Worcester Hereford Train

Worcester is a city and country town of Worcestershire in the West Midlands of England. The city is roughly 17 miles to the south west of Birmingham and has the River Severn running through its centre. The city is also overlooked by Worcester Cathedral which was constructed in the 12th century. It is also the site of the last battle of the Civil War and was where Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army defeated King Charles II's Cavaliers. The city was also home to composer Sir Edward Elgar for much of his life.

Interestingly, Worcester was known for its glove making industry which peaked in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. During this period it employed 30,000 people and around half the glove manufacturers in the United Kingdom were based in Worcester. By the end of the 20th century three manufacturers remained in the city. Another of the city's famous products is Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce which has been made and bottled in the city since 1897.

The city's main shopping areas are its High Street, The Shambles, Broad Street, the CrownGate Shopping Centre, Cathedral Plaza and Reindeer Court. The Cross, and surrounding area, is home to the city's financial centre and where many of Worcester's bank branches are located.

The city of Hereford, in the county of Herefordshire, straddles the banks of the River Wye and has been the commercial centre of Herefordshire farming communities for centuries. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll alongside the crystal clear waters of the River Wye or enjoy in the vibrant centre of High Town, where you can take in a show at The Courtyard Theatre. The magnificent Hereford Cathedral towers over the town. Take a moment to have a look at the stonemasons' work - the skill of these craftsmen is very evident. After exploring the cathedral make sure that you visit the Mappa Mundi, a thirteenth century map which shows Jerusalem as the center of the world. Christopher de Hamel, a leading authority on medieval manuscripts said "... it is without parallel the most important and most celebrated medieval map in any form ..." . Even though Hereford is a medieval town, it has progressed with the ages, adapting its traditional buildings to accommodate both residents and visitors alike. You can stay at anything from the most modern to the most antiquated buildings. Restaurants are plentiful with a wide range of cuisines. This really is a lovely place to stay while visiting the Marches and surrounding districts.