AS the summer moves into view, the National Trust has a packed programme of events across Worcestershire.
Whether you’re longing for scenic walks, hands‑on activities or live classical music, there’s something for everyone as the region’s nature and heritage burst into life.
‘Blossom bathing’ gets the programme underway in the warmer months, while the final event of the year is a live performance of one of Sir Edward Elgar’s masterpieces.
Here is a selection of some of the best activities and events the National Trust has to offer at its beauty spots.
‘Blossom bathing’ at Hanbury Hall
National Trust’s Hanbury Hall in Droitwich Spa (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)
Visitors can wander through a sea of spring blooms and enjoy blossom‑themed activities at the country house, garden and park.
Several species of tree — including pear, apple and cherry — burst into life between March and May.
The National Trust was inspired by the Japanese tradition of Hanami, or flower viewing, to create the festival.
The idea is to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of blooming blossoms across the country.
Visitors are invited to try ‘blossom bathing’ in a walled orchard filled with 56 varieties of heritage, pink‑tinged apple trees.
A yoga mat and a deep breath are recommended by the charity during a restful pause beneath this soothing scene.
Tickets
Free event (admission applies)
Where is it?
Hanbury Hall, School Road, Hanbury, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire, WR9 7EA
Open‑air theatre at Croome
Croome Court will play host to live theatre (Image: National Trust)
Croome’s historic parkland will provide a sumptuous natural setting for a staging of Shakespeare’s Othello.
The Lord Chamberlain’s Men will take to the stage on June 13, with visitors invited to bring their own seating.
The play, due to take place on the south lawn opposite the house, is billed by the National Trust as “open‑air theatre at its most authentic”.
The parkland includes walled gardens designed by another great name, Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, while the house is the brainchild of the 6th Earl of Coventry, regarded as an 18th‑century trend‑setter.
Tickets
Adults £21.08, children £13.70
Where is it?
Near High Green, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR8 9DW
Greyfriars House and Garden
Greyfriars House and Garden has a lively programme of events (Image: NQ Staff)
A lively programme of much‑loved plays takes place at Greyfriars House and Garden throughout the summer.
The late‑medieval merchant’s house and English walled garden in the heart of Worcester is staging five shows between now and August.
Next up is award‑winning actor Jonathan Goodwin’s take on Sherlock Holmes, where he plays the fabled sleuth and a host of other characters.
Goodwin’s one‑man version of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles is billed as an atmospheric drama.
The house and garden then host four outdoor theatre productions of family favourites, starting with Jules Verne’s classic Around the World in 80 Days on July 10.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Lady Windermere’s Fan follow on August 7, with Jeeves and Wooster in Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves rounding off the season on August 14.
Tickets
The Hound of the Baskervilles – £16
Around the World in 80 Days – £18 (adults), £12 (under 18s), and £16 (over 60s)
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz – £12 (single) & £44 (family)
Lady Windermere’s Fan – £18
Jeeves and Wooster in ‘Stiff Upper Lip, Jeeves’ – £18, £12 (under-18s) & £16 (over 60s)
Where is it?
14 Friar Street, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR1 2LZ
Elgar celebrated at The Firs
Elgar will be celebrated at The Firs, the great composer’s birthplace (Image: NQ Staff)
As the birthplace of Sir Edward Elgar, the small family home in the Malvern Hills is naturally a hub for classical music.
Next up is a chance to experience Elgar’s Cello Concerto live in a recital by cellist Corinne Frost and pianist Janine Parsons.
The performance includes an introductory talk by Elgar expert Richard Westwood‑Brookes. Tickets for the April 19 show are sold out, but seats remain for the October 11 performance.
The cottage and garden will also provide a charming backdrop for a morning concert by Volante Strings on May 2.
The programme features Frost in Boccherini’s Cello Concerto, plus Elgar’s Serenade and Janáček’s Suite for Strings.
Frost then returns between May 3 and June 6 to play cello music by British composers — including Elgar — and will take requests, classical or otherwise, with the chance of creating a personalised ‘sound portrait’ for guests.
Elgar Festival celebrations take centre stage during the May half‑term, when The Firs has extra open days between May 26 and May 28.
Events themed around the composer include a recital of This Fragile Beauty, which explores how WWI shaped creative voices.
Featuring soprano, piano, violin and narrator, the performance includes wartime works by several composers, as well as Elgar’s A Voice in the Desert from the Belgian perspective, on May 26.
Elgar to Holst: A Showcase of British Composers follows on June 14, while Experience Einaudi, a live piano event with Daniel J Collins, runs between June 21 and August 23.
The year is rounded off by Rhythms of Spain: A Dazzling Cello & Piano Recital on July 19 and Inspiring Elgar: The Composers Who Shaped a Genius on October 4.
The final show will treat audiences to music by composers Elgar most admired, performed by Corinne Frost and Clare Toomer, with insights from Richard Westwood‑Brookes.
Tickets
An Audience with Corinne and the Elgar Festival is free once admission is paid. Other performances are priced between £12 and £15.
Check The Firs’ website for specific events.
Where is it?
Elgar’s Birthplace, Crown East Lane, Lower Broadheath, Worcestershire, WR2 6RH
For booking and further information visit the National Trust website here
