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 events and heritage open days.
Museums, Heritage Centres and Historic Buildings
The Morgan Experience Centre
Malvern 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. The Morgan Experience Centre is home to a wide range of visitor activities.
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 where you can learn more about the Malverns from the maps of the area on display, ipads 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 Goff’s 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.
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 an
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 (now Kyre Park Antiques
Barn & Bistro), 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
Shelsley Walsh Classic Nostalgia 16 & 17 July
Classic Nostalgia returns to the Midland Automobile Club’s Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb on the weekend of 16/17 July 2022. The annual flagship event is a firm favourite on the racing calendar. Get ready for an action-packed weekend of competitive hill climb racing, thrilling demos, spectacular classic and vintage cars and motorbikes displays.
Kyre Medieval Pageant – 17 & 18 September 2022
Step back in time 560 years to 1461, a momentous year in the struggle for the English throne. The Houses of Lancaster and York are engaged in a dynastic struggle in what was to become known as the Wars of the Roses. See how people lived through living history demonstrations, medieval dance and music and a mock battle.
Heritage Open Days
Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore. Lots of events in and around Malvern. More details coming soon…
Tenbury Countryside Show – 6 August 2022
Nestled in meadows adjacent to the Victorian spa town of Tenbury Wells, Tenbury Countryside Show attracts 1000’s of visitors every year. The one-day show still retains its rural charm and is deeply rooted in local Agricultural and Horticultural history. From birds of prey, ferrets, horses, livestock, pigs, poultry and rabbits there will be so many furry friends to meet.
Malvern Walking Tours
Why not join one of Malvern Civic Society’s walks and find out about the fascinating history of Malvern? Find out 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.
Millbrook Lodge Open Gardens
Three-and-a-half-acre garden and woodland developed by the current owners over 25 years. The garden features large informal flowerbeds planted for year-round interest. Millbrook Lodge sits in a peaceful setting in an area of outstanding natural beauty and is opposite a nature reserve. Admission is £5 for adults (children free). The garden will be open from 1 – 5pm on Sunday 17 July and Sunday 4 September 2022.
Summer of Fun Blogs
Musical Summer Fun at The Firs
You’ll find lots for the family to enjoy at The Firs, which is Edward Elgar’s birthplace this summer. Discover the pretty cottage where Elgar was born…
Come Out and Play this Summer at Croome
Croome offers your family the perfect place to spend summer days. There’s lots to enjoy, like our ‘Come Out and Play’ games on the lawn by the house…
FEAST is Back for Sixth Year 19 – 25 Sept 2022
FEAST is a week-long festival of theatre, dance, clowning, circus, workshops, and a community ‘Feast of Thought’ happening this September from 19-25…
Open Day to Showcase Tenbury Swimming Pool Refurbishment
Tenbury Swimming Pool is all set for a fun packed open day to showcase its refurbished facilities…
Great Malvern Arts Market
The Great Malvern Arts Market returns 6 August 2022 to the Priory Grounds….
TENBURY COUNTRYSIDE SHOW – SATURDAY 6 AUGUST – 9.00am – 6pm
Tenbury Countryside Show on the 6 August 2022 – a fantastic country show located in the Teme Valley…
