Tudor House Museum

Half-timbered and properly wonky, this 16th-century merchant's house sits right in Worcester's city centre, looking rather pleased with itself among the modern shopfronts. Inside, you'll find rooms kitted out as they would have been 500 years ago - four-poster beds, oak chests, and the kind of low doorways that'll have tall visitors ducking every few minutes.

Families with curious kids will get the best value here. The house tells the story of ordinary Tudor life rather brilliantly, with period costumes you can actually handle and interactive displays that don't feel patronising. My eight-year-old was fascinated by the Tudor toilet arrangements - always a winner.

Being free makes it an easy recommendation, though an hour is plenty unless you're a proper history buff. The guided tours run most afternoons and are well worth joining if you catch one.

For those staying at nearby parks like Peachley or Mill House, it's a cracking rainy-day option that's close enough to Worcester's other attractions - the cathedral's just a short walk away. Wednesday to Saturday opening means you'll need to time your visit right, but it slots nicely into a day exploring Worcester proper.