holiday trips worcester

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Hilton Garden Inn Worcester

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Popular places to visit, union station.

You can learn about the history of Worcester with a trip to Union Station. Attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts

You can get tickets for a performance at The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts during your trip to Worcester. Attend a sporting event in this family-friendly area.

Worcester Art Museum

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Worcester Art Museum in Worcester. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Worcester Vacations

The second-largest city in the region, Worcester is happily situated in the heart of New England. Downtown is bustling, but the city's streets are refreshingly green and Victorian. Local legend has it that Valentine's Day cards were invented in Worcester, and if you purchase Worcester packages, you're guaranteed to fall in love with this romantic city.

Major Attractions

As a center of education, industry, and commerce, there's a lot to do on Worcester vacations. See the iconic Massachusetts Symphony Orchestra, and explore the city's past at the Worcester Historical Museum. Visit Salisbury Park to marvel at Bancroft Tower, a small granite castle. Kids will love the EcoTarium, an interactive science museum, and art fans can't miss the Worcester Art Museum. Be sure to browse Worcester car rentals so that you can easily get around this cool town.

Recurring Festivals and Events

If Worcester has a specialty, it's throwing fantastic festivals year-round. Ethnic riches abound at the largest Albanian festival in the country at St. Mary's Albanian Orthodox Church. Held in early June on odd-numbered years, it alternates with St. Spyridon Church's Grecian Festival. Culture continues with the Italian Festival in August as well as March's Worcester St. Patrick's Day Parade, one of the largest in the state. Animal lovers flock to the region in early September for the Pet Rock Festival, the largest animal non-profit benefit in all of New England. September also offers the StART Festival, where art, food, music, and performance combine for an incredibly fun time. Of course, you can't miss the Worcester Music Festival, which is the oldest in America!

Ready to surround yourself in culture and fun? Worcester is waiting. Search for Worcester vacation packages and hotels in Worcester on Travelocity, and save up to $537 when you book a hotel and flight at the same time!

Frequently asked questions

Where to stay in worcester: best areas for travelers.

• Westborough : From its bounty of attractions to its distinct character, it's not hard to see why this neighborhood appeals to so many travelers. Searching for someplace to unwind after a big day of sightseeing? The Westborough Inn and the Extended Stay America - Boston - Westborough - East Main St are just the start of your options in this popular part of town.
• Auburn : Arranging your getaway is simple when there are tons of great hotel options to select from. The La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Auburn Worcester , the Comfort Inn Auburn-Worcester and the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Auburn are some of the top places available around here. Whichever you choose, you'll be well-placed to make your way to Auburn Mall.
• Central Business District : If you want a taste of the area's buzzing nightlife, consider this neighborhood. Join the locals for a fantastic time at The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts, then dance your way into the early hours of the morning. When you're ready to sleep it off, the AC Hotel by Marriott Worcester , the Hilton Garden Inn Worcester or the Holiday Inn Express Worcester Downtown will be ready and waiting for you.
• Shrewsbury : Every neighborhood has its own flavor, and this place is no exception. Explore this lively area while staying at the Days Inn by Wyndham Shrewsbury Worcester . The Rainbow Motel is another great choice.
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Mohegan Sun Casino - ~ 70 Miles

Hampton Beach(NH) - ~ 75 Miles

Southern Maine Beaches(York, Ogunquit) - ~ 95Miles

Yankee Candle Factory - ~75Miles

Providence, Narragansett,RI - ~70Miles

I think the Berkshires is a great idea. Beautiful scenery, stay at an inn, good dining.

The Cape is also good, but if you are going for a night or two pick a spot, such as Chatham, Dennis, Falmouth, from where you can explore, but don't try to do it all at once.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Our Day Trip Guide to Worcester

Where you can peruse an antique market, inspect specimen plantings, and enjoy a cold can of Polar.

From day trips to weekend getaways, our biweekly Traveler newsletter shows you the best of New England and beyond.

We all need a break from city life sometimes, if even just for a few hours. Our day trip guides highlight all of the gems within a short drive from Boston. Here, we explore Worcester.

Photograph by Joseph Gonzalez-Dufresne for Venues in Worcester

Worcester, Mass.

Distance from Boston:  45  miles Driving time:  1 hour

Set out for your first stop of the day bright and early, and pack some Claritin just in case. The sights and smells at Tower Hill Botanic Garden , where you should plan to arrive around 10 a.m., are stunning (and for some of us, sneeze-inducing). While it’s not technically in Worcester, this idyllic spot in Boylston is well worth the short detour. From a stunning courtyard and fields of daffodils to an indoor limonaia and orangerie (read: greenhouses for really pretty citrus trees), the 171-acre property is filled with exquisite shrubs, trees, flowers, and other specimen plantings.

After meandering through Tower Hill’s 17 one-of-a-kind gardens, you’ve likely worked up an appetite. Hop in the car and don’t stop driving until you get to Birchtree Bread Company in Worcester’s Canal District. (Birchtree has a handy map that lists out nearby parking lots here .) The bakery in the former loom-making factory cranks out fluffy brioche and flaky croissants daily. Call us traditional, but we love the grilled cheese on coriander raisin bread for lunch. When you’ve sopped up every last crumb, check out the market that anchors the building: Crompton Collective . Part antique shop, part local maker bazaar, you’ll find everything from vintage clothes and cookware to handmade jewelry and gifts. If you’re the type to inspect each booth top to bottom, set aside more than an hour here.

Don’t exit the mill building just yet. Seed to Stem , another charming retail space, is just upstairs. A self-described “plant and lifestyle boutique,” the shop is the stuff of Instagrammers’ dreams. It sells a carefully curated assortment of succulents, taxidermy, and crystals, and other goods.

Tower Hill Botanical Garden photo by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism on Flickr/ Creative Commons

Drop your finds off at the car, then walk to The Queen’s Cups . (Yes, two bakeries in one day.) The six-year-old cupcake shop moved from the small town of Millbury to Worcester last year, and is now a fixture on Water Street. The Queen’s flavors are all made from scratch and change every day—if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll get the chance to try a mermaid-inspired confection . You should be able to leave with your sweet tooth satisfied, but in case it isn’t, Table Talk Pies is around the corner.

There are two options when it comes to killing a few hours before dinnertime. You could cruise over to the Worcester Art Museum , which is free during the month of August. The museum has a particularly impressive American collection with works from Childe Hassam, Mary Cassatt, John Singer Sargent, and Winslow Homer. Or, if beer sounds more up your alley, you could head to Wormtown Brewery . The Be Hoppy IPA is a classic choice—the signature yellow doodle on the bottle proudly touts Worcester’s invention of the smiley face .

Next, prepare to be delighted by dinner at  Deadhorse Hill . Helmed by Jared Forman and Sean Woods, both alumni of Strip T’s, the place serves up creative, shareable plates made with ingredients sourced from New England. Sea scallops with buttered stone fruits, anyone?

Of course, Deadhorse Hill isn’t your only dining option. Worcester’s restaurant scene is exploding, and there’s a lot to explore. But if a full meal isn’t in the cards after a day of carbs, there’s always George’s Coney Island . Grab a dog with the works, a cold Polar Orange Dry, and *chef kiss,* your Worcester trip is complete. On to the Mass Pike.

Photo by Amy Meredith on Flickr/ Creative Commons

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Worcester Hotels

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Travel guide.

Searching for a hotel in Worcester? With 9 in Worcester, IHG Hotels & Resorts has the perfect hotel for your upcoming trip to Worcester. Our hotels are dedicated to providing exceptional service and a memorable stay for every guest. Whether you're seeking luxury, boutique, or budget-friendly accommodations in Worcester, we have a hotel brand that will exceed your expectations.

At IHG, we take pride in offering the best rates when you book directly with us. By booking through our official website or mobile app, you'll always get the most competitive prices available. Plus, as a member of  IHG One Rewards , our loyalty program, you'll enjoy exclusive benefits and earn points with every stay. These points can be redeemed for  free nights, airline miles, and a variety of other awards .  Join IHG One Rewards today  and start enjoying the perks of being a valued member.

Discover the perfect IHG hotel in Worcester and create unforgettable memories during your visit. Book your stay with us today and let us make your trip exceptional.

Nearby Cities

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Worcester Hotels Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any family-friendly ihg hotels in worcester.

Absolutely! Many of the IHG hotels in Worcester offer family-friendly amenities such as connecting rooms and kids' menus. Check with the individual hotel for more information about their family-friendly offerings.

Are there any pet-friendly hotels in Worcester?

Yes, many IHG hotels in Worcester are pet-friendly and welcome furry friends! Some hotels offering pet amenities including pet beds and treats as well as information about pet relief areas. Select hotels may charge additional fees for pets, per pet staying at the hotel. It is best to check with your chosen hotel directly for more information on their pet policies.

Are there any hotels in Worcester that offer free breakfast?

Many of the IHG hotels in Worcester offer complimentary breakfast. Check with the individual hotels to find out details as they may vary by brand and locations.

What amenities can I expect from my stay at an IHG Hotel in Worcester?

IHG Hotels offer a variety of amenities such as free Wi-Fi, fitness centers, business centers, restaurants/bars, swimming pools, and much more! It is best to check with your chosen hotel directly for more information on their specific amenities offered.

Do I need to pay for parking at my hotel in Worcester?

Parking fees vary by hotel and location. Some hotels may include parking as part of their stay package while others may charge an additional fee. It is best to check with your chosen hotel directly for more information on their parking policies.

Does IHG offer discounted rates on its hotels in Worcester?

Yes! You can find discounted rates on select IHG hotels in Worcester by visiting their website or booking through an online travel agency. Additionally, many of the hotels offer special packages and promotions throughout the year.

How can I earn rewards are IHG hotels?

IHG One Rewards Loyalty Program is designed to make it easier for guests to earn and redeem points. There are 5 tiers of member benefits, starting with Club Member, Sliver Elite, Gold Elite, Platinum Elite and the highest tier being  Diamond Elite . You can earn Diamond Elite status by staying 70 qualified nights or earning 120,000 qualified points in a calendar year. Learn more about IHG® One Rewards Loyalty Program

Is there a minimum age requirement to check into a hotel in Worcester?

Yes, most hotels have a minimum age requirement of 18 years old to check-in without an adult present. However, some hotels may allow guests under the age of 18 to check-in if they are accompanied by an adult over the age of 21. It is best to check with your chosen hotel directly for more information on their age requirements.

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Raffles Boston

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Reviewed on Nov. 2, 2023

Where to stay in Worcester

Worcester Central Business District

If you're spending some time in Worcester Central Business District, DCU Center and Mechanics Hall are top sights worth seeing.

Webster Square

If you're spending some time in Webster Square, Auburn Mall and Solomon Pond Mall are top sights worth seeing.

If you're spending some time in Union HIll, The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley and Auburn Mall are top sights worth seeing.

Franklin Plantation

If you're spending some time in Franklin Plantation, The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley and Auburn Mall are top sights worth seeing.

Salisbury Street

If you're spending some time in Salisbury Street, Auburn Mall and The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley are top sights worth seeing.

Worcester Hotel Deals

Reviewed on Nov. 5, 2023

Reviewed on Nov. 7, 2023

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Guide to Holiday Lights in Worcester & Beyond

Worcester's best holiday displays - 2023

Looking for holiday lights in the Worcester County area?  Here are a few we would like to let you know about.  Check the websites for the major locations before visiting to make sure they are open on the night you would like to visit.

1. Worcester Holiday Light Show - Santos Family Lights, 60 Pasadena Parkway - up and running on Thanksgiving evening

This is a drive through display.  Tune into 98.1FM. They typically have a Toys for Tots drop off box and last year accepted donations for Tufts at Tech. For the donations visit santosfamilylights.remoteFalcon.com they accept PayPal and Cashapp.

2. Festival of Lights , Worcester Common Oval - 455 Main Street

The City's annual Festival of Lights event will begin on Friday, December 1, 2023 from 4:30 - 9 p.m. on the Worcester Common Oval. This free, family-friendly event will host a number of lighting features, ice skating, food vendors, community organizations and performances. A highlight for Festival of Lights visitors is the lighting of the tree, which will take place at 6 p.m. with more than 15 food vendors, a beer tent, community organizations, a visit from Santa, face painting, interactive roving circus performers, fire performances, and carriage rides. There will also be live performances throughout the evening, including the Burncoat High School Quadrivium Chorus, Roosevelt Elementary, Rice Square, and AMPP Youth. Complimentary ice-skating during Festival of Lights is made possible by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Skaters may bring their own skates or rent on the Oval for $5 per pair.

3. Kelley Square Tree Lighting Extravaganza - Canal District Holiday Stroll , 1 Kelley Sq, Worcester, MA 01610

Dec 2, 2023 starting at 12pm. Tree Lighting at 5:00pm

Self-guided stroll of the Canal District Businesses with our Tree Lighting at 5PM in Kelley SQ. The Canal District Holiday Stroll is from noon-8pm.

4. Cornwell Holiday Display , 26 Dawson Rd

Daily from 5-10pm - tentative start date is Saturday 11/25

Come visit our Christmas displays in the West Tatnuck area of Worcester! We've got over 185 inflatables at our house for Christmas. Happy Holidays! The display is (weather dependent).  Feel free to drive up the driveway, but do not walk through the display. Donations accepted for: Why Me & Sherry's House Our Venmo is @Alex-Cornwell-8. 

5. Steven's Christmas Show , 49 Carpenter Ave

No dates / times posted for 2023 yet.

2022 updates: We will be turning the light show on to start the season! Come and see the new additions! Remember to tune your radio to 89.3 but also if weather permits feel free to get out and get a closer look just remember to not block the driveway with your vehicle, we do share it with out neighbor and need to keep it open. Enjoy the show! Below is a link to the show in 2021:

Shrewsbury:

Annual Yuletide Market & Light the Common , Shrewsbury Town Common

December 2, 2023 at 4:45pm

The Yuletide Market & Light the Common was conceived by the STCA to bring people of all ages together to celebrate our Town Center and the holiday season. Join us for our fourth year of this popular tradition on Saturday, December 2, on the Town Common. The Yuletide Market opens at 4 p.m. and at 4:45 p.m., more than 31,000 lights on the Common will be flipped on in a dazzling display!

Westborough:

2022 updates: The Holiday Light Hunt Map is ready! Thank you so much for your local submissions. There is a list of all participating addresses at this link:

https://tinyurl.com/holidaylights2022

and a route map, if someone wants to start at downtown and loop around tow at this link:

https://bit.ly/3UTSCWn

Fatima Shrine , 101 Summer Street

Waiting on 2023 dates/times - Dec 8-27, 2022 from 5-9pm

Drop by, dress warmly as this is a walkthrough display. Light display is free, there is a snack / gift shop concession inside. Gift shop is open: Open from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm Thurs. – Sun. 

(508) 429-8172

2023-24 LA SALETTE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS , 947 Park St.

Thursday, November 23, 2023 - Monday, January 1, 2024, Illuminations 5:00 - 9:00pm Daily, Featuring 400,000 Lights illuminating over 10 acres, FREE ADMISSION (BUT DONATIONS ARE APPRECIATED!) We look forward to seeing you at our annual Christmas Celebration! The lights will be on even on Christmas night, when the Shrine is closed, but the lights will still be illuminated.

Lancaster Light Show:

Fairgrounds , 318 Seven Bridge Road, Route 117, Lancaster, MA 01523

Fee based event

November 24-December 30, 2023

Daily from 5 pm - 9:00pm

Monday – Thursday: 5pm – 7pm & 7pm – 9pm (last admission at 8:15pm), $24.99 (online purchase) per car, $30 on-site, $40 per limousine, 12/15 person, passenger vans, small bus, Friday – Sunday & Holidays (Dec 24 and Dec 25), 5pm – 7pm & 7pm – 9pm (last admission at 8:15pm), $24.99 (online purchase) per car, $30 on-site, $50 per limousine, 12/15 person passenger vans, small bus

Do you know of a kid-friendly holiday lights event taking place in Worcester and Beyond that isn't listed here? Please submit your event  here  and we will add it to our list! 

Interested in going for a drive across the state to see the best displays?  Check out this article ! Call first.

Worcester Macaroni KID is a free weekly newsletter and website focused on fun family events and information in the greater Worcester area. We gather together all kinds of local family events and activities each week, and add useful information about classes, family-focused businesses, book and product reviews, recipes, crafts, camp guides and more. We proudly serve 12,000+ families in Worcester, Shrewsbury, and Westborough. 

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Holidays in Worcester

A vibrant city and the birthplace of edward elgar.

The historic city of Worcester offers something for everyone. Spend time exploring the city’s varied and fascinating history in the City Art Gallery and Museum, the Infirmary Museum, and the Museum of Royal Worcester, which tells the story of its world-renowned porcelain manufacture.

Don’t miss the early 18th-century Guildhall, or the atmospheric 18th century church of St Swithun with its original box pews. On Friar Street you will find the medieval house and garden of Greyfriars (National Trust), a 16th-century timber-framed Tudor House, as well as several eating places, pubs and speciality shops. Also be sure to visit the Tudor House Museum , packed with 500 years of city and industrial history.

Learn about Worcester’s role during the English Civil War in The Commandery and on the adjacent Fort Royal Hill where the last battle of the war raged over 350 years ago.

You will find a wide selection of shopping outlets and an eclectic range of places to eat and drink to suit all tastes and budgets in the city, and throughout the year there is a vibrant programme of events to keep the whole family entertained, including the Worcester Festival weekend and the famous Victorian Christmas Fayre. The Three Choirs Festival is held in the city every three years, and is the oldest non-competitive classical musical festival in the world.

Take in a show at the Swan Theatre or visit Huntingdon Hall for a diverse range of musical and comedy performances. Relax on a boat cruise, stroll by the River Severn, or wander through one of the city’s beautiful parks. For the energetic, there are guided tours around the city, and for those brave enough, follow a guide into the darker side of Worcester and learn of ghostly experiences during a tour of one of the most haunted cities in Britain.

Sports fans might like to visit a rugby match, the racecourse, or a cricket match at surely the most photogenic of cricket grounds.

In the centre of the city you will find Worcester’s most famous landmark, the Cathedral, which includes royal tombs and a Norman crypt. On a clear day you can climb the 235 steps to the top of the tower where there are spectacular views over the city, River Severn, the Malvern Hills and countryside beyond.

“Worcester is best known for its magnificent Cathedral, world renowned Worcester Porcelain and the famous Worcestershire Sauce”

Facing the cathedral is the statue of Sir Edward Elgar, just a few yards away from the original location of his father’s music shop, which was sadly demolished in the 1960s. Elgar’s birthplace is a short distance from Worcester in the village of Broadheath.

If you fancy escaping the hustle and bustle of the city there are two large dog-friendly woodlands to explore. Perry Wood and Nunnery Wood both offer several hectares to while away some peaceful hours. Nunnery Wood is also adjacent to Worcester Woods Country Park, which offers activities for children, is ideal for picnics, and has a café serving delicious food.

We have some lovely holiday cottages in and around Worcester. Why not visit our collection to feel inspired?

While you’re there

Worcester Cathedral

Explore royal tombs, ancient crypts and climb to the top of the tower for magnificent views.

The Elgar Birthplace Museum and Visitor Centre

Discover the story of Elgar, his music and his deep connection to Worcestershire.

Worcester Riverside

Enjoy relaxing riverside walks, boat trips and tours.

Inspiration

• All Worcester cottages
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WORCESTERSHIRE CANAL BOAT HIRE

Explore worcestershire onboard a black prince boat  .

One of our guests’ favourite – a canal boat holiday in Worcestershire which takes you straight to the heartland of historic England. It’s a very British trip in a region that offers a wealth of history and variety on the waterways, from scenic English countryside to bustling towns and cities, with R iver Severn boat hire being a particularly popular pastime.

From our hire base in Stoke Prior , you can choose to gently cruise along relaxing routes such as the  Worcester and Birmingham Canal, the Stratford Canal, and the Oxford Canal taking life at a leisurely pace or you can head towards historic towns and learn more about the industrial heritage of the waterways.

TOP ATTRACTIONS IN WORCESTERSHIRE

There are lots of attractions to visit from our Worcester canal boat hire base – just remember that you will need to build in time to your canal boat holiday to stop off. You may need longer than just a 3 or 4 night weekend or midweek break if you want to take time out from narrow boat cruising to visit the attractions, so we would recommend a week’s rental or longer.

• Along the Worcester and Birmingham Canal, you can stop off at Worcester Marina and Worcester City and visit the impressive cathedral, Royal Worcester factory shops, and the Tudor House museum.
• Stourport Canal Basin – brilliant for boat fanatics, you’ll find narrowboats and yachts against a backdrop of historic Georgian warehouses. Take time to visit the Heritage Room which offers guided tours.
• The River Severn – a picturesque river, easy to cruise, easy to access on holidays in Worcester from the Worcester hire base.
• Kinver Edge – a high sandstone ridge and hill fort overlooking dramatic red sandstone rock houses located close to the Staffordshire and Worcestershire Canal.
• Tardebigge Flight – the longest flight of locks in the UK on the Worcester and Birmingham Canal overlooking the beautiful Worcestershire countryside.
• Droitwich Ring – this pretty canal holiday short break is easily reached from our Worcester base at Stoke Prior and is perfect for a midweek or weekend break.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

• What could be more British than the home of Shakespeare, Stratford-Upon-Avon. Take trips direct from the canal to see Shakespeare’s Theatre and Mary Arden’s House.
• Birmingham is a bustling city with the Bullring shopping centre, Gas Street Basin, and Botanical Gardens. You can cruise along the Worcester and Birmingham Canal on your boat holiday to the heart of this city.
• One of our favourites is Cadbury World, located alongside the Worcester and Birmingham Canal. Enjoy a tasty tour around this world-famous chocolate factory.
• Warwick & Leamington Spa are historic towns on the edge of the waterways, your holiday from Worcester makes these easy nearby attractions to visit on your boat holiday.
• Warwick Castle is a fun interactive tourist attraction with a great range of entertainment, from live actor experiences to bird shows, archery displays and jousting.

Length of holidays in Worcestershire

You can enjoy short breaks of three or four nights in this area, this could be a weekend break in Worcestershire or a mid week break, or longer holidays of seven, ten, eleven or fourteen nights.

• Worcester Short Break – visit the historic town of Worcester of a 3-night short break, a busy route with 46 locks.
• Complete the Mid-Worcestershire Ring on a short break of 4 nights, a popular route with 46 locks and a short cruise along the River Severn.
• Cruise on a 7-night break to Stourton, a scenic route of 76 miles and 82 locks.

Worcestershire canal boat hire base

The Black Prince Worcestershire canal boat hire base is located at Hanbury Wharf in Stoke Prior. From here you can enjoy narrowboat rentals to explore the local area, plus travel further afield to other regions such as Warwickshire and Gloucestershire. We offer pet-friendly boats from this hire base for Worcestershire narrowboat holidays, as long as you declare your pet when you hire canal boats (as we also have non-pet friendly boats).

To book a canal book holiday here simply choose ‘Stoke Prior / Worcestershire’ in the holiday search box to book securely online, or call our team on 0044 (0)1527 575115

Canals to cruise from Stoke Prior, Worcestershire

• Worcester & Birmingham Canal
• Birmingham & Fazeley Canal
• Stratford Canal
• Oxford Canal
• Coventry Canal

NEED HELP PLANNING YOUR ADVENTURE? HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT BOAT RENTALS IN WORCESTER?

Call today on ++44 (0)1527 575 115 and a Black Prince team member will be happy to help!

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WooSox holiday caravan tours Worcester helping those in need

WORCESTER, Mass. - For the second year, the WooSox Foundation's holiday caravan is making stop across Worcester this week.

WooSox team members and front office staff are spreading holiday cheer while also doing some good deeds throughout the city. Tuesday morning, infielder Ryan Fitzgerald and hitting coach Rich Dedman volunteered at Saint John's Food for the Poor. The WooSox spent the morning preparing breakfast and handing out food to some who are in need this holiday season. 

The team also made stops at UMass Memorial Children’s Medical Center and Abby's House. For WooSox VP of Community and Player Relations Joe Bradlee, it's important for the team to give back when they can.

"The mission is to help out as many people as we can over these three days," Bradlee said. "We're going to be out in some schools, you're going to see us at a lot of nonprofits, different community organizations. The goal is to get out there as much as possible, show people that we care, and we're not playing baseball right now so we've got a little extra time on our hands to show our support and do things like this. That's what it's all about."

The WooSox will wrap up their 2022 holiday caravan tomorrow with visits to Abby Kelley Foster Elementary School and Gates Lane Elementary School.

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Your Worcester Vacation

Take the guesswork out of travel planning by booking a Worcester vacation package. A great neighborhood to stay in this fascinating city is Webster Square, which is good for cycling and lots more. If your trip to Worcester includes a little sightseeing, drop by well-known attractions like DCU Center , College of the Holy Cross and Worcester Polytechnic Institute . A few quick clicks is all it takes to put together the ideal Worcester vacation on Expedia.

The Latest Worcester Vacation Packages

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Where to stay in Worcester

Worcester Central Business District

The second-largest city in Massachusetts is a lively hub of culture, with museums, theaters and galleries to explore between shopping and dining.

Webster Square

If you're spending some time in Webster Square, Auburn Mall and Solomon Pond Mall are top sights worth seeing.

If you're spending some time in Union HIll, The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley and Auburn Mall are top sights worth seeing.

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If you're spending some time in Franklin Plantation, The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley and Auburn Mall are top sights worth seeing.

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If you're spending some time in Salisbury Street, Auburn Mall and The Shoppes at Blackstone Valley are top sights worth seeing.

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Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in worcester, union station.

Worcester’s picturesque transportation hub is also a popular tourist attraction with majestic architecture and a long history to learn about.

The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts

Enjoy a dazzling musical or a dramatic play at this historic Worcester theater that attracts the biggest stars of the stage.

Worcester Art Museum

You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at Worcester Art Museum in Worcester. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

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Get Ready for an Even Busier Holiday Travel Season in 2023

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If last year’s winter holiday travel season felt costly or chaotic, this year's might seem even more so.

That’s because half of Americans (50%) plan to spend money on flights or hotel stays this holiday season, according to a new NerdWallet survey conducted online by The Harris Poll. The survey was based on responses from 2,057 adults collected Sept. 5-7, 2023.

That 50% figure is higher than last year when 44% of Americans said they’d planned to spend money on travel.

When will crowds be the biggest? Probably the Sunday after Thanksgiving. That was the busiest travel day in 2019, 2021 and 2022, according to a NerdWallet analysis of Transportation Security Administration data showing the number of passengers screened at TSA checkpoints over the past four years. Travelers can expect 2023’s winter holiday travel season to follow suit.

The busiest travel days this holiday season

While half of Americans will travel for at least one of the winter holidays (and some will travel for more than one), some holidays prompt more activity than others.

According to NerdWallet’s survey, which defines "travel" as staying away from home for at least one night, regardless of whether it includes flights or hotel stays as opposed to driving or staying overnight with family or friends:

40% of Americans plan to travel for the December holidays (Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa).

29% plan to travel for Thanksgiving.

19% plan to travel for New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day.

If more Americans say they intend to travel for the December holidays compared with Thanksgiving, why does the latter tend to set the travel records? It largely comes down to timing.

Thanksgiving takes place on the fourth Thursday in November every year. Travelers tend to have the same itinerary, departing the Wednesday before the holiday and returning the Sunday after, creating the two busiest days to fly around Thanksgiving .

With Christmas, trend lines are more opaque because the holiday is on a different day of the week every year. Christmas in 2023 falls on a Monday. So, while Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be the best days to fly (meaning lower costs and smaller crowds), this year Tuesday, Dec. 26, might be unusually busy.

In fact, Dec. 26 may be the most expensive day to return in the week after Christmas this year, according to the 2023 Holiday Travel Outlook from the travel booking site Hopper. As far as busy travel days ahead of the holiday, expect the preceding Friday (Dec. 22 this year) to be among the worst days to fly ahead of Christmas .

What about people who aren’t traveling?

While about 50% of Americans plan to spend money on flights or hotel stays this holiday season, 39% say they don’t plan to spend money on holiday travel and 11% are undecided, according to NerdWallet’s survey.

For some, the decision not to travel is pretty straightforward. For example, 39% of those not traveling say it’s because their friends and family are local, and 10% are hosting others for the holidays.

Of those not spending money on flights or hotel stays this holiday season, 24% say it’s because they can’t afford it.

Planning to travel at the same time as everyone else

Traveling on peak days alongside everyone else brings more challenges than just longer airport security lines or the increased likelihood of sitting in the middle seat.

With that in mind, budget more time to get to your destination. Boarding may take longer, and airport lounges might be busier, if not full. If the airline cancels your flight , expect to compete with more people to get on the next available flight.

Seek ways to bypass the lines. For example, holding TSA PreCheck can help get you in expedited security lines (and you might even be able to get TSA PreCheck for free ). Earning airline elite status can mean access to VIP lanes for things like checking baggage, while hotel elite status might get you into expedited check-in lanes.

And if that all sounds like too much, consider opting out of holiday travel entirely. Those 39% of people who don’t plan to spend money on flights and hotel stays this holiday season might be onto something.

Erin El Issa contributed to this report.

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1.5%-5% Enjoy 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

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2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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Travel for the holidays: Here are 5 wintertime adventures for the entire family in Maryland and beyond

Thank you for supporting our journalism. This article is available exclusively for our subscribers, who help fund our work at The Baltimore Sun.

Get in the holiday spirit with the Christmas light show, NOEL, featuring more than 250,000 lights at Hersheypark. photo courtesy of Hersheypark (photo courtesy of Hersheypark)

During the most wonderful time of the year, winter jaunts are growing in popularity. Families, friends and solo travelers alike, are packing their bags and jingling all the way to merry locales for the holidays.

“Destinations across the Mid-Atlantic have experienced a travel trend over the last 20 years that has seen the industry grow during both the holiday and winter travel seasons,” said Morgan Christopher, board chair of the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance, which encompasses Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware, and Washington, D.C.

“December through March are no longer the months when we hunker down and bundle up,” he said. “Travel has become a traditional part of the celebration.”

Think of winter travel as a holiday present waiting to be unwrapped. In Maryland and its nearby neighbors, consider charming small towns, an amusement park stay or even a wintry beach vacation. We’ve made a list of places — and like Santa, checked it twice.

Enjoy classic holiday tunes during the Christmas light show, NOEL, featuring more than 250,000 lights. photo courtesy of Hersheypark. (Hersheypark)

Hersheypark

Hershey, pennsylvania.

In the town where Milton S. Hershey built a chocolate empire, holiday celebrations seem extra sweet.

That may explain why tourists have flocked for decades to Hershey, Pennsylvania for its Hersheypark Christmas Candylane extravaganza.

Envision some 5 million twinkling lights; the chocolate inspired Kisses Fountain and Kissmas Tree; and the NOEL light show, with 250,000 dancing lights synchronized to Christmas music. A flurry of festivities–with such holiday themes such as “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” “Fairy Tales” and a “Victorian Village” kick off on Nov. 10 and runs (on select dates) through Jan. 1, 2024.

“We’re honored that Hersheypark Christmas Candylane has been a holiday tradition for generations of families over the last 40 years,” said Vikki Hultquist, vice president, Hersheypark and Entertainment Operations. “We look forward to continuing to delight guests of all ages with our unique offerings.”

Santa will visit Hersheypark from the North Pole, as will the legendary Rudolph and all of his reindeer pals. And, speaking of sleigh rides, “Oh what fun it is to ride,” at Hersheypark with its thrill-worthy collection of roller coasters, games and attractions.

The merriment continues at Hershey Sweet Lights, a drive-through (separately ticketed) just outside the park. Motor through fields and wooded trails illuminated with nearly 600 animated displays created from millions of LED lights.

Wrap your visit with a bow at Hershey’s Chocolatetown: shop at the flagship store, dine at The Chocolatier restaurant, and take home Hershey’s sweet confections to fill your stocking.

hersheypark.com

Gaylord National Resort has the ICE! attraction.from November 19 to December 31, 2023. There are 13 scenes from “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” carved into ice including Santa & the reindeer. (Doug Scaletta)

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center

National harbor. prince george’s county, maryland.

The elves at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center really know how to deck the halls. To celebrate Christmas, 2 million lights will twinkle; a gigantic 320-square-foot gingerbread house will be on display; while Santa will be on hand for photos, and Mrs. Claus will host story time for children with cookies and milk.

The marquee attraction is ICE!, a winter wonderland where the temperature is a frosty 9 degrees. Visitors who brave the glacier chill are rewarded with hand-carved ice sculptures, frozen interactive ice slides, and magical tunnels that depict scenes from the television classic, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

“Christmas at Gaylord National has become a must-visit holiday celebration that is only an hour’s drive for Baltimoreans,” said Kirk Trutner, director of special events and entertainment at Gaylord National Resort. Travelers to the recently renovated hotel can even book a Christmas Dream Suite, complete with a Christmas tree, holiday accents and treats.

For a jolly time, head to the Christmas Village for ice tubing, a snowball build and blast, a reindeer games scavenger hunt, plus a towering snow mountain slide. For yuletide gliding, the ice skating rink awaits.

‘Tis the season for holiday entertainment, too. “Cirque: Spirit of Christmas,” will feature acrobatic performers, highflying stunts and Broadway-style storytelling. “The Greatest Story Stage Show,” a musical about the birth of Jesus Christ, boasts a multicultural cast, and is described as a celebration of “everlasting faith, hope, and love.”

Speaking of hope, partial ticket proceeds from ICE! will benefit Gaylord’s anti-bullying initiative, Shine Bright & Spread Kindness. In the spirit of Rudolph, the campaign encourages guests to write pledges about being kind and inclusive to others; messages will be publicly displayed during the holiday season.

christmasatgaylordnational | marriott.com

Muddy Creek Falls spills into the Youghiogheny River in Swallow Falls State Park in Garrett County, Maryland. (Dan Rodricks)

Deep Creek Lake

Garrett county, maryland.

For holiday adventures in the great outdoors, head to Western Maryland’s picturesque Garrett County. Its scenic tableau of mountains, lakes and rivers, and waterfalls, feel like a gift from Mother Nature.

Winter here brings horse-drawn sleigh rides, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling. At Deep Creek Lake, a 3,900-acre human-made marvel, there’s ice fishing and the gigantic 1,800-acre Deep Creek Lake State Park. Its year-round complex offers 20 miles of trails worthy of a holiday hike.

“Swallow Falls State Park is also beautiful in the winter,” said Sarah Duck, vice president of tourism and marketing for the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. Muddy Creek Falls, the state’s tallest free-falling waterfall, is worth seeing whether “it’s frozen or just surrounded by snow.”

The county will host a flurry of regional holiday celebrations, among them, “A Great Small Town Christmas” in downtown Oakland on Dec. 1-2, with a tree lighting ceremony, music, and a stopover by Old St. Nick.

That same weekend at Spruce Forest Artisan Village in Grantsville, meet artisans in their log-cabin studios as they create: bird carving, basket making, hand-loom weaving, hand-thrown pottery, stained glass art, and hand-forged iron. The village’s historic museums will be open, and there will be fun activities for children during the free event.

For holiday lodging, consider the WISP Resort which offers everything from skiing and snowboarding to a Mountain Coaster with glorious views.

visitdeepcreek.com

Meet Santa at Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge. Santa visits on the weekends, a red mailbox is in the lobby will deliver messages directly to the North Pole. Photo courtesy of Great Wolf Lodge (Great Wolf Lodge)

Great Wolf Lodge

Cecil county, maryland.

From a “frosty fest” family dance party, to holiday themed yoga, to an indoor water park kept at a balmy 84 degrees, Great Wolf Lodge promises a unique celebration less than an hour’s drive from Baltimore.

From Nov. 24 through Jan. 8, the annual Snowland celebration will allow guests to be immersed in winter wonder, with daily snow showers, visits from Santa, seasonal crafts, plus holiday stories, songs and games. The resort and its Grand Lobby are transformed, complete with twinkling lights, ornaments and garlands, sparkly holiday trees, and cheerful decorations.

During the interactive Snowfall Celebration each evening, there’s ringing of jingle bells, singing of holiday tunes, and dancing. Snowland Selfie Stations will be set up with various props to create photo memories.

“Snowland is the most festive time of year at our lodges, and we’re so excited to bring the holiday spirit to Maryland with our annual celebration,” said Nadine Miracle, general manager of Great Wolf Lodge Maryland.

greatwolf.com/maryland

Historic downtown Berlin shopping district. (Lloyd Fox / Baltimore Sun)

Ocean City & Berlin

Worcester county, maryland.

Imagine a Christmas morning sunrise at the beach, the waves lapping against the sandy shore. Then “ho, ho ho” to Ocean City where the summer crowds have set sail, making for a holiday of collecting seashells, strolls along the boardwalk and special events.

The annual Winterfest of Lights show is a walking tour through Northside Park. Make your way through the Candy Cane Woods and stop along the path to see Santa’s Workshop, The Twelve Days of Christmas and a 50-foot Winterfest Christmas tree which “performs” multiple shows hourly.

About seven miles from Ocean City is the charming small town of Berlin, where the Victorian architecture along Main Street, quaint shops (some with seasonal moving window displays) feels akin to stepping into a Hallmark Channel holiday movie.

The Calvin B. Taylor House Museum will take one back in time with tales of Christmas Past. One highlight is the Enchanted Christmas Tea complete sugar plum treats.

During “Ice Ice Berlin” on Nov. 24, ice carvings will line the sidewalks in front of local businesses, and the town Christmas tree lighting takes place at nightfall outside the Atlantic Hotel. Next up, the Berlin Christmas Parade on Dec. 7 is a delightful celebration where the streets are alive with marching bands, dance teams, fire companies and floats while awaiting the arrival of Santa.

Worcester County Tourism: visitmarylandscoast.org

For more info on all Maryland destinations go to: www.visitmaryland.org .

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Black Friday travel deals 2023: Shop offers on flights, holidays and rail fares

While the big day is still weeks away, get prepared to tick iconic destinations off your travel bucket list in 2024 by bagging a bargain on short and long-haul journeys in the Black Friday sales, whether you’re dreaming of European hotspots or trips to the Caribbean .

Black Friday is the ideal opportunity to score discounts on hotel stays, flights and all-inclusive package holidays. Budget travellers could save hundreds on their next trip with travel deals from Booking.com to Expedia and G Adventures.

Last year saw big deductions from Tui, First Choice and easyJet on package holiday deals, with up to £200 off selected summer trips , city breaks and winter sun getaways from the cost-savvy providers.

With offers available from Black Friday on 24 November well into Cyber Monday on 27 November, we’ll be keeping this guide updated in the lead-up to one of the biggest sales event of the year.

Here is what we know so far about the top Black Friday travel deals for 2023 so far.

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Booking.com

Avid travellers can save over 30 per cent on selected hotel reservations and accommodation with  Booking.com’s  Black Friday offerings from 16–29 November. The cost-saving stays can be booked for dates between now and 31 December 2024, whether a long weekend away or a week of relaxing beside the beach, and there’s even up to 25 per cent off visits activities, including river cruises and guided museum tours, as long as they’re taken within three months of booking.

Members of  Expedia  can sign in to save 30 per cent or more on selected hotels from New York to Dubai when they book before 29 November. That’s a hefty 20 per cent additional discount from the standard members deal of 10 per cent off worldwide hotels in the holiday provider’s biggest travel sale of the year. Holidays with nights in spacious suites and elegant apartments are bookable for travel until the end of 2024 as part of the Black Friday deal.

G Adventures

There are big savings on big adventures with  G Adventures  this Black Friday. Intrepid explorers can save up to 30 per cent per person on small group tours for select dates departing before 30 April 2024. Cruises, National Geographic expeditions and hiking treks to discover the continents must be booked between 1–30 November 2023 to benefit from the adventure travel group’s generous discount.

Lastminute.com

While  lastminute.com’s  Black Friday holiday deals will officially be open for booking on 20 November, flash sales ahead of the big day mean you can secure a steal on package trips now. Destinations including Dubai, Prague, and Majorca feature flights and five-star accommodation from just £179pp as part of the promotion and a seven-night all-in stay in sundrenched Antalya in March will set travellers back only £319pp.

AttractionTickets.com

Those planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the US will find 10 per cent off attraction tickets and hotel packages in  AttractionTickets.com’s  Black Friday sale with code BLACKFRIDAY between 9 and 27 November. This means savings of up to £118.50pp on Orlando Freedom Tickets with 14 days of admission to all Disney, Universal and SeaWorld parks and a £50.30pp price slash on the Grand Canyon West Rim Helicopter & Skywalk Express Tour in Las Vegas.

Royal Caribbean

This Black Friday seafaring travellers can save up to £625pp on their European  Royal Caribbean  cruises with seven-night balcony staterooms available on  Anthem of the Seas  journeys across Northern Europe and the Mediterranean from just £999pp. With  Anthem of the Seas  departing and returning from Southampton in the summer of 2024, this penny-saving promotion from 10 November to 4 December means you won’t even need to worry about airfares.

What travel deals can we expect in the Black Friday 2023 sale?

If  Black Friday 2022  is any indication, expect to see discounts from many of the UK’s major airlines, package holiday providers and hotel groups on airfares, accommodation and attractions in two weeks.

Secret Escapes  has confirmed that their Black Friday promotion of up to 50 per cent off or more will drop this Friday, 10 November.

Tui  offered savings of up to £200 off selected 2023 holidays last year.

Travelodge  featured a 30 per cent saving off the cheapest night on stays booked for over two nights in the 2022 sales.

Ryanair’s last Cyber Monday promotion welcomed flights from €29.99 for travel between April and June.

Virgin Atlantic saw savings of £100 on Upper Class flights and 10 per cent off package holidays last November.

Jet2holidays  kicked off their Black Friday 2022 sale with discounts up to 50 per cent on hotel stays.

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