Unexpected Discoveries - unusual places to visit in the Three Counties

Dr Who in Bromyard? Who would have guessed?

Not every memorable day out needs to be big, busy or predictable. Some of the most rewarding places to visit are small in scale, slightly eccentric, often found by chance.

Across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, there are pockets of creativity and curiosity that highlight English eccentricity: private collections, tiny theatres, specialist museums and galleries that exist because someone cared enough to make them happen.

These are places to build an easy day around – paired with lunch in a market town, a countryside walk, or just an afternoon spent somewhere unexpected.

Below are a few of our favourite unusual short visits across the Three Counties.

Herefordshire: Small, Curious and Unexpected

Herefordshire has a knack for surprising visitors. Beneath its rural exterior lie some genuinely distinctive places.

The Doctor Who Museum, Bromyard

Tucked away in the market town of Bromyard, this privately run museum houses an extensive collection celebrating the long history of sci-fi on the screen with a particular emphasis on Doctor Who.

Costumes, props and memorabilia are displayed with clear enthusiasm and care. It’s compact, idiosyncratic and far more engaging than its modest exterior suggests.

Vintage Fabric Museum, Malvern

This is a specialist collection dedicated to historic and mid-century textiles, pattern design and dressmaking in Malvern.

Visits to the Museum of Fashion Malvern CIC are by appointment, which makes the experience feel personal and focused – particularly appealing to anyone interested in fashion, interiors or material culture.

The Theatre of Small Convenience, Malvern

Often described as one of the smallest theatres in the world, this former Victorian public toilet has been transformed into a tiny performance space for 12 spectators max.

Performances are short, intimate and memorable – more of a cultural curiosity than a conventional theatre visit.

Worcestershire: Craft, History and Design

Here are a couple of Worcestershire’s lesser known attractions.

The Commandery, Worcester

Often overlooked despite its significance, The Commandery played a central role in the English Civil War, including the Battle of Worcester in 1651.

Today it operates as a small, well-presented museum where visitors can explore the building’s many phases, from medieval hospital to wartime headquarters.

The scale of the museum makes it easy to combine with time spent walking along the River Severn or exploring Worcester itself, rather than committing an entire day.

Museum of Royal Worcester

Housed in former factory buildings beside the River Severn, this museum offers insight into the design and production of fine porcelain.

It’s a manageable visit that combines craftsmanship, social history and elegant design.

Gloucestershire: Art, Nature and Hidden Corners

Gloucestershire’s unusual attractions often sit at the intersection of landscape and culture.

Nature in Art, Gloucester

Set within the grounds of Wallsworth Hall, this museum is dedicated entirely to art inspired by the natural world. The setting encourages visitors to combine the gallery with a walk or time outdoors, making it an easy, restorative stop.

The Wilson Art Gallery and Museum, Cheltenham

Cheltenham’s art gallery and museum is often overlooked in favour of larger attractions, yet its varied collections and temporary exhibitions make it well worth visiting – especially when paired with time exploring the town itself.