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Things to Do

Kidderminster and its surrounding areas have several attractions perfect for all ages. We have listed the most popular ones below, click each one to visit their websites.

West Midland Safari & Leisure Park

West Midland Safari Park is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and critically endangered exotic animal species, as well as an adventure theme park filled with games & rides for all ages.

Severn Valley Railway

The Severn Valley Railway is a full-size standard-gauge railway line, running regular, mainly steam-hauled, passenger trains between Kidderminster in Worcestershire and Bridgnorth in Shropshire, a distance of approximately sixteen miles.

Kidderminster Museum of Carpet

The Museum of Carpet is run by the carpet museum trust supported by the Friends of the Carpet Museum. Visit our shop for wonderful local books, souvenirs and not forgetting our rugs, woven on our power looms which all come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Arley Arboretum

The Arboretum is home to over 300 species of trees and features Britain’s longest Laburnum arch, measuring 65 metres. Popular with nature lovers, families and walkers, Arley Arboretum is a magical place to visit throughout the year, with every season bringing a different breathtaking vista.

The Wyre Forest

Wyre Forest offers a great day outdoors with activities to suit all. Enjoy our 3 way marked walking trails, the family cycle route, bike hire, horse trails, Go Ape, play area and onsite café, all set in an ever-changing window on nature in this breath-taking setting.

Hartlebury Castle

Hartlebury Castle was the home of the Bishops of Worcester from 855 to 2007. Three of our bishops became saints, two were burned at the stake for their faith, one became the Pope who refused Henry the VIII his divorce and another was present at the execution of Mary Queen of Scots. They have amazing stories to tell and their history and that of Hartlebury Castle is inextricably linked with the history of the nation.

Bewdley Riverside Town

At its heart is the much acclaimed Bewdley Museum where you can see local crafts people at work, adjacent to the wonderful Jubilee Gardens and Community Orchard. Bewdley has an attractive shopping and riverside area offering a range of pubs, restaurants and cafes and even has its own micro-brewery.

Stourport-on-Severn Riverside Town

There are vibrant shopping streets, extensive choice of places to eat and drink, events, attractions and activities, on and by the water in the surrounding picturesque Severn Valley. The restored and unique historic Canal Basins provides a tranquil and picturesque scene as well as events including a Stourport Canal Basins Discovery Trail (on selected days).

Harvington Hall

Originally built in the 1300s and developed magnificently in the late 1500s, Harvington Hall brings to life the fascinating history of the survival of Roman Catholic families and clergymen during the Reformation of the late sixteenth century. Its unusually well preserved condition makes it a rare building of significance, and it was voted the best Hidden Gem in the UK Heritage Awards 2019.

Events at Kidderminster Town Hall

Kidderminster Town Hall is the home to a wide variety of events and performances throughout the year. Some one off appearances and quite often you will see some popular recurring events. We see anything from Jazz, Rock, Choir, Comedy, Pantomime and Tribute bands.

Drakelow Tunnels

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 as a Shadow Factory for the Rover car company. Parts for aircraft engines were machined in the 3.5 miles of tunnels throughout WWII.

Rose Theatre

The Rose is a modern, 181 seat, fully equipped theatre, with a studio that seats up to 60. The Theatre is administered as a charitable trust by the Nonentities, an amateur society, presenting both amateur and professional plays and entertainments throughout the year.

(Image sourced from Kidderminster Shuttle).

Trimpley Resevoir

The reservoir was created to supplement the Elan Valley pipeline, which brings wonderful Welsh water all the way to Birmingham. There are walking routes onsite, as well as opportunities for fishing, bird watching & sailing.

Where to Stay

Looking to stay over in Kidderminster but not sure where to look? Take a look at some of the stunning hotels available nearby.

Hogarths Stone Manor

Olde worlde architecture meets stunning modern furnishings in our luxury hotel Worcester, a blissful retreat for weddings, conferences and ‘just the two of us’ escapes. It’s right on the doorstep of the picture-perfect rolling hills of rural Worcestershire. Discover fresh produce in the walled garden, treat yourself to a themed afternoon tea, let the kids roam free around the lawns, and tuck into fine British fare in the AA Rosette restaurant. Think of our hotel as your very own country manor.

Brockencote Hall Hotel

Brockencote Hotel, Worcestershire, is a beautifully refurbished, Victorian country manor house hotel set in 70 acres of stunning Worcestershire parkland. Complete with a scenic lake, tennis court and restored dovecote, the idyllic setting is an ideal wedding venue as well as the perfect hotel break away. With a multitude of awards and outstanding service, our friendly team is ready to welcome you for a blissful getaway that includes relaxing, luxurious bedrooms and our 3 AA Rosette restaurant.

The Granary Hotel & Restaurant

The Granary Hotel is a privately run, family friendly and brasserie restaurant in Shenstone near Kidderminster in Worcestershire. The hotel has received an AA Rosette award for its Restaurant offering fine dining, lunch menu, afternoon tea, a-la carte evening meals and our famous Carvery every Sunday. We are conveniently located near the West Midlands Safari Park and Severn Valley Railway so an ideal base for your family trip.

Gainsborough House Hotel

A listed building, the Gainsborough House Hotel, Bar & Restaurant has recently been transformed into a stylish and contemporary property with 42 en suite bedrooms. It also boasts the ever-popular Gainsborough Restaurant, whose new surroundings and divinely tasty cuisine, prepared with fresh local ingredients, continue to delight.

Mercure Bewdley - The Heath Hotel

Set in 20 acres of Worcestershire countryside, Mercure Bewdley The Heath Hotel offers comfortable rooms in an elegant setting, 17 miles from Birmingham. This restored 1870’s Victorian house also feature original carved doors, fireplaces and stained glass. Free high-speed WiFi is available throughout the property.

Hallmark Hotel Stourport Manor

The 4-star Hallmark Hotel Stourport Manor is a refurbished country house with 23 acres of beautiful grounds. The hotel offers a choice of bedrooms, including family rooms, a spacious lounge and bar, brasserie restaurant and an on-site leisure club.

History & Heritage

Kidderminster has years of history & heritage waiting to be discovered. Start the historic journey of Kidderminster below.

Kidderminster Town Hall

Not only is Kidderminster Town Hall the home to a wide variety of events and performances throughout the year, it is also filled to the brim with historic stories and memorabilia.

Kidderminster Museum of Carpet

The Museum of Carpet is run by the carpet museum trust supported by the Friends of the Carpet Museum. Visit our shop for wonderful local books, souvenirs and not forgetting our rugs, woven on our power looms which all come with a Certificate of Authenticity.

Severn Valley Railway

The Severn Valley Railway is a full-size standard-gauge railway line, running regular, mainly steam-hauled, passenger trains between Kidderminster in Worcestershire and Bridgnorth in Shropshire, a distance of approximately sixteen miles.

Brinton Park

Known as the ‘People’s Park’, Brintons park is a project to restore the Parks’ heritage to create a beautiful space for future generations. The current park layout is mostly as it was laid out during the period 1880 to 1905, having all the attributes of a late Victorian and Edwardian park. However, over the years some important elements have been lost including the ornamental pond, rustic bridge and lodge, and much of the ornamental planting beds and only remnants survive today.

Broadwaters Park

Broadwaters Park is an area of 2.022 hectares located on the outskirts of Kidderminster. Attractions at this park include a Mill, a Grade 2 listed building park shelter, water course running through the park and beautiful wildlife.

(Photo taken by Robert Hrustinszki)

Rose Theatre

The Rose is a modern, 181 seat, fully equipped theatre, with a studio that seats up to 60. The Theatre is administered as a charitable trust by the Nonentities, an amateur society, presenting both amateur and professional plays and entertainments throughout the year.

(Image sourced from Kidderminster Shuttle).

Kidderminster Civic Society & the Blue Plaques Scheme

The Kidderminster Civic Society was founded in 1993 following the demolition of the Kidderminster Library and the Schools of Arts and Science. Their objectives are: the promotion of high standards in planning and architecture, the promotion of education in the geography, history and natural history of the area & the preservation, development and improvement of features of historic and public interest.

The Civic Society has erected a number of plaques since its formation in 1993. Pride of place must go to the Piano Building on Weavers Wharf. The Society was heavily criticised for saving the building by getting it listed in 2003. The Piano Building was described as “useless”. Now it is a showcase asset of the town.

Wyre Forest Historical Research Group

This group’s main aim to actively promote the history & heritage of the Wyre Forest area. On their website you can find information about some of Kidderminster’s historic attractions, as well as those of surrounding lcoal areas within the Wyre Forest area.

(Photo sourced from the WFHRG website)

Kidderminster & District Archaeological & Historical Society

Spawned by volunteer workers engaged in excavating the Roman Fort at Larford near Astley, whilst participating in a WEA archaeology course, the Kidderminster and District Archaeological and Historical Society convened its inaugural meeting at the old Kidderminster Museum and Art Gallery in Market Street on Thursday 28th March 1957 (Kidderminster Shuttle 5th April 1957). The meeting was chaired by Dr Graham Webster of Birmingham University who advised “that members should study the town’s history and various place names, generally trying to find out more about the area in which they lived” and that “information should be published for people to study in days to come”.

(Image sourced from organisations website).

St Mary's Church

St. Mary and All Saints is the Parish Church of Kidderminster and has been a centre of Christian Worship since the 15th and 16th centuries. The Medieval building is a Grade I listed. The name Kidderminster tells us that there was an Anglo-Saxon minster here but the exact site is uncertain, however the names of the leading clergy are known from the 12th century onwards and are listed at the west end of the church. The present dark sandstone building dates from the 15th and 16th centuries, but significant restoration was carried out during the 19th century.

Kidderminster Town Baths

Kidderminster became one of the first town of its size (it had a population of about 20,000 people at the time) to have baths, wash house and swimming pool, when the Town Baths opened In Mill Street July 1855.

The move to establish the baths began when some 400 residents submitted a ‘memorial’ to the Town Council in 1851 requesting that the 1846 Baths and Wash Houses Act be adopted (this request itself might have been a response to an outbreak of cholera in the town two years earlier). The Town Council embraced this proposal with enthusiasm and set about to implement the idea.

(Photo sourced from the the baths and wash houses website)

The Town Council

Agendas & Minutes

We will post the agendas and minutes for all civic meetings held at the Town Council on this page. 

Councillers

Kidderminster Parish Council was formed on 1/12/15 and is made up of 18 district councillors for Kidderminster. 

Meeting Dates

A calendar of forthcoming meetings and important dates within the Town Council. 

Policies & Reports

A resource of Accounts, Policies and Reports of the Kidderminster Town Council.

Circa 1860

TOWN POPULATION

NATIONAL LOTTERY FUNDING

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