Greyfriars House and Garden, Worcester
Discover the rich history and timeless charm of Greyfriars, a late-medieval timber-framed house nestled in Worcester’s historic heart.
Greyfriars House and Garden is a late-medieval timber-framed merchant's house located in the heart of Worcester. Built circa 1490, it features original carved beams, a walled garden with Italianate elements, and a rich history of varied uses from wealthy residence to shops. Now a National Trust property, it offers guided tours revealing its layered past, alongside a charming café and a second-hand bookshop nearby.
A brief summary to National Trust - Greyfriars House and Garden
- 14 Friar St., Worcester, WR1 2LZ, GB
- +44190523571
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 11 am-3 pm
Local tips
- Join the guided tours available Tuesday to Saturday to fully appreciate the house’s history and architecture.
- Relax in the Italianate walled garden and enjoy homemade cakes and light snacks at the Old Oak Café.
- Visit the charming second-hand bookshop across the street for a unique literary find.
- Check tour availability in advance if traveling from afar, as tours depend on volunteer guides.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus
Take the local bus service to Worcester city centre; from there, Greyfriars House is a short 10-minute walk. Bus fares typically range from £2 to £4, with frequent daily services.
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Train
Arrive at Worcester Foregate Street station, approximately 1.5 km from Greyfriars. A taxi or a 20-minute walk through the city centre will bring you to the house. Taxi fares start around £6.
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Car
Driving to Greyfriars is possible with nearby public car parks available; expect a 10-15 minute walk from parking. Parking fees vary between £3 and £10 depending on duration and location.
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Walking
If staying nearby in Worcester, a walk of 10-20 minutes through the historic city centre offers an accessible and pleasant route to Greyfriars, with mostly flat terrain.
National Trust - Greyfriars House and Garden location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about National Trust - Greyfriars House and Garden
A Late-Medieval Merchant’s Home Preserved
Greyfriars House and Garden stands as a remarkable example of late 15th-century timber-framed architecture in Worcester’s historic centre. Constructed around 1490 for Thomas Grene, a prosperous brewer, and his wife Elizabeth, the house was built adjacent to a Franciscan monastery known as Greyfriars. Its exterior showcases original close-studded timbering with intricate carved ornaments, while inside, visitors find a great parlour adorned with original carved beams and early 17th-century panelling featuring a frieze of Welsh dragons. These authentic features offer a vivid glimpse into the lifestyle of wealthy medieval merchants.Transformation Through Centuries
Over the centuries, Greyfriars evolved from a single-family home into a multi-purpose building housing shops, businesses, and residences. In 1699, a baker acquired the lease and divided the house into two parts. The property then served diverse trades including leather goods, hats, bread, and umbrellas, and even briefly housed a tavern known as the Old Oak Tavern. The back garden saw the construction of ten cottages in the early 19th century. By the 1930s, the house had fallen into decline and faced demolition, but was rescued and meticulously restored mid-20th century by dedicated siblings Elsie and Matley Moore, whose efforts preserved this historic gem for future generations.National Trust Stewardship and Visitor Experience
Since 1966, Greyfriars has been under the care of the National Trust, which maintains the house and garden as a cultural heritage site. Visitors can explore the house only via guided tours that peel back layers of history, revealing stories of its inhabitants and transformations. The tours are run on a walk-in basis Tuesday to Saturday, providing an intimate and informative experience. The adjacent walled garden features Italianate design elements and offers a tranquil setting to relax. The Old Oak Café, located within the house, serves hot and cold drinks, homemade cakes, and light snacks, enhancing the visitor experience.Architectural and Historical Significance
Greyfriars is a Grade I listed building, recognized for its historical and architectural importance. The timber framing and tiled roof remain largely intact, with additions from the Elizabethan era and later centuries blending harmoniously. The house’s survival through centuries of social and economic change, and its restoration story, highlight its resilience and the value placed on heritage conservation in Worcester. The collection of period furnishings and decorative arts inside further enriches the narrative of life in a prosperous medieval merchant’s home.Surroundings and Additional Attractions
Across the street from Greyfriars is a two-storey second-hand bookshop offering a wide range of preloved books, a favorite spot for literary enthusiasts. The house’s central location in Worcester places it near other cultural landmarks, parks, and eateries, making it a rewarding stop for those exploring the city’s rich history. The garden’s peaceful atmosphere, combined with the historic ambiance of the house, creates a unique blend of relaxation and discovery.Conservation and Accessibility Efforts
While Greyfriars’ medieval structure presents challenges for full accessibility, the National Trust is committed to making the site welcoming to as many visitors as possible. Partial wheelchair access is available, and information is provided to help guests plan their visit accordingly. The property’s conservation is an ongoing effort, balancing preservation with visitor engagement to keep the house and garden vibrant parts of Worcester’s heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
Tudor House Museum
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Step back into Tudor England at Worcester’s authentic Tudor House Museum, where history lives in every beam and corner.
Spin The Black Circle
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The Shambles, Worcester
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Medieval butchers' street transformed into a charming independent shopping destination in Worcester's historic heart.
Sir Edward Elgar
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Honoring Sir Edward Elgar, Worcestershire’s celebrated composer whose timeless music shaped British classical heritage.
Discover History Walking Tours
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Step back in time with engaging themed walking tours that reveal the rich history and hidden stories of Worcester.
Edgar Tower
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Discover the historic Edgar Tower in Worcester, an architectural gem offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into the city's rich heritage.
St Andrews Spire (Glover's Needle)
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Worcester’s towering 245-foot slender spire, Glover's Needle, blends historic architecture, industrial heritage, and wildlife conservation in a scenic riverside setting.
The Commandery
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Explore Worcester’s iconic Civil War headquarters with immersive history, beautiful gardens, and a cozy canal-side café.
Museum of Royal Worcester
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Fort Royal Park
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Historic hilltop park in Worcester offering panoramic views, Civil War heritage, and family-friendly play areas.
Crowngate Shopping Centre
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Worcester’s vibrant city-centre shopping and dining destination with over 60 stores and diverse eateries in a modern, accessible setting.
Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum
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The Infirmary Museum
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Chapter Meadows
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Gheluvelt Park
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Essential places to dine
The Botanist Worcester
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Chesters Restaurant & Bar
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Vibrant Mexican and Tex-Mex dining in Worcester with standout vegan options and a lively, colorful atmosphere.
Miller & Carter Worcester
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Savor expertly grilled steaks in the heart of Worcester’s Cathedral Square, where classic charm meets modern dining excellence.
Côte Worcester
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Farriers Arms
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Anatolian Palace Turkish Mediterranean Grill Restaurant
0.2 km
Experience authentic Turkish flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Worcester’s Crowngate Shopping Centre.
The Olive Branch Mediterranean Bistro & Wine Bar
0.3 km
A cozy Mediterranean bistro in Worcester offering exceptional tapas, a curated wine list, and a welcoming atmosphere with vegan-friendly options.
Bill's Worcester Restaurant
0.3 km
A lively British restaurant in Worcester city centre offering fresh, flavorful dishes and a welcoming family-friendly atmosphere.
Benedicto's Italian Restaurant
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Experience authentic Italian stonebaked pizzas and classic dishes in a warm, rustic setting at Benedicto's in Worcester.
Browns at the Quay
0.4 km
Elegant modern European dining with riverside views, attentive service, and a refined atmosphere in the heart of Worcester.
Island
0.4 km
Authentic Greek flavors and warm Mediterranean hospitality in the heart of Worcester’s vibrant Broad Street.
Yeliz Blossom Room Turkish Grill Restaurant
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Authentic Turkish flavors and warm hospitality in a historic Worcester setting, perfect for savoring traditional grills and mezes.
Burger Shop Worcester
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Creative, locally sourced gourmet burgers served in a unique railway arch setting in the heart of Worcester.
Valentinos
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Hickory's - Worcester
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Sassy Boutique Ltd
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Karma Shack
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SWAN Boutique Worcester
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Discover chic designer fashion, unique gifts, and personalized style in the heart of historic Worcester at SWAN Boutique.
25 Boutique
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Discover elegant ladies' fashion in a charming historic setting at 25 Boutique, Worcester’s refined shopping destination.
White Stuff Worcester
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Discover stylish, sustainable fashion for men, women, and children at White Stuff Worcester on High Street.
Hothouse Worcester
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Discover unique gifts and stylish accessories in the heart of Worcester’s historic Shambles at Hothouse, where quality meets charm.
Cathedral Square
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Worcester’s vibrant city centre destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment just steps from the historic Cathedral.
Emporio Worcester
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Discover affordable luxury and personalized styling at Emporio Worcester, a stylish boutique blending timeless fashion with English charm.
Bygones Of Worcester
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Acanthus
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Cornucopia Home and Gift
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House of Fraser
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New England Country Store
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Toys & Games Of Worcester UK
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The Works
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Heroes Bar Worcester
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The Conservatory Bar
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All Bar One Worcester
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Keystones Cocktail Club
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Bottles Wine Bar
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Hand In Glove
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The King Charles House
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Paradiddles Music Cafè Bar
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Cocky Anchor
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Kings Head Inn
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Slug & Lettuce - Worcester
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The Courtyard
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The Imperial Tavern
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Sin
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Bushwackers
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The Flag
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Tramps Nightclub
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2 PIGS
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Home and Botanic Nightclub
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Thirteen Degrees
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Coco
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The 21 Club
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Under the Prom
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Popworld - Cheltenham
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MooMoo Clubrooms Cheltenham
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The Stratford Upon Avon Bridge Club
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Stratford Play House
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Fat Cat Comedy Club
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
