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Greyfriars House and Garden
Late medieval merchant's house, rescued from demolition, in Worcester city centre
14 Friar Street, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR1 2LZ
Important notice
The Easter butterfly trail is running in the garden 12th-22nd April. Trails are £3.50 each (inc. Easter egg reward), and can be purchased from reception.
Opening times for 19 April 2025
Asset Opening time House 10.00 - 15.25 - By guided tour Garden 10:00 - 16:00 Old Oak Cafe 10:00 - 16:00 Greyfriars is open for guided tours and highlight visits Tuesday - Saturday between 10.10 and 15.25 (subject to volunteer availability). You don't need to book in advance, but if you are visiting from a far we are happy to book you on to a tour up to a week in advance when you contact us via email.
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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) £30.30 £27.50 1 adult, 2 children £18.20 £16.50 Group (Adult 18+) £10.45 Group (Child 5-17) £5.23 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Assistance dogs only
Assistance dogs are allowed throughout the site.
- Available for functions
Our hall is licensed to hold weddings for up to 45 guests. Speak to our team to plan your perfect day at Greyfriars@nationaltrust.org.uk
- Bookshop
We have a second-hand bookshop located in No.14 that covers two floors. It is open Tuesday - Saturday 10.30-16.00. Donations are welcome.
- Café
The Old Oak Café is open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 4pm. There is a small step up to the servery. There is plenty of indoor seating in the Spence and Hall, as well as outside seating on the terrace.
- Dogs allowed
Dogs on leads are welcome on the terrace only.
- Guided tour
To visit the house is by guided tour, which are led by our volunteers. There are a limited amount of spaces due to the size of the house, please visit our reception at No.14 (directly opposite Greyfriars) to sign up. The tour is roughly 60 minutes. We also offer volunteer led house highlights in the afternoon which last around 30 minutes.
- Toilet
We have two toilets onsite, located near the terrace.
No onsite parking. Uneven surfaces and steps down to the garden. No accessible toilet onsite. No step free access to ground floor of the House, ramp available on request to access the Old Oak Cafe.
- Induction loop
We have induction loops installed in visitor reception and the Old Oak Cafe.
- Narrow corridors
There are narrow entrances between rooms around the house. There is also a narrow passage by the main staircase.
- Seating available
There is plenty of seating available throughout the site. There are also seats for use during the tours.
- Steps/uneven terrain
Greyfriars has cobbles leading through the gateway, steps into the house and cafe. Then steps down to the garden. No.14 - Reception and the bookshop have a step down into the building.
- By road
Closest available parking at St Martin’s Gate (0.2 miles), The Cornmarket (0.2 miles), and Cathedral Square (0.3 miles). Disabled drop off on Pump Street, and Union Street.
Parking: None on site. The closest parking is at St Martin's Gate car park at £4 per day. Make the most of your day by visiting Worcester Cathedral and Tudor House Museum all within walking distance of Greyfriars. Please note this car park is not National Trust and charges apply to all including members.
- By train
0.4 miles Foregate Street Station 0.7 miles from Shrub Hill Station
- By bus
Closest bus stops are City Walls Road & Crowngate Bus Station https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/transport/bus-travel.
- Cycling
Bike racks can be found in the city centre at The Cross.
- Coach
Drop off point on City Walls Road – 5-minute walk.
Planning your visit
Article
Accessibility at Greyfriars
Learn more about the accessibility features at Greyfriars House & Garden. The late-medieval House and other buildings we care for present challenges in creating access for all, but we are working to ensure Greyfriars is accessible to as many visitors as possible. Here you’ll find information about how to make the most of your visit.
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Visiting Greyfriars with your dog
Greyfriars is a one paw print rated place. Find out where you can take your dog and read our Canine Code here.
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Group bookings at Greyfriars
Situated at the heart of Worcester’s historic centre, Greyfriars House and Garden makes the perfect location for a group visit, whether you are visiting Worcester for the week, the day, or just passing through.
Venue hire
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Weddings at Greyfriars
Greyfriars House and Garden is a late-medieval, timber-framed property set at the heart of Worcester’s historic centre, offering an intimate venue for weddings, civil & celebrative ceremonies. Let your special day become part of Greyfriars' history.
Highlights
House
Late 15th-century timber-framed house in the heart of Worcester, saved from demolition and brought back to life by siblings Elsie and Matley Moore. Entry to the House is by guided tour only.
Garden
English walled garden with Italianate features
Old Oak Cafe
Set within the late medieval house, serving hot and cold drinks, homemade cakes and light snacks.
Second-hand bookshop
Located across the street at No.14, a two-storey bookshop stocked full of preloved books.
Spotlight events
Untold Stories: Miss Matley Moore a self-guided exhibition
Join us this Easter half term and experience Greyfriars house as never before, and find out more about the woman, artist, and 'local saviour', that once called Greyfriars home.
Easter Adventures at Greyfriars House and Garden
Pop into Greyfriars and join us for a butterfly bonanza this Easter! Make your way along the trail and find activities for the whole family. The trail takes place between 12th - 19th April (exc. 13th, 14th, &20th), from 10am to 3.30pm, with last entry at 3pm, so come along and enjoy Greyfriars Garden.
Things to see and do
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Visiting the house at Greyfriars
Join us at Friar Street for an eye-opening tour, where we’ll uncover the misnomer that is Greyfriars and reveal hidden stories from over 500 years of history. Local items can tell a story about a house, its people, history and traditions. See the items salvaged and restored by the Moore siblings who owned the house. Here's a taster of treasures to look out for on your visit.
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Explore Greyfriars' garden
The walled garden pays homage to what stood before, a row of 10 houses, demolished and rebuilt as a tranquil outdoor space in the heart of the city.
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Eating and shopping at Greyfriars
Get a bite to eat in the Old Oak Café, serving a range of light meals, sandwiches, cakes, hot and cold drinks. Visit our second-hand bookshop across the road at No.14 Friar Street, stocked full to the brim with some fantastic titles, ready for you to pick up.
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.
Old Mill Cottage
A gorgeous picture-book 15th-century cottage set in woodland on the Brockhampton Estate.
Upcoming events
Event
Festival of Blossom at Greyfriars House and Garden
Celebrate the Festival of Blossom at Greyfriars House and Garden this spring, online and onsite.
Event
Bank Holiday Easter Monday
Greyfriars house, garden and café will be open this Bank Holiday Monday! The house is open by guided tour between 11am and 2.10pm. The café and garden are open 10am to 4pm.
Event
Easter Adventure at Greyfriars House and Garden
Join us for an Easter adventure at Greyfriars House and Garden between Saturday 12th & Tuesday 22nd April.
Event
Untold Stories: Miss Matley Moore a self-guided exhibition
Join us and uncover the untold story of Greyfriars' own Miss Matley Moore... 23rd, 24th & 26th April.
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Worcester Male Voice Choir
Come along and see the Worcester Male Voice Choir perform in the garden at Greyfriars for St George's Day.
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May Day Bank Holiday Monday
Greyfriars house, garden and café will be open this May Day Bank Holiday Monday! The house is open by guided tour between 11am and 2.10pm. The café and garden are open 10am to 4pm.
Event
Late May Bank Holiday Monday
Greyfriars house, garden and café will be open this Late May Bank Holiday Monday! The house is open by guided tour between 11am and 2.15pm. The café and garden are open 10am to 4pm.
Event
Second-hand Book Sale
Looking for a new read? Come and browse a selection of books on sale, all for under £1.00...
About Greyfriars House and Garden
Greyfriars was built c.1490 by a wealthy merchant and was a home to wealthy families until the late 17th century. In 1699 a baker purchased the lease and divided the house into two. It then became a mixture of homes, shops and businesses for the next 200 years. Trade varied and included leather goods, hats, bread and umbrellas, and for a brief time it housed a kiddlywink called the Old Oak Tavern.
Over the years, extensions have been added and its interior altered to accommodate the many families and individuals who've resided here. In the early 19th century, ten cottages were constructed in the back garden. By the 1930s, however, fortunes had declined and Greyfriars was faced with demolition. Fortunately, the house was rescued and carefully restored in the mid-20th century by a handful of dedicated individuals, most notably by siblings Elsie and Matley Moore.
The care of Greyfriars was transferred to the National Trust in 1966. Join us on a guided tour to discover the story behind this late-medieval survivor.
History
Article
Discover the history of Greyfriars
Discover how we used science to confirm the date of Greyfriars house and how it was saved from demolition by the Moore family and decorated, with many items still there today.
Art and collections
Greyfriars' objects and collections
Explore the objects and works of art we care for at Greyfriars House and Garden on the National Trust Collections website.
Our work
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Volunteering at Greyfriars
Volunteering at Greyfriars is a great way to meet people, share your interests and have fun. There are many ways to get involved and previous experience isn't necessary. Volunteering provides plenty of opportunities to gain experience, try something different and learn something new – all that’s required is an enthusiasm to get involved.