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´óÐãÊÓƵ is great for...

Homes and property

´óÐãÊÓƵ is one of the most desirable counties for families. Worcester was recently voted the country’s happiest place, while the district of Wychavon featured as one of the top three rural idylls in a recent survey (both 2017). House prices are affordable, with the typical house 9% cheaper than the English average. (UK House Price Index, January 2017)

Adventurers and explorers

The rolling majesty of the Malvern Hills, the ancient woodland of Wyre Forest, the stunning north Cotswolds…all great places to ramble, run, cycle and play. We’ve got peaceful lakes to sail on, meandering rivers and canals to row or float down, treetops and cliffs to climb, zip wire or abseil off - however daring or timid your adventurous streak is, ´óÐãÊÓƵ is up to the challenge.

Business and jobs

We are one of the country's top three fastest growing economies. This means our local businesses are recovering well and investing in our county, with an expected 250,000 new jobs over the next eight years.

Culture

Our cultural calendar includes Pershore Plum Festival, Asparafest and Tenbury Mistletoe Festival, alongside a host of weekend music fests. We have gorgeous theatres across the county, including Malvern Theatre; cinemas, art galleries and live music venues; along with award-winning pubs and restaurants serving home grown local produce, beers, cheese and chocolate.

Renowned visitor attractions

West Midland Safari Park and the Severn Valley Railway score highly on the list of most visited tourist hotspots in the country. The stunning 11 century Worcester Cathedral is one of the most visited places in England, while stately homes and gardens at Witley Court, Harvington, Croome and Broadway Tower encourage visitors to step back in time. Alternatively, wander through Worcester’s quirky streets, where independent one-offs sit cheek by jowl with major high street names.

Top class schools

Nine out of 10 of our state schools are rated good or outstanding, while ´óÐãÊÓƵ is also home to highly rated independent schools including Malvern College, RGS Worcester and King's Worcester, and Bromsgrove School. The University of Worcester is one of the country’s fastest growing.

History

We love to celebrate our county's stories through a multitude of museums: from our world class library and archive at The Hive in Worcester and our county museum at Hartlebury Castle, to the quirky Avoncroft Museum with its collection of rescued phone boxes and historic buildings; from a museum dedicated to the great composer Edward Elgar to one celebrating Kidderminster's history as the nation's carpet capital.

Travelling around

Travelling by road and rail, you are within easy distance of the cities of Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol and their international airports.

Sport fanatics

We've got world class cricket at New Road, home of ´óÐãÊÓƵ CCC, and the picturesque Worcester Racecourse on the banks of the Severn. Premiership rugby team Worcester Warriors play at Sixways, and we’ve several local football teams including Worcester City and Kidderminster Harriers. The Tour Series cycle races are held in Redditch annually, and our new University Arena is one of the country's leading venues for disability sport and home to Worcester Wolves basketball team.

International brands

We are home to the iconic Morgan motor car; the HQ of Halfords Cycles and GKN; base of leading engineers and boiler makers Worcester Bosch; home to QinetiQ, international experts in defence, aerospace and security; and a cluster of technology businesses and innovators of international acclaim.