Families have been offered a fun way to discover 12 of Worcester’s most historic and iconic buildings with a new passport scheme.
The Worcester Passport is a tourism initiative that will see visitors to each of the attractions receive a special stamp from each one.
Once they have collected all the stamps, they win a keepsake – a “History Hound of Worcester” badge which can be picked up from the Tourist Information Centre.
Tourism officials said it was a free and family-friendly way to explore the city’s rich heritage and there was no time-limit for completing the challenge.
The buildings can be visited in any order.
People can collect their complimentary Worcester Passport from the Worcester Tourist Information Centre, which is open Monday to Saturday, including bank holidays.
Ruth Smith, Worcester Tourist Information Centre manager, said it was hoped that the scheme would encourage people to discover “the fascinating history woven throughout our city”.
She said: “This free initiative is a perfect way to explore Worcester’s most treasured buildings during the summer months and beyond, whether you’re a resident here or a visitor.”
Some of the attractions, such as the cathedral and Guildhall, were well-known, she said, but others might be new discoveries.
“We hope this challenge inspires both locals and tourists to experience the full breadth of Worcester’s historic charm,” she added.
The 12 participating attractions are:
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Worcester Tourist Information Centre, which has information and maps
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Worcester Cathedral overlooking the River Severn in the city centre
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The Guildhall dating back to 1721, once the seat of justice – and a prison
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The Hive an architect-designed library for the university and public
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Worcester Art Gallery & Museum housing the city’s fine art collection
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The Commandery once the Royalist Headquarters in the English Civil War
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The Infirmary Museum one of England’s oldest hospitals
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The Masonic Museum containing artefacts from the history of Freemasonry
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The George Marshall Museum with a reconstructed Victorian operating theatre
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Greyfriars House a late 15th Century timber-framed house in the city
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Museum of Royal Worcester housing a collection of Worcester porcelain
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Tudor House Museum once a collection of small weavers’ cottages
Tanya Gupta
BBC News, West Midlands
BBC Hereford & Worcester
