Hawford Dovecote

Hawford Dovecote is a half-timbered dovecote of the late 16th century, the last remnant of a medieval monastic grange in the countryside three miles north of Worcester. The Trust calls it a curious, crooked building, and it has survived virtually unaltered, keeping many of its nesting boxes. Built of timber framing and brick on stone foundations, it rises to a weatherboarded gable on each of its four sides, the four meeting in a central peak, and although there were once three floors the interior is now open to the rafters, so the roof structure is easy to see. Dogs are allowed. Reviewers find it attractive and well preserved, but agree that it is a small place and a visit takes only a few minutes, so they suggest combining it with other sights in the area. The Trust is firm that there is strictly no parking: Chatley Lane is a narrow single-track road, access is on foot or by bicycle only, and there are no toilets. Private homes surround the dovecote, and visitors are asked to respect the neighbours' privacy.