcester
With the Cotswolds on the doorstep to the south, there’s no excuse not to enjoy the glorious outdoors when you live in Worcester.
There is also the Greyfriars House and Gardens, which is a step back in time to medieval days and boasts a stunning walled garden to relax away the hours.
Things to do with the kids
As well as several indoor soft play sites and bowling alleys, Worcester’s Odeon cinema is home to seven screens for when the weather is decidedly British.
But when the sun is out, Worcester’s open spaces really come into their own with the children.
*Prices according to Rightmove, March 2019.
