Visiting The Firs National Trust – Elgar’s birthplace

I don’t think I’d have realised Edward Elgar’s birthplace, The Firs, was back open if I’d not had a National Trust email through. We’re not massively far from Worcestershire, so I decided to visit on one of my flexi days.

Don’t expect a big National Trust place. The Firs is a much simpler set up, given it’s based around The Firs cottage and garden, with the visitor centre including a couple of smaller exhibition rooms. They also host some small concerts there too which is in keeping with the musical theme of the site.

I’ve only really done larger National Trust places, so it’s nice to visit a more intimate venue. And handy because there’s no massive walk from the car park to the house, so it’s perfect for an hour or so trip, then you’re able to visit elsewhere nearby on the same day. 

The Firs is quite interesting because despite Sir Edward Elgar of Broadheath only having lived there until the age of 2, he remembered it so passionately. He visited many times as an older adult along with friends. He wanted to be remembered as part of the cottage. So after his death they purchased it from the council, to be run as a museum to Elgar by his daughter. Then it was taken over by the National Trust on her death.

The welcome on arrival was very warm and the person I spoke to told me about where to go, and which pianos were able to be played etc.

There’s a set up of Elgar’s study, with some displays of his manuscripts and other belongings like clothes and a music stand gifted to him.

The Clarice room is set up as a concert venue. In the corner is Elgar’s piano which you’re able to play if you want. It did sound a little bit out of tune and ‘twangy’. But quite amazing to think I’ve had a play on the same instrument that Edward Elgar owned and played. My many years of not playing has me even forgetting how to play chopsticks, so I just had a quick arpeggio twinkle, a rummage through the music there. And then reminding myself I really should play my own piano at home!

As you walk out of the visitor centre down towards the cottage, you can enjoy the seating area, and have a go on the outdoors musical instruments. I’m not sure The Firs is really a place that’s great for young children as there’s not that much for them. But the outdoor instruments are a nice touch.

The Firs cottage isn’t massive. But there’s enough to see to get a picture of who Elgar was, and how his life changed. 

On entering one of the volunteers offered to tell me more about Elgar’s life and his time at The Firs cottage and around the surrounding area. I knew more about Elgar’s music than him. So it was interesting to hear more about how he taught himself different musical instruments while his father had a music shop in Worcester. 

The house itself has displays of different rooms, with information and belongings from his life, family and music.

There’s a lot of information to learn about, plus different instruments and trinkets to see. You can also see a small library of the family’s books.

You can ask them to put your choice of music on the gramophone which is a nice touch.

Outside the garden’s pleasant to wander and listen to the birdsong. You can walk down to the bottom to see Elgar sat on a bench overlooking the Malvern Hills. A nice touch (although when I visited the road the other side of the hedge was full of roadworks, so less of a view).

Heading back to the visitor centre I had a quick look through the second hand books and music for sale. I decided against stopping at the cafe, and instead decided I’d just head into Worcester for lunch instead.

The Firs, Elgar’s birthplace is likely to be more interesting for those who have a love of classical music. It’s still a nice place to find out a bit more about the history and lives of ordinary people who became famous but still loved where they came from.

Check out my other National Trust posts or other places to visit in Worcestershire.