Discover Upton upon Severn

Upton upon Severn brings together riverside scenery, local history and culture. The town lies on the banks of the River Severn; from Upton, there are views of the Malvern Hills. These are two distinct landscape features to consider when planning your trip: the riverbank right in town and the views of the Hills. Historic sites and seasonal events add further points of interest.

The River and Its Banks

You can explore the banks of the River Severn on foot or by boat. There are also several walking paths and picnic areas. If you plan to spend time outdoors, the main difference between these options is how you get around: walking along the riverbank or boating on the water. At East Waterside, next to the bridge, there is a picnic area right on the riverbank. The Village Green is also at East Waterside, beside the remains of the old swing bridge. It was replaced by the present-day Upton Bridge in 1940. For day boat hire, Severn Expeditions offers self-drive boats or boats with a skipper from Upton Marina. You can therefore choose between piloting the boat yourself and having a skipper; check availability before your trip.

Buildings and Local History

The Pepperpot is a Grade II listed landmark. The Upton Heritage Centre is housed in the oldest surviving building in this riverside town. It covers the Civil War and the Battle of Upton Bridge. The Battle of Upton took place on 28 August 1651 during the English Civil War. A Blue Badge Guide offers historical walking tours of Upton upon Severn. You can explore historical themes at the Heritage Centre or on a walking tour; the Pepperpot provides a distinct architectural point of interest.

Museums and Music

The Tudor House Museum presents local history through ceramics, clothing and photographs, as well as Staffordshire Blue and regional pottery. Other exhibitions focus on the railway, pubs, boats and Upton’s festival processions. Ceramics and Staffordshire Blue highlight a focus on materials; the railway, pubs, boats and festival processions broaden the range to other local themes. The main difference from the Upton Heritage Centre is the focus: the Heritage Centre covers the Civil War and the Battle of Upton Bridge, while the Tudor House Museum offers a wider selection of exhibits and local themes.

From May to August, the festival calendar includes music events spanning folk, jazz, blues, rock and pop. The seasonal programme therefore covers several genres. If you want to plan your trip around an event, check the specific dates in advance, as the programme may change.

Nature and Practical Information

Upton Meadow is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is classed as a southern alluvial meadow. It was selected as the largest example in Worcestershire of this nationally rare habitat. This offers a distinct nature-related point of interest alongside the riverside scenery, museums and local history.

There is a large car park on Hanley Road, with spaces for coaches. Together with the historical walking tours and the various ways to spend time by the river, this gives you practical points of reference for planning: you can focus on local history, time on the water or the seasonal music programme.

Discover more destinations: Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, Hanley Castle, Kempsey, Clifton Upon Teme, Evesham, Offenham, Tibberton

For the wider travel overview: Worcestershire.