This colorful town looks like it could be in the Netherlands but it’s actually here in the Midlands. Postcard- pretty Tenbury Wells is a lovely place to go for independent shops, pubs and cafes plus some very interesting architecture.
Set on the River Teme in the heart of Worcestershire, the town was once said to have been called ‘my little town in the Orchard’ by Queen Victoria. There’s a lovely playground right by The Burgage and Palmers Meadows, a swimming pool and an art deco cinema and theater called The Regal which hosts a variety of shows throughout the year.
Tenbury boasts a large number of listed buildings, including several 17th century half timbered, although some are obscured by Victorian brick frontages so you have to keep a keen eye open for unusual decorations. The picturesque Pump Rooms is tucked away at the end of Teme Street, just behind the Crow Hotel and next to The Burgage car park by the Burgage, so you wouldn’t find it unless you know where to look!
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Built in 1862 to promote the town as a spa for the working classes, the building is now Grade II* Listed and totally unique, featuring an original well and fountain as well as an exhibition about the development of the spa. You can usually knock on the door and, if you ask nicely, you may be given a tour. However, since the Covid pandemic struck, the offices have been closed so this is not currently possible. It’s still well worth having a look around the exterior of this curious building though and taking some unusual selfies.
The picturesque Pump Rooms in Tenbury Wells
The Pump Rooms venue is available for hire and is registered for civil wedding ceremonies. There’s also the Old Post Office which dates back to 1902 and Tenbury House which was erected in 1815 and features buildings that date back to the early 18th century.
Tenbury Music Festival is a popular annual event, taking place at the end of June each year at the Burgage Recreation Ground in the center of town. In the past it has featured bands like The Lightning Seeds.
The most ornate pub in Tenbury is the Royal Oak, with the oldest probably being the Pembroke House. To find out more visit the Tenbury Wells website.
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A spokesman for Visit The Malverns said: “Tenbury Wells, situated on the banks of the River Teme and marking the border between Worcestershire, Shropshire and Herefordshire, was once said to have been called ‘my little Town in the Orchard’ by Queen Victoria. It is now perhaps best known for its annual holly and mistletoe sales which are said to be one of the largest in the country.
“Tenbury still retains the kind of retailers that are now distant memories in many towns, such as Banfields Ironmongers where you find everything from screws to light bulbs. There is also a fresh Fish Shop, a range of gift and clothes shops and grocers. Alongside local supermarkets, other specialist food shops supply a range of local produce.”
She added: “The Round Market is open every Saturday and on a Tuesday, you can visit the Country Market in the Scout Hut next to the Swimming Pool where you can buy plants, crafts and local produce, all made local to Tenbury. Visitors are made very welcome to the town.”
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