beauty | heritage | The ARTS
The Malverns is a very special place to visit. Both experienced hikers and casual 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. For those hunting bargains from times gone by the towns have a great selection of antique shops.
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.
Campaign supported by UK Government Levelling Up #UKSPF
Discover Our Unique Attractions
Highlights
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 and events to suit all tastes. In terms of music Upton upon Severn takes centre stage as the host to over 5 music festivals each 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. In the Autumn cultural festivals come into their own with Autumn in Malvern, Applefest, F.E.A.S.T and many more. Head to our events finder for all the up to date information.
Great Malvern Food Festival
This annual feast of flavours is one of the largest FREE food festivals in the region. Taking place in Great Malvern’s Priory Park on 6 & 7 July 2024.
Sample a selection of locally sourced food at the market, enjoy a tipple from the bar and watch live cookery demonstrations at the Bandstand Cookery Theatre. All while enjoying entertainment from fantastic musicians and street performers.
Malvern Well Dressing and Water Festival
The community comes together every spring to celebrate Malvern’s long history as a spa town for the Well Dressing . Around 45 wells across The Malverns are creatively decorated around a unified theme.
As part of the Malvern Well Dressing & Water Festival, a FREE family fun day is hosted every year in Priory Park to bring together the local community and our visitors to celebrate Malvern spring water. This year it takes place on Monday 6 May.
Malvern Walking Festival
The Malvern Walking Festival comprises of 9 days of fantastic themed walks on the Malvern Hills and the surrounding countryside. Many walks include talks on various topics such as geology, history and wildlife.
With walks for every ability, this popular festival is usually a sell out so keen walkers are encouraged to book early. Walks start from £5 each.
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.
The Cottage in the Wood
The Cottage in the Wood’s restaurant, 1919, was recently awarded 3 AA Rosettes and showcases some of the best cuisine in The Malverns. Led by Head Chef Rob Mason there is a focus on simplicity and depth of flavour with pickling and seasonality playing a big part in menu choices.
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 Charming 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.
Explore The Malverns Storied Past
The Malverns has several mapped routes which take you through both our stunning landscape but also through the stories of some of our most talented past residents and visitors. On the Route to the Hills find out about the hardships of the Victorian water cure, secret Second World War research projects, medieval monks and a royal donkey on this walking tour with themed benches and and artwork along the way. The Elgar Route takes you, either by car or bicycle, through the countryside that inspired England’s greatest composer as well as locations that were important in Elgar’s life. In The Chronicles of Malvernia walking stories find out about famous authors, J.R.R. Toliken and C. S. Lewis, connections to The Malverns.
Everyone’s Welcome
Everyone can have the holiday that suits them in The Malverns. Whether you are looking to support destinations that are more friendly to our planet, bring your furry friend or make sure that locations provide for accessibility needs, The Malverns welcomes you.
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