St Barbara, Ashton-under-Hill

The Priory Church, Great Malvern

The Abbey Church of the Holy Cross, Pershore (Pershore Abbey)

All Saints, Evesham

Worcester Cathedral

Worcester is one of England's most ancient cathedral sites, having been founded as a Priory in 680AD. It occupies an attractive position on the banks of the River Severn and embodies the full range of mediaeval architectural styles, and retains its crypt and cloisters.

The oldest part of the cathedral is the crypt, built in 1084 by the Saxon Bishop St Wulstan. This has 'cushion' capitals in the Norman style, and is now used as a chapel. Also from the Norman period is the fine chapter house (1120) and the west bays of the nave (1170). The cathedral was rebuilt into its present form from the early 13th century onwards, with the fine Early English Gothic Lady Chapel (1224) followed by the Choir (1269). The Nave, along with the eastern range of the cloister and tower were rebuilt 1317-1395; the Perpendicular tower is often regarded as one of the most finely proportioned in England. The remaining ranges of the cloister were completed in 1404-1438.

The floor of the cathedral is tiled throughout, although the plaster has been stripped from much of the vaulting in the nave and aisles. In contrast, the Choir and Lady Chapel both have exquisitely decorated ceiling vaults. The cathedral contains some notable tombs, including that of King John (d. 1216), who is buried in the choir in front of the altar, and Prince Arthur, Prince of Wales and eldest son of Henry VII (the first husband of Katherine of Aragon, who later married Arthur's brother, Henry VIII). Arthur's tomb is contained in a magnificent chantry chapel on the south side of the choir, erected 1502-04. Other tombs include that of Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin (d. 1947) and a memorial to Sir Edward Elgar (d. 1934 and buried in nearby Great Malvern). The choir stalls also contain a notable set of 14th century misericords.

The Cathedral provides daily services and is noted for its choirs. Along with Hereford and Gloucester, Worcester Cathedral hosts the notable Three Choirs Festival. Dating from the 18th century, it is one of the world's oldest music festivals, and closely associated with the works of both Elgar and Ralph Vaughan-Williams.

Worcester Cathedral, College Yard, Worcester, WR1 2LA

St Michael, Cropthorne

Cropthorne lies mid-way between Evesham and Pershore, and is known for its many fine half-timbered houses. Its church has a charming interior and some impressive monuments.

The church has Saxon origins: the village had a royal hunting lodge, and was presented to the Priory of Worcester by King Offa of Mercia in 786AD. The core of the church we see today was built around 1100-1180, from which survive the nave arcades of plain round arches, and the lower part of the tower. The chancel arch was rebuilt around 1200, along with the western part of the chancel. The aisles were widened and the chancel extended in the 14th century. The clerestory, upper parts of the tower and the porch were added in the 15th century, giving the church its present form.

The interior is charming, but the real interest comes from fixtures and fitting of unusual quality. Pride of place goes to a Saxon cross-head, richly carved with zoomorphic and foliage designs. Dating from around 800AD, it is one of the finest surviving examples of its type in Britain. The north aisle has a fine 14th century tomb recess with a possibly older memorial slab. This is carved with an incised cross, chalice and a hand raised in blessing, suggesting it was for a priest.

Nearby are two fine 17th century tombs, of two generations of the Dingley family. The older tomb, to Francis (d. 1624) and Elizabeth, has fine coloured effigies, Francis in full Jacobean-style armour. The base is charmingly decorated with their 19 children in mourning: three cots indicate children who died in infancy, and two of the daughters were evidently twins. Adjacent is the grand, canopied tomb of Francis's grandson Edward (d. 1646) and his wife Joyce. They face each other kneeling, in mourning dress.

Some of the pews date from the 15th century and have tracery decoration. Finally, a much damaged wall painting above the nave arcade, said to depict St Christopher the Hermit, dated to the 1300s.

The church is the centre of a busy parish of five villages, with regular services (see website for details).

St Michael's Church, Main Street, Cropthorne, Pershore, Worcestershire WR10 3LU