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The Malverns is a very special place to visit. Both experienced hikers and causal view seekers can find what they’re looking for atop these velvety green peaks. When spring turns to summer the bluebell covered slopes give way to colourful wildflower meadows which house rare butterfly species. Watch misty mornings turn to glorious sunsets and stop in at one of the hilltop pubs to rest your tired feet.
Beneath the hills lie the towns Malvern (Great Malvern, Barnards Green and Malvern Link), Upton upon Severn, and Tenbury Wells in the picturesque Teme Valley– all offering a certain distinctive charm and local history. Malvern has its own pudding and a history of inspiring England’s most famous creatives. Upton upon Severn is one of England’s most musical towns, hosting five music festivals. Finally, surrounded by orchards, Tenbury Wells throws Applefest every year and boasts an emerging foodie scene with plenty of independent food shops to discover.
The surrounding countryside is peppered with historic houses and parklands, with two Lancelot “Capability” Brown landscapes at the National Trust at Croome and Kyre Park Gardens. You’ll also love wandering around the stately mansion ruin at Witley Court and Gardens (English Heritage) and on pre-booked tours at Madresfield Court – the original setting for the book ‘Brideshead Revisited’ by Evelyn Waugh.
The Malverns has many accolades and unique reasons to visit. Marvel at the Antonia Bellucci (1654 – 1726) ceiling paintings at Britain’s finest Baroque church at Great Witley, tour this beautiful area in a classic Morgan Motor car hired direct from the factory in Malvern Link, view some of the oldest medieval stain-glass windows in the country at Great Malvern Priory, or discover the story of England’s most popular composer at Elgar’s Birthplace: The Firs.
Thank you to Jan Sedlacek at Digitlight Photography for the amazing campaign photograph displayed above. Find out more about his artwork here.
Discover Our Unique Attractions
Highlights
Unique Cultural Attractions
The Malverns has a strong history of creatives, innovators and intellectuals so those interested in history and culture will find plenty of compelling attractions here. Great Malvern, Upton upon Severn and Tenbury Wells all have local museums which are a great place to start. Further afield, experience the oldest still in use racetrack in the world at Shelsley Walsh or take in a fantastic example of arts and crafts architecture and interior design at Madresfield Court which is offering rare tours this summer.
Renowned as Elgar Country, you can follow in Sir Edward Elgar’s footsteps on a walk or drive around the Elgar Route – an AA signposted self-drive leisure route around the Malvern Hills, Upton upon Severn, the historic city of Worcester, as well as visiting The Firs: Elgar’s Birthplace Museum and Visitor Centre (National Trust) in Lower Broadheath. Download the Elgar Route leaflet and route here.
Malvern Hills AONB
The Malvern Hills AONB contain ancient burial grounds, an iron age hillfort, spectacular views across three counties and a geological history dating back 700 million years.
Morgan Experience Centre
Hand built in the adjoining factory Morgan cars are a piece of vintage British engineering. Book a factory tour and see how they are made, learn the fascinating history in the interactive museum, or hire your own for the ultimate driving experience.
National Trust at Croome
The parkland at Croome National Trust is second to none. Designed by 18th century star gardener ‘Capability’ Brown the mixture of lakes, mature trees, follies and gentle hills make for an exceedingly pretty walk. At the centre of the grounds is historic house Croome Court which hosts various exhibitions.
Phenomenal Festivals
The Malverns is brimming with festivals in a multitude of music genres, with Upton upon Severn taking centre stage as the host to over 5 music festivals this summer. Great Malvern hosts one of the largest free food festivals in the region and, last year, launched The Great Malvern Festival of Stories for Children to celebrate the towns literary history.
Upton Blues Festival
Having grown from a small festival that started in 2002 with concerts in a couple of pubs the Upton Blues Festival Weekend now attracts thousands of music enthusiasts.
Upton Jazz Festival
The ever popular Upton Jazz Festival returns on 23, 24 and 25 June 2023 and tickets sell out quickly! Free access to Jazz music, alongside a ticketed concert programme with some of best UK Jazz musicians.
Great Malvern Food Festival
Great Malvern Food Festival takes place from 1-2 July 2023 , with plenty of food and drink stalls, cookery demonstrations and live music all set in the beautiful surroundings of Priory Park.
Extraordinary Eateries
With a combination of access to excellent local produce and passionate chefs there’s a great range of food and drink in the district. Sample Michelin Star fine dining at Pensons, vegan innovations at Rise and flavoursome tapas at The Boathouse. The best holidays are ones planned around food, check out our blog on the best foodie experiences for inspiration, or follow our plan for a fantastic foodie weekend.
Pensons
Pensons, located in on the Netherwood estate near Tenbury Wells is a foodie must visit. One of only 31 restaurants in the country to be awarded a Green Michelin Star for its eco credentials, Pensons also delivers on flavour with classic pairings with modern touches.
L’amuse-Bouche Restaurant
L’amuse Bouche’s menu is based on traditional French style cooking with their expert Chefs bring a modern twist. Local and organic produce is used wherever possible and the Chefs take great pride in their presentation with the philosophy that diners eat with their eyes first.
The Inn at Welland
Opened in 2010 after extensive refurbishment The Inn at Welland aims to provide refined dishes using only fresh ingredients sourced from the kitchen garden or local farms. The Sunday Lunch menu is full of delights with locally sourced meats served with all the trimmings and spiced garden apple & blackberry crumble with vanilla custard for desert.
Outstanding Accommodation
There’s plenty of distinctive accommodation to choose from. Stay in award-winning hand-built treehouse Treeopia, have all the relaxation of the spa bought to your tent at Swallowfields Luxury Glamping Retreat or experience unique designer décor at The Elms Hotel.
The Cottage in The Wood
If it’s views you want then The Cottage in the Wood is the place to stay. With comfort and crisp white linen inside and miles of footpaths along The Malvern Hills outside, it makes for an exceedingly restful countryside retreat. Top tip – book one of the rooms with a roll top, free standing tub to soak after a long walk.
Stanbrook Abbey
Set in 26 acres of extensive gardens, Stanbrook Abbey Hotel is one of Worcestershire’s best-kept secrets and the perfect retreat, whether you are looking for a romantic break or somewhere unique to hold a special event, wedding or meeting. You can even share your experience with your canine companion, just ask about dog-friendly breaks.
The Elms Hotel & Spa
Breathe a sigh of relief as you enter The Elms. This large country house, located near Tenbury Wells, is anything but old fashioned. From their award-winning spa to their individually decorated artful rooms there is something delightfully unexpected around every corner, as well as views over the Worcestershire countryside from every window. Treatments are offered in the botanically decorated Greenhouse Spa including massage, facials and manicures.
Visit Our Unique Towns
Each of our towns has its own unique character – Malvern is largely Victorian in make-up and clings to the side of the ancient Malvern Hills – Upton upon Severn traces its roots back into history due to its importance as one of the main crossing points on the River Severn – and Tenbury Wells has a long agricultural history as one of the key market towns of the area with national importance for apples, mistletoe, holly and hops.
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