Discover the 'hidden gem' English Heritage site just 20 minutes from Worcester

Yahoo

2 days ago

Are you looking for new places to explore this year? Worcestershire has plenty of interesting sites to see, and even the surrounding areas have lots to offer, but if you're lacking inspiration, look no further.
The English Heritage site of Leigh Court Barn is less than a 20-minute drive from Worcester.
Here's what you need to know about the barn, including why it is there, how to get to it and the architecture.
English Heritage said: 'Leigh Court Barn is an outstanding example of English medieval carpentry, and the largest cruck framed structure in Britain.
Visitors have shown their appreciation for the carpentry inside the barn (Image: Tripadvisor) 'Built for Pershore Abbey in about 1325, it is over 42 metres long with 18 cruck blades - each made from a single oak tree.'
On its information page, it added more history about the barn: 'This barn is the only surviving building from the manor of Leigh Court, which belonged in the Middle Ages to the monks of Pershore Abbey.
'There were once other farm buildings and houses, and the abbot himself is known to have sometimes resided here.
'Medieval monasteries owned farmland that could supply them with food and raw materials, either directly, or indirectly through the sale of surplus produce.
'Monastic farms, known as granges, were often large-scale operations, and the size and magnificence of the grange barn at Leigh Court suggests that the Pershore Abbey farm was a well-organised and lucrative business.
'Radiocarbon dating has shown that the timbers for the barn were felled in the spring of 1344, which supports the evidence of carpentry techniques that date the barn to the 14th century.
This 42 metre long medieval barn has a strange myth associated with it 🔮 A phantom coach, drawn by four fire-breathing horses, is said to be seen flying up and over Leigh Court Barn. It's driver is the spirit of 'Old Colles', condemned to do so for a highway robbery 🐎👻 pic.twitter.com/q9B1njy0iq
— English Heritage (@EnglishHeritage) March 23, 2025
'With the closure of the abbey in 1540 the farm passed into lay hands. Until relatively recently the need for large barns for storing and threshing grain remained unchanged.
'Thanks, no doubt, to its size and sturdy construction, the barn has survived largely unaltered for almost 700 years.'
Leigh Court Barn is more than 42 metres (140 feet) long, and its trusses are nearly 10 metres (33 feet) high and span 10.4 metres (34 feet).
English Heritage added: 'Characteristically, barns had pairs of doors on opposite sides, with the threshing floor between them; the floor here is made of flagstones. With the doors open, the wind blew through the building to winnow the grain, which was tossed in the breeze until all the dust and chaff blew away.
'Externally the barn is partly weatherboarded, though the steep angle of the tiled roof suggests that it may once have been thatched.'
You can find out more about the barn via the English Heritage website (linked above).
When you arrive, you can wander through the barn and marvel at its impressive architecture.
Between April and October, you can visit from Thursday to Sunday from 10am until 6pm, and if you visit between November and March, the opening times are 10am-4pm.
It's worth noting that roadside parking is 'very limited' to visit the barn and to reach the barn, you'll need to look for a gate, says English Heritage: 'The barn can be reached on foot via the left hand pedestrian gate adjacent to the driveway of Leigh Court, which is privately owned.'
If you're looking to make a full day of exploring, it's recommended you also visit 'the dramatic ruins and stunning gardens of Witley Court, gutted by fire in the 1930s', which are less than 30 minutes away from the barn.
You'll be able to do a free audio tour, walk in Witley's parklands, visit the shop or stop for refreshments at an independently-run tearoom.
With another short drive, you could also visit 'the peaceful remains of Edvin Loach Old Church'.
Recommended reading:
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5 hidden gems you should visit for a day out in Worcestershire
English Heritage shared that the barn has a myth associated with it. Posting to X, it shared: 'A phantom coach, drawn by four fire-breathing horses, is said to be seen flying up and over Leigh Court Barn.
'Its driver is the spirit of 'Old Colles', condemned to do so for a highway robbery'.
Visitors have shared their experiences at Leigh Court Barn on TripAdvisor where it has a 4.3 rating from eight reviews.
One said: 'Impressive piece of cruck work. In fact, it is one of the longest and oldest cruck barns in Britain.
'It isn't a staffed English Heritage site, but it is free. Spent about ten minutes there, but made for a good day alongside a visit to Witley Court'.
Another commented: 'Another hidden gem, probably not for all, but if you like old buildings a must to visit. The workmanship and history are fantastic. Well worth looking for, a little off the beaten track.'