Top Local Attractions in Wyre Forest

Stourport-on-Severn

Stourport -on-Severn is a lively riverside Georgian town, set on the banks of the River Severn. It's home to nearly 100 narrowboats and river crafts and is a popular destination for residents of Wyre Forest and Tourists.

There is much to do from  lots of green space for play and picnics or just to sit and watch the river. There are riverboat trips and fairground rides and lots of independent shops, cafes restaurants and pubs.  A lovely place to spend a day. 

Bewdley

Bewdley is a beautiful Georgian town situated on the banks of the river Severn and was once a major inland port.  It retains a unique charm with many listed buildings.

It is also home to the Bewdley Museum, a free to visit local attraction where you can take a look  at the town's history and even see what it was like to be locked up in the town's jail.

There are many independent cafes, restaurants and shops to explore and you can also visit The Melting Pot where you have the chance to paint your own pottery.

Kidderminster

Kidderminster has beautiful canal walks and many lovely Victorian buildings.  The Town Hall has hosted speeches from many leaders including a young Winston Churchill, Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin, explorer Earnest Shackleton and women’s rights campaigner Emmeline Pankhurst.  

With it's rich history in carpet making Kidderminster is also home to The Museum of Carpet where you can discover over 300 years of Kidderminster's history and see displays of hand and power looms.

Stone House Cottage Garden and Nursery

 Stone House Cottage Garden was created in 1975 and is set in an old walled kitchen garden. A selection of rare and unusual plants are found here. The garden is an outdoor showroom for the nursery where you can buy the plants that feature in the garden 

Drakelow Tunnels. Wolverley

Drakelow Tunnels are a former Top Secret underground military complex beneath Kingsford Country Park north of Kidderminster, Worcestershire. The tunnels were built between 1941-1942  and have been a Shadow Factory for the Rover car company, have produced parts for tanks and have been a top secret Nuclear Bunker. In 1993 the entire facility was decommissioned and sold. It is open for visits on occasions but visits need to be booked on open days.

Local Nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest

There are many nature reserves in the Wyre Forest District where you can immerse yourself in nature. For more information on the various options follow the links below.

Blake Marsh Local Nature Reserve

Burlish Meadows Conservation Area

Burlish Top Local Nature Reserve

Habberley Valley Local Nature Reserve

Mitton Marsh Conservation Area

Moorhall Marsh Local Nature Reserve

Puxton Marsh - Site of Special Scientific Interest

Redstone March Local Nature Reserve

Rifle Range - Site of Special Scientific Interest

Riverside Conservation Area

Spennells Valley Local Nature Reserve

Stourvale Local Nature Reserve

Vicarage Farm Heath Local Nature Reserve

Hartlebury Castle

On a visit to Hartlebury Castle you can explore the Castle and see the museum galleries to find out more about Worcestershire's past. There are lots of activities and a lovely café

Wyre Forest

Wyre Forest is the largest woodland National Nature Reserve in the country.  If you are looking to escape into nature then you cannot do much better than the Wyre Forest.  There are plenty of walking trails and a café and play area. They also have an all terrain mobility scooter available to hire for those with limited mobility.

If you are feeling adventurous you can also visit the tree tops with Go Ape.

Harvington Hall

Harvington Hall is rich in history and has more priest hides that any other house in England with a total of seven.  There is also a collection of rare Elizabethan wall paintings. 

Severn Valley Railway

The Severn Valley Railway is an award-winning heritage railway visitor attraction and runs through 16-miles of beautiful Worcestershire and Shropshire countryside. You can experience the golden age of travel with a range of  steam trains and heritage diesel locomotives.  You can also visit restored, original stations and The Engine House Visitor Centre.

Witley Court and Gardens

Witley Court was built in the 17th century, remodelled in Victorian times then burned down in a fire in 1937.  Today you can explore the ruins and beautiful gardens and woodlands. 

You can also watch the spectacular Perseus and Andromeda fountain shoot water high into the air.

Whilst visiting Witley Court why not take the opportunity to call in at  Great Witley Parish Church. The church's interior is unique amongst county churches in Britain with exquisite gilded decorations, ceiling paintings by Antonio Belluci and ten painted glass windows.

After all that you may like to take a break in the lovely garden tea rooms.

Arley Arboretum

Arley Arboretum is one to the oldest Arboretums in Britain and is home to over 300 species of trees from around the world as well as a restored Italian Garden and Britain's longest Laburnum arch.

West Midlands Safari Park

 Go on a safari drive at the West Midlands Safari Park in Bewdley where you can see animals from across the continents of Africa or Asia.  There is also a safari walk and  a selection of rides.

Bodenham Arboretum

Bodenham Arboretum is situated in a protected valley with over 5 miles of walks. There are pools, plantations, dells and glades as well as a farm and a lovely restaurant overlooking the pool.

 Astley Vineyard

Astley Vineyard is one of the oldest vineyards in the UK, go along for a vineyard tour to find out more about wine making in our region.