Moving to Worcester

Worcester is best-known for its cathedral, overlooking the River Severn.

Moving to Worcester from within Europe is usually by road and from further afield usually by sea, with more urgent items coming by air freight. Further details of the various shipping options can be viewed in our shipping guidance.

History

In 680 Worcester was chosen to be the seat of a new bishopric, which led to the building of one of the most important Anglo-Saxon monastic cathedrals in the country. King John was buried there in 1216 and it later became a great centre of learning. In 1651 the Battle of Worcester proved to be the final battle of the English Civil war, at which Oliver Cromwell defeated the royalist forces of King Charles II.

The Worcester porcelain factory was opened in 1751, producing fine blue and white porcelain tea wares. In 1789 the factory received a warrant from King George III and is still producing porcelain by appointment to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, though it is no longer based in Worcester.

During the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries Worcester was a major centre of glove-making. One of Worcester’s most famous products, Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce, was first sold in 1837 and is still made and bottled in the city. The inter-war years of the twentieth century saw the rapid growth of light engineering companies in the city, which today is home to the European manufacturing plant of a global machine tool builder.

Attractions

The Cathedral dominates Worcester. Construction of the present building began in 1084 and it now represents every style of English architecture from Norman to Perpendicular Gothic, but it is especially well-known for its Norman crypt, the tomb of King John and its twelfth-century chapter house. The city has many fine examples of medieval and Tudor buildings, including The Greyfriars, a timber-framed merchant’s house now owned by the National Trust. You can explore the history of the city at Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum, medical history at the George Marshall Medical Museum, and the history of the city’s famous porcelain at The Museum of Royal Worcester.

The Hive, with seven towers and a golden rooftop, is a prominent feature of the Worcester skyline. It houses the public and university libraries, and the archive centre. Fort Royal Park is one of the battle sites of the English Civil War. The village of Broadheath in the Malvern Hills some three miles to the north-west of Worcester is the birthplace of composer Sir Edward Elgar, the city’s most famous son. The cottage in which he was born is now a museum.

Amenities and Entertainment

Worcester has a pleasing mix of historic buildings and modern shops and markets. The city’s traditional market gives way to an antiques and collectibles market every Friday. CrownGate Shopping Centre in the heart of Worcester has more than sixty stores from high street names to independents and there are hidden gems to discover in Reindeer Court, Friar Street, New Street and the Hopmarket.

Many eating establishments in Worcester are award-winning and use locally-sourced produce to create traditional dishes as well as exciting new menus. There are also quiet and cosy cafes, pubs, hotels and restaurants providing a choice of cuisine.

The Three Choirs Festival, one of the oldest music festivals in Britain, is held in Worcester every three years. If you like sport there is a lot on offer. Worcestershire County Cricket Club play Championship cricket at their home ground at New Road. It is one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the country, set on the banks of the River Severn with the Cathedral as a backdrop. Worcester Racecourse is also on the banks of the Severn. Racing began in 1718 and nowadays the course offers a varied programme of National Hunt racing to enthusiasts. Worcester Warriors Rugby Club play Premiership rugby union at Sixfields Stadium.

Transport

Worcester has excellent transport links to the rest of the country.

  • Worcester railway station has frequent trains to London Paddington, Bristol and Birmingham. The journey time to London is around two and a half hours.
  • The nearest international airport is Birmingham International Airport.
  • The M5 motorway runs close to the east of the city and connects Worcester northwards with the M6 at West Bromwich near Birmingham, and southwards with Bristol and Exeter.

Whether you are moving to Worcester as a newcomer or coming back from abroad, Atlantic International Movers in conjunction with our service partners around the world can move your belongings to the UK quickly, safely and securely.

Contact us for more information or give us a call on Freephone: 0800 169 3061 or International calls: +44 (0) 1707 648 556.