Visit Wyre Forest
Wyre Forest is a district in the north of the county of Worcestershire. The area takes its name from The Forest of Wyre, once a medieval hunting forest, and now a popular visitor attraction. Take time to explore the surrounding villages and visit the stunning natural beauty of the Wyre Forest itself. One of the best ways to enjoy the area is on foot and there are miles of way-marked paths and trails suitable for all ages and abilities.
The Wyre Forest is one of the largest, most ecologically significant oak woodlands in England. The surrounding woodlands and local nature reserves are fantastic places with something for everyone all year round. Being able to get and about in the fresh air and having fun outdoors is good for your mental health and wellbeing.
The district has a population of over 102,000 and consists of large areas of rural countryside, many picturesque villages such as Arley, Rock, Chaddesley Corbett, and Wolverley, along with some hidden gem hamlets with rolling countryside like Trimpley and Stone. We also have the three main towns of Bewdley, Kidderminster, and Stourport-on-Severn.
Kidderminster is the largest of the three towns with a population of over 55,000 residents. It is located 17 miles south-west of Birmingham city centre and 15 miles north of Worcester city centre.
Kidderminster can claim to be the birthplace of the modern carpet industry – founded in the area in 1785 by Brintons. Continuing this heritage, the sector remains a significant employer in the area, with Brintons Carpets providing jobs to several hundred people.
Stourport-on-Severn is located on the confluence of the rivers Severn and Stour. It has a population of around 20,000.
During the late 19th century, Stourport-on-Severn became a popular summer destination for people attracted to its riverside pleasure parks, boat trips, and excellent pubs and restaurants. The more recent growth in leisure boating and canal barge ownership and holidays has seen the revitalisation of Stourport’s central canal basins, a popular destination for tourists.
Bewdley has a population of around 10,000 and is located on the western bank of the River Severn.
Bewdley is an attractive historic town, successfully blending medieval, 18th century and more modern buildings within its commercial core. The former quayside on the western bank of the river has been landscaped and improved over the last few decades, and it provides pleasant views of the town’s Thomas Telford-designed bridge and its rows of Georgian townhouses and buildings.
The jewel in the centre of its crown is Bewdley Museum and the beautiful Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Gardens which offer visitors a wealth of exhibitions, events and displays through the seasons. Since the completion of flood defences in 2006, a "civic space" has been created. This is used to accommodate farmers’ markets and other events.
Wyre Forest is home to a number of beautiful churches and places of worship steeped in history, many with distinctive features. Looking for a venue to get married in Wyre Forest? Bewdley Museum is home to Wyre Forest Heritage Weddings you can find out more on their website.
You can find out more about our events and what's on in our spaces on our what's on page.
The district hosts some of the best attractions in the region, visit our Visit Severn Valley website to see more attractions and what's on across the region.
The Wyre Forest town councils (Bewdley, Kidderminster and Stourport) and their partner Stourport Forward, created the What's on Wyre Forest website, to help visitors to the towns find out what's going on locally. Their website lists local attractions, events and facilities.
You may be interested in...
Stone House Cottage Garden and Nursery, near Kidderminster | Drakelow Tunnels, Wolverley near Kidderminster | Wyre Forest parks | Wyre Forest nature reserves | Canals and River Trust | Hartlebury Castle | National Trust | Kinver Edge and the Rock Houses