The Commandery is celebrating after being named among the Best in Britain by Visit England, the national tourist board for England.

72 English attractions were given an award from Visit England to celebrate their excellence. Five categories were on offer: Welcome, Quality Food and Drink, Hidden Gem, Best Told Story, and the Gold award for overall experience.

The Commandery, in Sidbury, Worcester, won the ‘Welcome’ award and was praised for its welcoming environment. The accolade celebrates the high-quality experience offered to visitors to the historic site.

Built on the site of an early medieval chapel, The Commandery has been a monastic hospital, family home, Royalist Civil War headquarters, a college for the blind, and housed the Littlebury Printworks, before becoming today’s museum revealing significant stories of Worcester’s history. A magnificent medieval great hall, a death mask of Oliver Cromwell, walled gardens, and fifteenth-century wall paintings are just some of the highlights.

The building also regularly hosts events and activities for all.

Andrew Stoke, director of Visit England, said: “These accolades highlight the wonderful visitor experiences provided by English attractions, from the warmest of welcomes to amazing food and drink, and from great storytelling to outstanding customer service.

“Our tourism businesses are the bedrock of our industry and it is wonderful to highlight and celebrate the fantastic service and experiences they give visitors time after time.”

Rachel Robinson, Museum Manager at The Commandery, said, “We are so pleased to receive the ‘Welcome’ Visitor Attraction Accolade for The Commandery. This award is a tribute to our fabulous team and a recognition of the excellent welcome they provide to all visitors.”

To find out more about The Commandery and to plan a visit, see www.museumsworcestershire.org.uk