There is always something to do outdoors in The Malverns. Along with summers longer, brighter days comes the urge to get out into the fresh air and get moving. Fresh air, open space and big skies are aplenty in The Malverns, and so are the outdoor activities through which you can enjoy them. There are boat trips, water sports, zip wires, hot air balloons and extreme sports like paragliding to get your adrenaline pumping.
But even if you don’t fancy anything too strenuous (you’re supposed to be on holiday after all!) there are so many ways to enjoy the outdoors and benefit from the multitude of rewards that exercise and being in nature bring. You can forage for wild, herbs and veggies, pick your own fresh, juicy summer berries or take a leisurely walk through the leafy orchards of the Teme Valley.
And there’s no need to leave the wonders of the outdoors to the daytime. Bed down under the stars in one of our regions gorgeous campsites and wake up to birds tweeting, cool dew on the grass and a stunning countryside view – that’s better than any alarm clock! If full-on camping isn’t for you Glamping may be a more comfortable way to connect with nature. The Malverns is also home to a wide array of accommodation options from Shepheard’s huts to luxury cabins with private hot tubs.
ToP OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Boundless Outdoors
Whether you’re seeking high adrenaline with climbing and zip wires, water sports like canoeing and raft building or just want to monkey around on the low ropes Boundless Outdoors can do it all. They offer family days as well as birthday party packages and school holiday activities.
Hot Air Balloon Trips
See The Malverns from a different perspective. Virgin Balloon Flights are the largest and most iconic hot air balloon flights provider in the world. Virgin Balloon pilots use three main launch sites in the Malverns area – Worcester Racecourse, Shelsley Walsh, and Croft Farm Water Park, in Tewkesbury.
Horse Riding
The Malverns has plenty of scenic bridleways as well as many experienced riding schools. Guinness Park Farm Riding School offers lessons as well as trips for visitors and tourists.
Alternatively take a woodland pony trek with the lovely Pampered Ponies.
Severn Expeditions
What could be more idyllic than a day together as a family on the water? With both skippered and self drive boats available don’t worry if this is your first foray into boating, the friendly skippers will teach you everything you need to know to enjoy your day.
Kayak Down The River Severn
Hire a canoe or kayak and head off down the River Severn. There are single or multiple day trips available and the Severn runs through Hanley Swan and Upton upon Severn so it’s accessible from The Malverns.
Paragliding
The Malvern Hills is a popular spot for Para and Hang-Gliding. There are some rules around flying certifications and take off and landing spots but tandem rides are available. Head to Malvern Hang-Gliding Club for information or follow the link below for tandem rides.
Foraging
There are a couple of foraging courses available in The Malverns. Courses at Eastnor Castle take you on a 2.5 hour walk around the deer park teaching you how to identify edible plants and ends with a hearty seasonal foraged meal. Clare from Food and Foraging also puts on various foraging classes.
Fruit Picking at Clive’s Fruit Farm
Walk or cycle down to Clive’s Fruit Farm from the riverside town of Upton upon Severn for pick your own fruits, home-made cakes and light bites and farm shop. Quench your thirst on some of their sweet home-grown apple juice after a trail through the farms orchards.
free outdoor activities
Walk The Malvern Hills
There’s no better way to experience The Malverns than taking to the hills. There are gentle winding paths for an easy-going ramble and high peaks for those seeking more of a challenge. Browse the downloadable walks on our app or by following the link below:
Cycling
The Malverns are perfect for cyclists: the Malvern Hills themselves have a number of bridleways offering sometimes challenging but ultimately rewarding rides off road. For a more leisurely route head to the Teme Valley or the fine – and largely flat – riding around the Severn plain.
Free Sports Facilities at Victoria Park
Head down to Victoria Park in Malvern Link to their NBA approved and wheelchair accessible basketball courts. This is a popular spot for basketball fans, and there is plenty of space for pro’s and beginners on the double court. There are also enclosed tennis and football courts a play area and skate park.
Kite Flying on Castlemorton Common
With a fantastic view of the Malvern Hills, Castlemorton common is a lovely place to bring a picnic blanket and a kite on a breezy summers day. Head to Ruffz café at the foot of Midsummer Hill for out door refreshments and ice-cream with a view.
Geocaching
Heard of Geocaching? Youngsters (and grown-ups!) with lots of energy will enjoy this real life treasure hunt where containers, or “caches”, are hidden and their exact co-ordinates posted online. Find the container, sign the logbook and see if anything exciting has been left inside. There are hundreds of cashes hidden across The Malvern Hills and around Upton upon Severn so many happy hours can be spent hunting and roaming the beautiful countryside.
Walk The Teme Valley Trail
Along the Teme Valley beautiful green spaces follow the snake of the river through the area. We have created a trail guide with six walks and six cycle rides to make the most of this beautiful part of the world. The rides and walks are detailed in individual ‘route maps’ and have been designed to compliment O/S Explorer Maps.
TOP Outdoor events
Events at the Three Counties Showground
Across the summer the Three Counties showground hosts events focused on outdoor living and farming. There are dog shows, horse shows, the Proms Spectacular and Busfest at the end of the summer.
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.
Summer Family Market at The Fold – 16 July 2022
Lots of crafts, gifts, homewares, food and drink stalls accompanied by live performances from dancers, singers and drummers. Families are offered nature based crafts and learning experiences to encourage and grow a love of the nature world.
Top Outdoors Shops
Dirt Works
Dirt Works situated in West Malvern is an independent bike shop. As well as expert knowledge and top of the range products they offer demo bikes and products you can use to explore the diverse mountain biking trails on the Malvern Hills.
Detour
Bike servicing workshop providing expertise in road, race, gravel and touring bikes as well as a spare parts and cycling gear shop. Friendly service and a well stocked shop full of all the gear you need to keep riding smoothly. Situated in Great Malvern.
Caravan Stuff 4 U
Hanley Swan’s one stop show for awnings, camping furniture and other caravanning accessories. Everything you will need to have a comfortable caravanning experience whether you are a first timer or campervan connoisseur.
Top Camping & Glamping Sites
Hidden Valley Camping
‘Socially distanced by nature’, Hidden Valley Camping is a small, family-run, back-to-basics camping and glamping site, tucked away in a hidden corner of the spectacular Worcestershire countryside.
Bluebell Retreat Glamping
Three attractive pods (suitable for 2 adults) peer out from within a woodland overlooking a meadow and pretty pond. Immerse yourself into nature, wake up to the sun rising over the field, birds chirping and relax.
Hoppickers Hideaway
Tucked away in the woodland overlooking the fields towards the magnificent Malvern Hills you will find this lovingly hand crafted Shepherds Hut. So luxurious you can easily forget you’re Glamping!
Summer of Fun Blogs
2022 Great Malvern Food Festival 1-2 July 2023
You’ll be in for a treat at this year’s food festival – one of the only FREE food festivals in the region being hosted 1 – 2 July 2023
The Simon & Garfunkel Story is Heading to Malvern – 23 Sept 2022
Direct from a weeklong run in London’s West End at the Vaudeville Theatre The Simon & Garfunkel Story is BACK…
The Malverns – Ideas For Places To Dine in the Sun
With warm and dry weather having Malvern seeming more like Marbella this summer, outdoor dining is more popular than ever…
Musical Summer Fun at The Firs – The Birthplace of Sir Edward Elgar
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 (Festival of Equality in Arts and Society through Theatre) is Back for Sixth Year 20 – 26 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…
