The construction of the Hartlebury Castle dates back to the mid 13th Century in order to serve as residence to the Bishops of Worcester. The land on which the manor has been built was given by the King Burgred of Mercia. The castle served as a residence from the 13th Century till 2008 and was then put up for sale. However in March 2015, with a lot effort, the Hartlebury Castle Preservation Trust finally purchased the castle. It also houses the Worcestershire County Museum which is open to the public.
Nestled amid the beautiful Cotswolds, this castle was once the home of Katherine Parr, wife of Henry VIII; her body is buried in the castle church. Sudeley also played an important role in the Civil War. Today, the castle is the home of the Dent Brocklehurst family and houses many paintings by Turner, Constable, Van Dyck and Rubens as well as fine furniture. The expansive grounds comprise splendid gardens, an adventure playground, picnic area and a wildfowl sanctuary. An audio tour of the castle is available and there is an exhibition center and restaurant. Wheelchair access is applicable only in certain areas, so do inquire before vising the castle.
Free to enter, Herbert Art Gallery & Museum focuses on Coventry's past with exhibitions that are inclusive of exclusive original documents. It also includes Graham Sutherland's sketches for his tapestry in Coventry Cathedral (which is nearby). Other exhibitions detail various aspects of this city's history (most famous for Lady Godiva) and works of contemporary art.
Moseley Bog is maintained as a local nature reserve and forms a part of the Shire Country Park. Historically the bog was once the site of a secondary reservoir which, although drained, has led to the development of wet woodlands and fens. These rare habitats support a plethora of specialized species of plant and wildlife. The sound of Coldbath brook flowing through the bog serves as a soothing background score accompanied by birdsong. The Coldbath pond serves as the origin of the brook and is teaming with amphibians. The reserve is also home to the burnt mounds which have provided evidence of human activity in the area during the Bronze Age. So beautiful is the bog that it has even served as an inspiration to the renown author J. R. R. Tolkein, who fashioned the forests of his Middle-earth upon Moseley Bog.
Enjoy the spectacular journey through the motoring history of the 20th Century. Cotswold Motoring Museum exhibits in its efficient and distinct area a vast collection of motorcycles, cars, bicycles and caravans, and special 20th-century memorabilia. The main children attraction at the museum is the very popular Brum, a television star car. Check the website for more.