Days out near The Fox
Things to do near Worcester, then back to The Fox
Days out around Worcester and Malvern, each a short drive from The Fox in Bransford.
Things to do near Worcester, a short drive from The Fox
Looking for things to do near Worcester? Bransford is a few miles west of the city and close to Malvern, so there is a good spread of days out within easy reach of the pub. These are the places we'd point friends towards if they were staying in the area, from history and music to racing, theatre and fresh air.
Opening days change through the year, so please check opening times before you travel. Each listing links to the venue's own website, which is the place to look for the latest details.
The drive times are our own rough estimates from The Fox, not figures from a route planner. Traffic, roadworks and busy race days can all add to them.
Places we'd suggest
The Firs, Elgar's Birthplace
The closest day out to us, and a gentle one. The Firs is the cottage where Sir Edward Elgar was born, now cared for by the National Trust, with a cottage garden and a visitor centre. Children tend to head straight for the Sound Garden and the piano that anyone can play for free.
- Where
- Lower Broadheath
- Good for
- Music lovers, families and a short outing
- Good to know
- Open on selected days only.
- With a dog
- Dogs on leads in the visitor centre and cottage garden. Only assistance dogs inside the cottage.
- Drive from The Fox (rough estimate)
- About 5 minutes
Worcester Cathedral
Building began in 1084, and more than nine centuries later there is plenty to find. King John is buried here, Prince Arthur has his own chantry chapel, and below the quire lies the Norman crypt. Leave time for a slow walk round the medieval cloisters.
- Where
- Worcester
- Good for
- History lovers, with children's trails for younger visitors
- Good to know
- It's a working cathedral, so services can close parts of the building.
- Drive from The Fox (rough estimate)
- About 15 minutes
The Commandery
In 1651 the Royalists ran the Battle of Worcester from this building. It is now a museum with a garden, and the family trails and dressing-up box make it an easy choice with children in tow.
- Where
- Worcester
- Good for
- Families and anyone interested in the Civil War
- Good to know
- Closed in January.
- Drive from The Fox (rough estimate)
- About 15 minutes
Museum of Royal Worcester
An independent museum on the site of the old porcelain factory. It is a sound plan for a wet afternoon, and Paint Your Own Pottery means everyone leaves with something they made themselves.
- Where
- Severn Street, Worcester
- Good for
- A rainy day, and anyone who likes to make something
- Good to know
- Open on fewer days in winter.
- Drive from The Fox (rough estimate)
- About 15 minutes
Worcester Racecourse
Jump racing beside the Severn. Worcester is a National Hunt course, so pick a fixture, make a day of it and come back to Bransford for supper.
- Where
- Worcester, on the River Severn
- Good for
- A day at the races with friends
- Good to know
- Racing days only, roughly spring to autumn. Check the fixture list.
- Drive from The Fox (rough estimate)
- About 15 minutes
Great Malvern Priory
A parish church with more than 900 years behind it. The medieval stained glass is the reason most people come, but look down as well as up: the carved misericords are worth finding. There is a free trail for children.
- Where
- Great Malvern
- Good for
- Anyone who enjoys old churches, and children with the free trail
- Good to know
- Free entry.
- With a dog
- Dogs welcome on a lead.
- Drive from The Fox (rough estimate)
- About 15 minutes
Malvern Theatres
A theatre and a cinema under one roof, with touring plays, musicals, comedy and films on the programme.
Dinner at The Fox before a show
- Where
- Great Malvern
- Good for
- An evening out
- Drive from The Fox (rough estimate)
- About 15 minutes
Worcester Woods Country Park
Run by the county council, the park takes in two nature reserves, with waymarked trails to follow, an adventure play area for children and a picnic area for when legs need a rest.
- Where
- Worcester
- Good for
- Families, dog walkers and a free afternoon outdoors
- Good to know
- Free admission.
- With a dog
- Dogs welcome outside.
- Drive from The Fox (rough estimate)
- About 20 minutes
Croome
Another National Trust place, and the furthest on our list. Croome brings together an 18th-century house, parkland shaped by Capability Brown and the wartime story of RAF Defford.
- Where
- Near Worcester
- Good for
- A long day out with room to roam
- Good to know
- Some parts close at certain times of year.
- With a dog
- Dogs on leads in the parkland.
- Drive from The Fox (rough estimate)
- About 25 minutes
Things to do in Worcester
Several of the places in this guide are in or around Worcester itself, which makes the city a good choice for a full day. You could start with one of the indoor visits in the morning, have a wander, then pick a second place after lunch. Some of them open on fewer days in the quieter months, so it pays to check each website before you plan the day around them.
Things to do in Malvern, and the hills above it
Great Malvern sits at the foot of the Malvern Hills, so a visit to the town pairs naturally with time outdoors. Spend the morning in town and the afternoon on the hills, or the other way round, and finish the day with us in Bransford.
Days out with children, and ideas for a wet day
Plenty of the places here have something put on with children in mind, from trails to follow to hands-on activities. The “Good for” line on each listing gives you a quick idea of who it suits. When the weather turns, the museums and indoor visits are the safest bet.
Days out with your dog
Rules for dogs vary from one place to the next, and sometimes from one part of a site to another. Where we know the rules, the listing includes a note. Where there is no note, please check with the venue before you bring your dog along.
Dogs are welcome at The Fox.
Christmas in Worcester
The Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre runs from 3 to 6 December 2026. Worcester Christmas Fayre website
Back to The Fox afterwards
After a day out, The Fox is an easy stop on the way home, whether you are coming back from Worcester or from Malvern. If you would like to eat with us, book a table online before you set off. If you'd like a table today or tomorrow, please call us.