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The Firs
Worcestershire & HerefordshireBirthplace of Sir Edward Elgar
Elgar’s Birthplace, Crown East Lane, Lower Broadheath, Worcestershire, WR2 6RH
Important notice
Please note there is no access through Bell Lane. We recommend getting here via the A44 or through Martley.
Opening times for 6 November 2025
Asset Opening time House Closed Visitor centre and Cottage Garden Closed Café - Little Al's Kitchen at The Firs will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10am-3.30pm. Last entry to the property is 3.30pm.
MTWTFSS2728293031123456789101112131415161718192021222324252627282930OpenPartially openClosedWhole Property from March 2025
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £12.10 £11.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £6.10 £5.50 Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children) £33.30 £27.50 1 Adult Family £18.20 £16.50 Group (Adult 18+) £10.45 Group (Child 5-17) £5.23 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Bookshop
- Car park
- Dogs allowed
Dogs are welcome on leads within all areas of the visitor centre, café and the cottage garden. Assistance dogs only in Cottage.
- Toilet
Designated mobility parking in main car park. Wheelchair access to visitor centre and garden - limited wheelchair access to cottage. Accessible toilet located in visitor centre.
- Accessible toilet
- Designated parking
- Drop-off point
- Level access/terrain
- Seating available
- By road
- From the north or south via the M5, exit at Junc 7 and follow A44 Worcester South. Follow A4440 around the south of Worcester then A44 towards Bromyard, turn off right after 0.4 mile. Follow the brown signs for Elgar Birthplace. From the west follow A44 towards Worcester and turn left into Crown East Lane at the brown signs for Elgar Birthplace.Sat Nav: Follow directions to postcode WR2 6RH and the brown signs for Elgar Birthplace.
- By train
- The nearest railway station is at Worcester. From the station we suggest a taxi or public transport. See below for bus information.
- By bus
- Take the Astons 308 from Crowngate Bus Station in Worcester which passes The Firs and alight at the nearest stop. 308 - Worcester - Martley. Alternatively take the 420 from Crowngate Bus Station in Worcester. Alight at Crown East Lane and walk for app 15 mins to Elgar Birthplace. 420 Hereford to Worcester via Withington and Bromyard
- Cycling
- Follow the Sustrans link for directions to Elgar Museum
Elgar’s Birthplace, Crown East Lane, Lower Broadheath, Worcestershire, WR2 6RH
Planning your visit
Concerts and events at The Firs
Discover live music and special events taking place at The Firs, Elgar's Birthplace.
Article
Autumn at The Firs
We're open every weekend from 10am to 3pm, inviting you to explore the birthplace of Worcester’s most celebrated composer. Wander through Elgar’s charming cottage, beautifully decorated for the season, and stroll the peaceful garden paths that inspired his music. Discover why this idyllic spot remained so close to his heart.
Article
Things to do with family at The Firs
Spend time making music at The Firs, where the cottage and garden offer space to be creative. Use instruments and explore nature through outdoor activities that inspire play, discovery, and imagination.
Article
Eating and drinking at The Firs
At Little Al's cafe at The Firs you can be sure that every piping hot latte, sumptuous homemade cake and tasty brunch is served with a smile. They're proud winners of the Visit Worcestershire 2022 Ethical, Responsible, and Sustainable Tourism Award for their dedication to implementing the best ethical and environmental practices in their business.
Article
Group visits at The Firs
Here’s everything you need to know about booking a group visit to the house and garden at The Firs.
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Highlights
Elgar's Cottage
The birthplace of Sir Edward Elgar, this small family home is set in the midst of a delightful cottage garden and with sight of the Malvern Hills. Stand within the four walls of the humble cottage where he was born and be immersed in a world that Elgar believed already contained music that was there for the taking.
Cottage garden
Planted in the classic cottage garden style, the garden offers a place to sit, reflect, and admire a vast array of seasonal flowers and plants, throughout the year. There is also an orchard and woodland to explore.
The Elgar Visitor Centre
Discover exhibitions giving a real insight into Elgar's world. With historic collection's including many of Elgar's personal belongings and artefacts, photographs, videos and interactive displays, there is so much to explore in our visitor centre.
Play activities
Musical adventures await, with our family friendly outdoor Sound Garden and free to play piano in the visitor centre. Spend time outside in our pretty cottage garden and woodland areas, hunting for bugs in bug hotels and wild areas.
Eating and Shopping
Visit Little Al's cafe at The Firs you can be sure that every piping hot latte, sumptuous homemade cake and tasty brunch is served with a smile. They're proud winners of the Visit Worcestershire 2022 Ethical, Responsible, and Sustainable Tourism Award for their dedication to implementing the best ethical and environmental practices in their business. Browse through The Firs large collection of quality second-hand books, CD’s and LP’s, all at great prices which help to support our work at The Firs.
Rent out one of our spaces
Looking for a space to hire out? Here at The Firs, we have plenty of rooms to suit your needs. Our venue holds a unique place in British history as a site which honours the life of Sir Edward Elgar the man behind ‘Nimrod’ and ‘Land of Hope and Glory’. We have multiple spaces within our visitor centre which can be used to hire out and are perfect for classes, meetings, conferences and concerts. We are located just 4 miles (only a 10-minute drive!) from the city of Worcester. Email the.firs@nationaltrust.org.uk for more information.
Spotlight events
Article
Autumn at The Firs
We're open every weekend from 10am to 3pm, inviting you to explore the birthplace of Worcester’s most celebrated composer. Wander through Elgar’s charming cottage, beautifully decorated for the season, and stroll the peaceful garden paths that inspired his music. Discover why this idyllic spot remained so close to his heart.
What's on at The Firs?
Find out what is happening at The Firs
Article
Christmas at The Firs
We'll be open exclusively for our Father Christmas event, but you're still very welcome to pop into the café for a warm drink and a festive bite.
Meet Father Christmas at The Firs
Step into a festive wonderland at The Firs! Meet Father Christmas, craft decorations, hunt for reindeer, and enjoy magical activities with his elves. A joyful Christmas experience for the whole family—booking essential.
Things to see and do
Article
Explore the garden at The Firs
Explore the cottage garden at The Firs, birthplace of Sir Edward Elgar. Discover seasonal borders, the Sound Garden, and sit beside Elgar’s statue as you take in views of the Malverns.
Article
Things to do with family at The Firs
Spend time making music at The Firs, where the cottage and garden offer space to be creative. Use instruments and explore nature through outdoor activities that inspire play, discovery, and imagination.
Article
Things to see and do at The Firs
The small family home which nurtured the creative genius of Sir Edward Elgar. Visit the cottage where he was born and learn more about his life and work in the visitor centre.
Article
Eating and drinking at The Firs
At Little Al's cafe at The Firs you can be sure that every piping hot latte, sumptuous homemade cake and tasty brunch is served with a smile. They're proud winners of the Visit Worcestershire 2022 Ethical, Responsible, and Sustainable Tourism Award for their dedication to implementing the best ethical and environmental practices in their business.
Article
Visiting The Firs with your dog
The Firs is a one pawprint rated place. Following Elgar’s great love of dogs, The Firs welcomes dogs on leads in the cottage garden, woodland area and visitor centre. Enjoy a dog friendly visit to Elgar’s birthplace.
Top trails
Trail
A walk in Elgar country
Explore the Worcestershire countryside around the village of Lower Broadheath, Elgar's birthplace, where the composer loved to roam, on an easy circular walk.
Places to stay
Hanbury Lodge
At the entrance to the Hanbury estate, this handsome lodge has miles of walking trails on the doorstep.
South Wing
A second floor apartment within Hanbury Hall with stunning views over the 18th century Parterre.
Upcoming events
Event
Malvern's Secret War Heroes - A Theatre Performance
Mysterious outsiders arrive at Malvern’s Bluebird tearooms during WWII—tweed jackets, odd equipment, and secretive ways. Locals wonder: Who are they, and why are they here? As tensions rise, secrets unravel in this captivating new play.
Event
An Audience with Corinne
Come and enjoy a heartfelt performance by cellist Corinne Frost, featuring enchanting pieces by British composers. Corinne loves connecting through music—she’s happy to take requests, and might even create a unique sound portrait inspired by you.
Event
Christmas Wreath Making Workshop
Join us for a Christmas wreath-making workshop hosted by Bonterre Blooms, where you’ll craft your own beautiful festive wreath in a cosy, joyful setting. Sip on something warm, enjoy the twinkling lights, and let the holiday cheer begin!
Event
Meet Father Christmas at The Firs – A Magical Christmas Adventure!
Step into a festive wonderland at The Firs! Meet Father Christmas, craft decorations, hunt for reindeer, and enjoy magical activities with his elves. A joyful Christmas experience for the whole family—booking essential.
About The Firs
The birthplace of Sir Edward Elgar is most definitely home to ‘Land of Hope and Glory’. Set in sight of his beloved Malvern Hills, this small family home in the village of Lower Broadheath is the perfect environment for nurturing a creative genius. Perhaps by wandering around the garden over the cottage threshold a spark of inspiration may alight in our welcomed guests.
Things to see and do: The Elgar Study Exhibition, The Birthplace Cottage, Cottage Garden and Visitor Centre.
Dogs: Assistance dogs welcome throughout the property. Dogs are welcome on leads everywhere except inside the Birthplace Cottage and Cafe.
Note: nearest toilet at visitor centre.
Our work
Article
Our conservation work at The Firs
See how we care for our collection of objects from Elgar’s past, including the composer’s own piano.
Article
Our work in the garden at The Firs
Discover more about Elgar’s childhood garden and the work we do here.
Article
Curating Elgar at The Firs
Discover more about the Curating Elgar project, a project which looked to make his music relevant for a wider audience through musician-led community workshops and plan your visit to see Curating Elgar at The Firs.
Support us
Article
Volunteer at The Firs
Find out more about current volunteering opportunities at The Firs, and how you might get involved.
