News release

For Immediate Release

Monday 5 October 2026

One of the city’s oldest buildings, The Commandery has seen centuries of history unfold within its walls – inevitably arming it with plenty of tales of ghostly goings-on ready to be told in this year’s After-dark Tours.

In a guided tour with a Halloween twist, visitors will be immersed in some of Worcester’s spookiest stories on Tuesday and Thursday evenings this October.

From mysterious footsteps to gruesome historic happenings and strange sightings, there is a plethora of anecdotes and accounts to be heard – many reported by visitors, staff, and volunteers over the years. Attendees can venture through the wood-panelled corridors and into parts of the building which, in the bright light of day, are usually closed to visitors.

Once a monastic hospital built on the site of a Saxon chapel, and later Royalist headquarters in the Battle of Worcester, the final battle of the English Civil War in 1651, The Commandery has a long and fascinating history with plenty of tales to tell. Keep your eyes and ears peeled and make up your own mind about the paranormal activities said to have taken place on the site.

Tours take place on October evenings at 6.30 and 8pm: Tuesday 13, Thursday 15, Tuesday 20, Thursday 22, Tuesday 27 and Thursday 29 October.

Tours are £16.50 per person; booking is essential at museumsworcestershire.org.uk/events/after-dark-tours-at-the-commandery-2026. The tours take approximately 1 hour and are for ages 14+.

Helen Manning, Events and Activities Coordinator at The Commandery, said, “The After-dark Tours have become essential to The Commandery’s calendar – they’re such a unique way to experience the building and its history.”

Visitors may wish to check out the nightlife on the historic Friar Street in Worcester, a short way from The Commandery, before or after the tour. The restaurants and bars in beautiful timber buildings set the tone perfectly for a unique evening out.

Younger members of the family can enjoy Spook-tacular Family Mornings at The Commandery on Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28, and Thursday 29 October from 10.30am to 12noon, bookable online. There is a fun family trail, The Witch’s Potion, on throughout the October half-term holiday (excluding Monday when The Commandery is closed).

Please see the website for full details and to book: museumsworcestershire.org.uk.

ENDS

 

Notes to editors

Image attached shows: a photo showing The Commandery by night.

 

Usual opening hours

The Commandery, Sidbury, Worcester is usually open: Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm, and Sundays, 10am – 3pm. Closed Mondays. After-dark Tours take place after hours.

 

Event listings

 

After-dark Tours

Explore one of the oldest buildings in Worcester by torchlight this October… The Commandery is once again opening its gates on autumn nights for you to discover its ghostly secrets.

Tours take place on October evenings at 6.30 and 8pm: Tuesday 13, Thursday 15, Tuesday 20, Thursday 22, Tuesday 27 and Thursday 29 October.

£16.50, ages 14+. Book online: museumsworcestershire.org.uk/events/after-dark-tours-at-the-commandery-2026

 

For families:

A Spook-tacular Family Morning! Tuesday 27, Wednesday 28, and Thursday 29 October, 10.30am – 12noon. £5.50 + general admission. Book online: museumsworcestershire.org.uk/events/a-spook-tacular-family-morning

Family Trail | The Witch’s Potion – Friday 23 October – Sunday 1 November (closed Mondays). £1 + general admission: museumsworcestershire.org.uk/events/family-trail-the-witchs-potion

 

For more information or further images please contact Alice Benbow, Museums Marketing Officer: alice.benbow@worcester.gov.uk / 01905 361828.