Historians, lovers of antiquity and admirers of impressive gardens will find much to enjoy in this delightful part of the world. If you appreciate searching off the beaten track The Malverns offers many hidden gems to explore from outstanding National Trust and English Heritage properties to beautiful gardens. The Malverns has a rich heritage, having inspired creatives such as Edward Elgar and C.S. Lewis, and its green fingered past residents have left behind a legacy of stunning landscaped gardens for visitors to enjoy. The summer sun, with help from the occasional rain shower and hardworking gardeners, means that The Malverns bloom spectacularly in the summer months providing the perfect landscape for leisurely afternoon strolls.
The history of The Malverns stretches back to the Iron Age, you can see the marks our ancient ancestors left on the landscape at the Iron Age Hill Fort British Camp. As well as being a fascinating piece of history, British Camp has unparalleled views of the surrounding countryside and makes for a perfect starting point to walk the ridge of the Malvern Hills. Great Malvern boomed in the Victorian era with the popularisation of the “Water Cure”, Tenbury Wells has a rich history of agriculture and apple growing and Upton upon Severn’s important position as a river crossing gave it a vital role to play in the civil war. Inquisitive visitors can delve into this fascinating local history at our many museums, have a nose into the lives of The Malverns past aristocracy by visiting magnificent country manors and castles and get stuck into history with interactive events.
Museums, Heritage Centres and Historic Buildings
The Morgan Experience Centre
Malvern Link has been home to the world famous Morgan Motor Company since 1909. Its current range of models feature a unique blend of craft and technology. Discover the history of the brand in the experience centre or book a tour of the factory.
The Firs – Elgar’s Birthplace
The birthplace of a musical genius, home to his humble collection, with a quintessentially British cottage garden. Surrounding countryside walks.
Tudor House Museum (NT)
Museum of Upton’s Past and Present with an award-winning garden. See how people lived and the tools with which they worked. Family friendly.
Malvern Hills GeoCentre
Take a walk across one or more of the stunning hills that provide the backdrop to Great Malvern and drop into the Malvern Hills Geo Centre at Upper Wyche. Here you can learn more about the Malverns from the maps of the area on display, iPad’s and large scale panoramas, including small displays of rocks and fossils.
The Malvern Museum
Malvern – its geology, archaeology, the Benedictine priory, the water cure, Victorian development, Elgar, two world wars, Radar, the Malvern Festival and much more.
Tenbury Museum
Housed in a small Victorian School, Tenbury Museum aims to give a flavour of the development of the market town and district of Tenbury.
Upton Heritage Centre
Located in the oldest building in the riverside town, known as the ‘Pepperpot’, you will discover illustrative displays about the
history of the town as well as guidebooks and souvenirs available to purchase.
The Pump Rooms Tenbury Wells
After mineral waters were found in wells, the Pump Rooms were built to a unique design in 1861 to provide water for drinking and bathing. Now the location of the Town Council Offices, tours are given upon request.
Leigh Court Barn
An outstanding example of medieval carpentry, Leigh Court Barn is the only surviving building from the manor of Leigh Court, built for the monks of Pershore Abbey.
Historic Houses and Gardens
Croome National Trust
Stroll through the grandest of ‘Capability’ Brown landscapes with acres of parkland and a
historic house, once home to the Earls of Coventry, at its heart. Dog friendly.
Kyre Park & Gardens
A privately owned parkland & gardens, laid out in 1754 by ‘Capability’ Brown. The park consists of five lakes, waterfalls, follies, a Grade II listed Jacobean barn, a ruin and a Norman dovecote.
Little Malvern Court & Gardens
15th century Prior’s Hall, associated rooms and cells c1489. Gardens 10 acres of former monastic grounds; spring bulbs, blossom, old fashioned roses and topiary. See website for up-to-date opening information.
Witley Court & Gardens
Explore the ruins of Witley Court and travel back to a world of lavish parties. Discover elaborate
gardens and fountains, and wander through enchanting woodland.
Ralph Court Gardens
12 amazing gardens set in the grounds of a gothic rectory. From Italy to Africa the gardens transport you around the world and beyond. Wheelchair accessible with licensed restaurant.
Burford House Gardens
Four acres of beautiful gardens which are free to enter, and a Garden Centre full of inspiration
for your home and garden. Licensed café on site. Dog friendly.
Brockhampton Estate
Brockhampton is an ancient estate, which has been utilised since the early Middle Ages and features a wealth of interesting features including a ruined Norman chapel and a beautiful
Damson Orchard.
Old Court Nurseries & The Picton Garden
Established in 1906 this nursery and gardens cultivates rare plants and is famous for its collection of Michaelmas daises. The nursery shop sells many of the flowers planted in the gardens, so you can head home with a piece of Picton magic for your own garden.
Places of worship
Great Malvern Priory
Building dating from 1085AD, outstanding medieval stained glass and carved monks seats. Look for the grave of Annie Darwin – the daughter of the famous naturalist Charles Darwin – in the churchyard.
Great Witley Church
Britain’s finest Baroque Church with amazing ornate interior including painted ceiling and windows. The Garden Tea Rooms nearby offer
homemade cakes, lunches and teas.
St. Wulstan’s Church
Edward Elgar, the composer, is buried in the cemetery. (Grave signposted). Victorian church with stained glass by John Hardman. Church normally locked when services not imminent. For parties ring Parish Priest well in advance and someone will arrange to show groups inside the church.
TOP FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Malvern Walking Tours
Why not join one of Malvern Civic Society’s walks and find out about the fascinating history of Malvern? Hear about Malvern’s famous Water Cure, the town’s Elgar connections and more. Walks last around 90 minutes. Sadly, due to the hilly nature of Great Malvern, these walks are unsuitable for the less mobile. No dogs are allowed, except assistance dogs.
Worcestershire Living History Show 16 – 17 September
Family friendly re-enactment weekend action packed with battles, displays and history. Meet soldiers and civilians from 2,000 years of history, view skirmishes throughout the day and get refreshment from beer tent, food, drink and market stalls. All located in the heart of Upton upon Severn at Fish Meadow.
Woodvilles Medieval Living History Camp 27 – 28 August
An interactive living history show at Eastnor Castle – come and see how people cooked and fought in medieval times and what they made. Entry is included in normal ticket price and little ones can attend Knights and Princess School. The castle and grounds are also open as normal.
UPCOMING EVENTS
SUMMER OF FUN BLOGS
Family Fun – Summer of Fun
Visit The Malverns for A Summer of Fun with activities and entertainment for the the whole family…
Mog The Forgetful Cat Comes to Malvern Theatres
The stage adaptation of Judith Kerr’s beloved stories about Mog the Forgetful Cat is coming to Malvern Theatres Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June.
Outdoor Activities – Summer of Fun
Visit The Malverns for A Summer of Fun and experience a whole host of outdoor activities on offer…
Festivals and Events – Summer of Fun
Enjoy a Summer of Fun by visiting one of the many festivals and events across The Malverns…
Bands in the Park Dates for Summer 2023
Taking place on Sunday’s across the summer there is a wide range of free music from pop to rock to be enjoyed…
Don’t Miss Madresfield Court Open Gardens & Fete
The historic Madresfield Court grounds in Malvern will be opened to the general public on Saturday 3 June 2023 for a family fete…
