The Commandery
Explore centuries of history at The Commandery, Charles II's Civil War HQ and the site of England's last battle. A journey through time.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
The Commandery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more immersive
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore centuries of history at The Commandery, Charles II's Civil War HQ and the site of England's last battle. A journey through time.
"A fascinating walk through time over several hundred years, highly recommended!"
⏳ Allow ample time
Give yourself 90 mins to 2 hours to explore fully. Don't rush the history! :clock1:
🗺️ Follow the suggested route
The historical trail is well-laid out. Use the provided plan to avoid getting lost. :compass:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
English Civil War Battleground
The Commandery
Step into Charles II's former headquarters during the final battle of the Civil War. Feel the history of this pivotal moment.
Prince Arthur's Funeral Pall
The Commandery
See a rare artifact with deep historical connections, a testament to the building's long and varied past.
Echoes of Eras
The Commandery
Experience the building's transformation through different historical periods, from medieval times to its role in the Civil War.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Time Travel Awaits: Plan Your Visit
Unlocking Worcester's Past
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Allow ample time
Give yourself 90 mins to 2 hours to explore fully. Don't rush the history! :clock1:
🗺️ Follow the suggested route
The historical trail is well-laid out. Use the provided plan to avoid getting lost. :compass:
👻 Spooky encounters?
One room is allegedly haunted. Keep an open mind for a unique experience! :ghost:
☕ Relax at the cafe
Enjoy refreshments in a lovely spot by the canal after your visit. :coffee:
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Allow ample time
Give yourself 90 mins to 2 hours to explore fully. Don't rush the history! :clock1:
🗺️ Follow the suggested route
The historical trail is well-laid out. Use the provided plan to avoid getting lost. :compass:
👻 Spooky encounters?
One room is allegedly haunted. Keep an open mind for a unique experience! :ghost:
☕ Relax at the cafe
Enjoy refreshments in a lovely spot by the canal after your visit. :coffee:
📸 Camera quirks
One visitor reported their camera acting strangely in a specific room! :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise The Commandery for its fascinating historical insights, particularly its role in the English Civil War, and the palpable atmosphere of the ancient building. The friendly staff, lovely garden, and canal-side cafe are also highlights. Some suggest enhancements like more interactive displays and improved garden maintenance could elevate the experience further.
"Fascinating and very spooky this museum is perfect for a soggy summer morning and it's really easy to get a feel for the different eras of the building. The staff are welcoming and helpful and the curation is easy to understand and sympathetic. The garden is lovely and the café is great too. My camera started taking pictures on its own in one room. What fun."
Lighthouse Tai Chi
"A fascinating walk through time over several hundred years. Focused on the English Civil War, as it was the Royalist HQ for their last stand, but the Commandery is much more than that. Highly recommended"
Nick Nugent
"During a very cultural day spent in Worcester (see my other reviews for the cathedral and gallery) I made this my third dose of history.
I was really surprised at the scale of this museum. Entering from the main road I thought it would be a compact place but no, it's a big'un!
Give yourself around 90 minutes to two hours at least to make your way around here to get the best experience. My advice would also be to listen carefully when you're advised on the best route to take and to use the plan provided. Maybe it was down to me not paying close enough attention to either of these or simply because I'm a bit of a prat but I did get lost and ended up doing a few laps. On the plus side I got more of an opportunity to take everything in (including a death mask; keep a lookout for that).
One of the rooms in particular is allegedly haunted but as I stood alone there, with my eyes closed, the only sounds and feelings were my rumbling stomach (I was a tad hungry by this point). Never mind.
Lots to learn and experience here. The historical trail you follow - at least twice in my case - is very interesting.
It's a brilliant museum and I thoroughly recommend it."
Jake Cox
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Commandery is located in Worcester, England. It's easily accessible by car and public transport. If arriving by train, the nearest station is Worcester Foregate Street, which is a short walk or taxi ride away. +1
Information on specific parking availability and costs can be found on The Commandery's official website or by contacting them directly. It's advisable to check in advance, especially during peak times.
Yes, The Commandery is within walking distance of Worcester's city center, making it convenient for those exploring the city on foot.
If you're driving, use a GPS or navigation app. For public transport, trains to Worcester Foregate Street are frequent. From the station, a short taxi ride or a pleasant walk will get you there.
Worcester has a good bus network. Check local bus routes for stops closest to The Commandery. The city center is also well-served by public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee is around £9, which is considered reasonable for the historical depth offered. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially for group visits or during busy periods, is a good idea to secure your entry and potentially avoid queues.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check The Commandery's official website for the most up-to-date information on opening times before your visit.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, or families. Check the official website or inquire directly for details on any concessionary rates.
Yes, The Commandery welcomes group visits. It's advisable to contact them in advance to arrange your group booking and discuss any specific requirements.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore exhibits on the English Civil War, Charles II's headquarters, and the building's history across different eras. Don't miss Prince Arthur's Funeral Pall and the allegedly haunted room.
Visitors generally recommend allocating at least 90 minutes to two hours to fully experience The Commandery and its exhibits.
Yes, children can enjoy The Commandery. One visitor mentioned their 10-year-old granddaughter loved everything about it, with friendly staff and well-displayed artifacts.
While the historical trail is engaging, some visitors suggest more interactive digital elements could enhance the experience.
The Commandery has a lovely garden that offers a peaceful retreat. It's a great spot to relax, though some feel it could benefit from more regular maintenance and interpretive signage.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is an on-site cafe located in a beautiful spot on the canal. It's a great place to relax and reflect after your visit.
The cafe offers refreshments and has a limited menu. Visitors find it cozy, and it's a charming spot to enjoy a break.
The cafe provides options for lunch, though the menu is described as limited. It's a convenient place to grab a bite while visiting.
Worcester city center offers a wide array of restaurants, pubs, and cafes if you're looking for more extensive dining choices after your visit.
It's best to inquire directly with the cafe staff about specific dietary options or restrictions they can accommodate.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions within certain exhibits or rooms.
The historical rooms, the garden, and the exterior architecture offer great photographic opportunities. The unique atmosphere of the building itself is very photogenic.
Photography rules for specific artifacts like the Funeral Pall may vary. Look for signage or ask staff if you're unsure about photographing sensitive items.
One room is rumored to be haunted. While you can take photos, the experience might be more about the atmosphere than the visual.
A camera with good low-light performance would be beneficial for the historical interiors. However, most modern smartphones can capture the ambiance effectively.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the focus is on history, the 'spooky' elements and the sheer scale of the building can add an element of adventure. It's advisable to allow ample time so children don't feel rushed, and the cafe offers a welcome break for snacks and refreshments.
🏛️ History Buffs
Beyond the Civil War, the building itself tells a story through its architecture and the various eras it has witnessed. The detailed curation and the palpable atmosphere of the ancient structure provide a rich and immersive experience for any history enthusiast.
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
Even if you don't encounter any spirits, the historical context of the building, combined with its age and varied past, makes for a compelling visit. It's a unique aspect that sets The Commandery apart from many other historical sites.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Commandery: A Civil War Stronghold
The museum effectively conveys the gravity of this conflict, which pitted countrymen against each other. The exhibits are curated to be understandable and sympathetic, offering a poignant glimpse into a defining chapter of English history.
Visitors often remark on the palpable sense of history within The Commandery. The uneven floors and rarely square rooms contribute to an authentic atmosphere, making it a truly immersive experience for history enthusiasts.
Beyond the Battlefield: The Commandery's Enduring Legacy
The site is also known for its alleged hauntings, adding a layer of intrigue for those interested in the supernatural. One room, in particular, is often cited as being particularly active. While one visitor found no spectral activity, the stories themselves contribute to the building's mystique.
The Commandery also boasts a lovely garden and a cafe situated by a canal, providing a peaceful contrast to the historical narratives. These amenities offer visitors a chance to relax and reflect on the stories they've encountered, making for a well-rounded visit.
Enhancing the Visitor Experience
The gardens, though pleasant, are noted as needing more regular maintenance and interpretive signage to become a more integral part of the visitor experience. Additionally, the gift shop is described as small and somewhat hidden, with suggestions to relocate it to the exit and expand its offerings to better capture souvenir sales from satisfied visitors.
The on-site cafe, while cozy and well-located, has a limited menu and space. Expanding its offerings and capacity could make it a more appealing spot for visitors to relax. Despite these suggestions, the overall sentiment is that The Commandery is a treasure worth visiting and supporting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit