Worcestershire County Museum

Worcestershire County Museum sits inside Hartlebury Castle near Worcester in the West Midlands. The castle once belonged to the Bishops of Worcester and now houses one of three sites managed by Museums Worcestershire. The museum’s displays began with the Parker family’s collection from Tickenhill Manor in Bewdley. Almost thirty tonnes of objects were donated to show Worcestershire’s folk customs and trades. In 1964 the north wing of the castle was turned into the County Museum and opened to visitors two years later. The displays include archaeological finds, costumes, household items and toys from past centuries. A Victorian schoolroom recreates lessons from the 19th century with original desks and registers. The Transport Gallery shows vehicles once used across the county, from farm carts to early motor cars. Outside, a nature reserve offers paths through woodland and meadows. A café and gift shop provide places to rest and take home small reminders of the visit. Visitors walk through rooms once used by castle residents and now filled with local history. The Victorian schoolroom stands with ink wells and slates still in place. The Transport Gallery displays farm wagons alongside early motorcycles. Outside, the nature reserve has labelled plants and benches for quiet viewing. The café serves light meals and drinks beside windows looking over the grounds. The gift shop sells postcards, books and small reproductions of items in the displays.