The antiques escape:

ELEANOR O’KANE goes on a heritage trail in Worcestershire while antiques expert Philip Serrell reveals his own highlights

Worcestershire Antiques expert and television presenter, Philip Serrell shares his favourite haunts in Worcestershire

The county of Worcestershire has made some significant contributions to English culture. It was here that Royal Worcester, one of the oldest and best-known china brands in the world, was established; the county is also the birthplace of the composer Edward Elgar and, in 1837, the iconic condiment Worcestershire Sauce was invented in the city. But for any visitor, the first port of call should be Worcester’s magnificent cathedral, (worcestercathedral.co.uk). This religious site has seventh- century origins and has recently undergone a programme of restoration that was completed in 2011. Its library contains almost 300 medieval manuscripts as well as a music collection with works by Elgar.

Dating back to 1751, Royal Worcester is one of the oldest English ceramics brands, and the Museum of Royal Worcester in the city (museumofroyalworcester.org) tells its story. Housed in the former factory works, the museum contains over 10,000 ceramic objects. Among the collection, look out for the country’s earliest blue-and-white porcelain pieces. Also in the heart of the city, Greyfriars’ House and Garden is a historic jewel (nationaltrust.org.uk/greyfriarshouse-and- garden). This late medieval merchant’s house is packed with pieces that reveal its intriguing past, including six working antique clocks and 70 painted doorstops.

View of Hanbury Hall across the parterre garden ABOVE RIGHT Many of the walls and ceilings at Hanbury Hall are painted by Sir James Thornhill