Tenbury Wells Visitor Guide
http://www.tenburywells.info/out/index.shtmlOut & About
The Teme Valley passes through some of the most attractive countryside in the Heart of England.
Travel south on the B4214 to Bromyard and call at the Heritage Centre (01885 482341) continue out of the town on the A44 and turn off for Lower Brockhampton, a superb moated manor house dating back from the 15th century. Pick up the A44 again and visit Elgar’s Birthplace Museum at Broadheath.
12 miles east from Tenbury is Witley Court, an early Jacobean manor house that is surrounded by magnificent landscaped gardens. Dating back to the 11th Century, adjacent to Witley Court, see the magnificent Baroque Witley Church which has wonderful ceiling designs. The church is probably one of the finest examples of this style in the UK. There is also a visitor centre and tearoom.
Pick up the B4202 and travel to Cleobury Mortimer, dominated by the Parish Church with its twisted spire and the reputed birth place of the 14th century poet Piers Plowman.
Wind your way back to Tenbury via Clee Hill, and stop on the top to take in superb views towards Malvern Hills in the in the south and the Welsh Mountains in the west.
Make a day of discovering Worcester which is home to one of England’s loveliest cathedrals , containing the Royal tomb of King John. The Tower is open to the public during the summer months (01905 28854). The magnificent Guildhall is worth a visit as is Worcester itself for a shopping spree! See also the Royal Worcestershire Porcelain Visitor Centre and Museum.
Another good trip is to head out of Tenbury on the A456 for 5 miles and then turn left onto the A49 towards Leominster. 5 miles out follow signs for Berrington Hall, once the home of the Rodney family and the site of Capability Brown’s last gardening masterpiece. Also worth seeing is Croft Castle (sign posted off the A49) , which houses a fine walled garden and vineyard .
Travel on to Hereford and visit the famous Mappa Muddi Exhibition at Hereford Cathedral and the Cider Museum.
Travel north on the A49 for 10 miles and you come to Ludlow, once the capital of Wales and home of kings. Famous for its castle, festivals and restaurants. Still travelling on the A49 you pass Stokesay Court, a delightful 13th century manor house, hardly touched by time. Carry on this road to Shrewsbury, home of Charles Darwin and situated on the River Severn.
Travel back via Ironbridge, one of Shropshire’s top attractions, the Ironbridge Gorge is known as the Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and has been designated a World Heritage site. and Information Centre. Follow signs for Much Wenlock and travel along the picturesque Wenlock Edge.
The beautiful Wyre Forest, is located 12 miles north east of Tenbury at Callow Hill, Bewdley. It stretches for 10 square miles and offers a wide range of recreational opportunities and a great day out. Don’t forget to call in at the Wyre Forest Visitor Centre, in its delightful woodland setting. Open throughout the year to provide home-cooked food and information (01299 266944).
Just a short distance away on the A456 outside of Bewdley is the West Midland Safari & Leisure Park. Safari "drive-through" with over 20 amusement rides, a sealion show, reptile house, animal encounters and pets corner. (01299 404200) Bewdley is also a stop off for the Severn Valley Railway, Britain’s premier steam railway. Step back in time on a 16 mile journey in a steam-hauled train between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth with superb views of the River Severn en route (01299 403816).
Carry on towards Kidderminster, and 5 miles north of the town at Wolverley is Bodenham Arboretum that has 4 miles of walks through dells, glades, lakes, pools. 2500 species trees, shrubs, unique underground visitors centre and restaurant. (01562 852444) .
For more local information visit the official Worcerstershire Tourism site at www.visitworcestershire.org