If you’re planning a vacation in the area, there are many fun things to do in Alcester, including exploring the Roman Alcester Heritage Centre and the town’s historic buildings. Located in the Stratford-on-Avon district, Alcester is only a few miles from the Worcestershire border.
Roman Alcester Heritage Centre
The Roman Alcester Heritage Centre is located in Alcester and contains a fascinating collection of Roman artefacts. Visitors can enjoy a variety of hands-on activities and events during their visit. You can also go on a self-guided tour of the museum and hear the stories behind the objects. The museum is suitable for groups of all ages and is a great place for school groups.
The museum was previously closed due to the coronavirus pandemic but is now open on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Social distancing measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of visitors. You can visit the museum for free and see objects from the Roman era. There are also hands-on activities to engage children in learning about the Roman period.
The Alcester Museum is a small, volunteer-run museum. Visitors can see replicas of Roman costumes and try on Roman clothes. They can also meet and talk to characters from the Roman era. You can also take part in a fun trail for PS1, which involves a journey through the city of Alcester and searching for clues in the museum. It takes about an hour to complete and is suitable for children from seven to twelve.
There were two Roman finds in the town. One coin was discovered in the back garden of a house in Evesham Street, and another was discovered in the Bleachfield Street allotments. In 1996, archaeology teams also discovered a Roman feature filled with pebbles. Another feature found at the site was an excavation at Acorn House. The excavation of this property revealed extensive Roman deposits that were well preserved.
St Nicholas Church
Located in the heart of Alcester, St Nicholas Parish Church is home to an unusual clock that is visible from the High Street. The churchyard is surrounded by Georgian-style houses and features the historic Old Rectory, which stands opposite the church. Despite its rural setting, Alcester has plenty to offer visitors, including a good selection of shops and restaurants. The town also hosts the Minerva Mill Innovation Centre, which provides workspace for start-up companies.
Kinwarton Dovecote
The 14th century Kinwarton Dovecote is a circular structure situated in Warwickshire near Alcester. It’s owned by the National Trust and is a scheduled monument. It’s well worth a visit if you’re in the area.
The dovecote dates back to the 14th century and is an impressive structure, with its metre-thick walls and hundreds of nesting niches. It even has an original rotating ladder. Visitors can climb the ladder to the top of the dovecote and admire the view.
The dovecote is only a short walk from the town centre. However, visitors should take care while driving to the site because the road is potholed. There are no public toilets at the dovecote, so be aware of that when visiting.
If you’re visiting the area, you should take the time to visit the National Trust’s Kinwarton Dovecote. Located near Coughton Court, it’s worth a visit if you’re in the area. It’s a unique site and shouldn’t take more than fifteen minutes to tour. The museum is also home to several fascinating paintings and a replica of the medieval Coughton Court.
The road to the dovecote is bumpy but ends at the farm’s fence. There’s a field where you can see the structure, and it’s well worth the time. The structure is impressive – a conical dovecote is very rare in England. Inside, the dovecote’s interior is fascinating. The potence, which is a large wooden structure that supports the dove boxes, is in good shape.
The New Cross Keys
If you’re looking for a unique place to go out for a night out, consider visiting The New Cross Keys in Alcester, Warwickshire. The pub is a great option for live music lovers and has a great reputation for offering good beer and cheap prices. Its atmosphere is one of its main selling points. Currently, it has a 4.9-star rating on Facebook.
Shops of Interest
Alcester is a thriving market town and offers many shops, restaurants, cafes and pubs. The town also hosts a number of events throughout the year. You can find more information about the shops and restaurants in the town guide. Alternatively, you can take a look at our directory of shops and restaurants in Alcester.
Shops and restaurants in Alcester are generally well rated in the VisitEngland survey. Alcester scores well in most categories, including value for money and quality of service. The city’s restaurants, pubs and bars were all well-rated by visitors – 95% rated them as “very satisfied” or “satisfied.”
Alcester is home to several historic buildings. The town’s famous Malt Mill Lane complex is a popular tourist destination, and consists of Georgian and Elizabethan houses dotted around a flower-bedecked byway. Though the town is set amidst rural countryside, Alcester also offers a mix of industry and shopping. It has six schools and a good choice of recreational and sporting facilities.
There are several walking trails throughout the city and nearby towns. A National Trust pub, The Fleece, is located just outside of the town centre. The Fleece is an old pub from the fifteenth century, and is home to artifacts, including witch circles on the floors. The pub also offers excellent food. You can catch a 247 bus from the town center to reach the Fleece.
History of Alcester
The town of Alcester was settled in 1879 by the Western Town Lot Company of Chicago, which had access to the plans for the Chicago Northwest Railroad. The company purchased 135 acres and divided them into 50 lots for $50 each. The first buildings were the railroad depot and a lumber business. By the 1890s, Alcester had a population of about 900. Today, the town is home to several small shops and restaurants.
The town’s weekly market dates back to medieval times. A grant from Edward I was issued to Walter de Beauchamp to hold a market in Alcester on the day and morrow of St. Giles, and on the five days after. Later, the fair was moved to the feast of St. Faith, and in 1320, it was moved to the vigil and feast of St. Barnabas. The next year, a charter to Sir John Beauchamp confirmed the fair on the Sunday after St. Faith and St. Dunstan.
In the early 19th century, the town’s railway station served the Midland Railway, which later became the LMS Railway. The main line of the Birmingham and Gloucester Railway runs through Alcester, Evesham, and Redditch. The Gloucester Loop Line also runs through the town. This line was originally built to bypass most towns, but the Alcester station was part of the Midland Railway.