Standing on this hill, you’re looking at the Royalists’ last defensive position.

When Charles II arrived in Worcester in August 1651, the city’s defences were hastily strengthened with additional earth works added to Fort Royal. Cannons were positioned here to protect Worcester from attack, but they were no match for Cromwell’s superior numbers.

Once Fort Royal fell, the Parliamentarians turned the captured guns on the city itself. Worcester was breached. The battle was all but lost.

Today the park boasts stunning views over the City and has a Civil War themed play area for Children.

Did you know?

In 1786, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson visited this site, calling it “the ground where liberty was fought for”.

2. The Commandery – Wounded Leaders & Last Orders

The Commandery served as a Royalist headquarters during the battle.

The Duke of Hamilton, one of Charles’s most senior commanders was brought here, badly wounded from battle. He was buried under the floorboards in the ‘Hamilton Room’ before being officially buried at the Cathedral some weeks later.

Outside, fighting raged near Sidbury Gate, one of the main entry points into the city. At one moment, Charles II himself was almost captured, escaping only because Royalist cavalry charged through Sidbury long enough for him to get away.

Photo Op: On Sidbury Bridge outside of the Commandery, take a look at the ‘Pikemen’ statue which represents the Battle.

Opening Times including the Canal Side Café are: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm, and Sunday 10am – 3pm.

3. King Charles House – A Narrow Escape

Next, wander along Friar Street - it’s not hard to imagine what this street would have looked like in the 17th Century. King Charles House a beautiful timber-framed building was once a single house, where Charles II sheltered as the city fell.

Legend has it that Parliamentarian soldiers were pounding on the front door while Charles slipped out through a side exit. Exaggerated or not, what is certain is that Charles fled Worcester disguised and on foot, beginning one of the most famous escapes in British history.

Did you know?
Around the Corner in the Cornmarket is a small bronze sculpture, depicting the King in disguise.

Top Tip: The King Charles House is now a popular pub, pop in here for a pint and step back in time. Sample local ales, beers or ciders before continuing your Battle of Worcester Trail.

Opening Times: Thursday from 12:00noon to 11:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 12:00noon to 12:00 AM, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

4. St Martin’s Gate – The Route Out

Through this gate poured the remnants of the Royalist army, exhausted, defeated and soon captured.

One officer later wrote that the army “fell in pieces by bad conduct”. Charles II was the exception. Against the odds, he escaped to France, living in exile until the Restoration nine years later.

5. The Guildhall – Holding Out

Head up past St Swithun’s Church, and onto the High Street towards the Guildhall.

Royalist troops held out here well into the evening. Before you head in, look above the doorway. There you will find statues of Charles I and Charles II which flank the entrance. According to local tradition, the mysterious figure above them is the head of Oliver Cromwell, pinned there by the angry citizens of Worcester – The Faithful City.

This beautiful building is worth exploring in its own right as the seat of power in the City since 1721. The Tourist Information Centre is also located here and can be visited for further information about what's on in Worcester.

Opening Times: 9:30am – 4pm Monday – Saturday.

6. Worcester Cathedral – The Battle Seen from Above

Charles II is believed to have watched the battle unfold from the Cathedral tower which has panoramic views over the area, the site was also a munitions store which was rumoured to be in the Crypt.

After the fighting ended, the Cathedral suffered badly. Prisoners were held here and damage compounded earlier destruction from the Civil Wars (and past looting). The Duke of Hamilton, who died of his wounds in the Battle, is buried inside. You can visit his final resting place in the North Choir Aisle.

Climb the tower today and you’ll see the landscape where the final battle was fought.

Opening times: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm. Sundays 12:30pm-3pm.

Guided tours are available daily, with specialist tours including a Civil War Themed one are available by special request. The Tower is open for book during Saturdays, Sundays and School Holidays. Guided Tours | Worcester Cathedral

What happened next – Charles II’s Escape Route

After his defeat at the Battle of Worcester, King Charles II escaped toward Shropshire, seeking refuge with Catholic loyalists. His most famous hiding spot was an oak tree in Boscobel Wood, where he hid from Parliamentary soldiers for 24 hours. He later hid in a priest-hole at Boscobel House before finally escaping to France from Shoreham disguised as a servant under the allies ‘Will Jones’.