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 can bring. You can forage for wild herbs and veggies, pick your own 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 home to a wide array of accommodation options from Shepheard’s huts to luxury cabins with private hot tubs.
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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 easily 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. Highlights include the Royal Three Counties Show and the NEW Three Counties Food & Drink Festival.
Tenbury Countryside Show – 5 August 2023
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.
The GT Bicycles Malverns Classic Mountainbike Festival 24 – 27 August 2023
Packed weekend celebrating British mountain biking, lots to do for both bikers and spectators. Including a large trade expo with over 100 brands on display, live bands, DJ’s and licenced bar. Free fun fair, pump track, air bag and slack lines and of course lots of races!
MORE OUTDOOR EVENTS
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 in 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
Great Malvern Food Festival 6-7 July 2024
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 6 – 7 July 2024…
FEAST (Festival of Equality in Arts and Society through Theatre) is Back 6 – 12 November 2023
FEAST is a week-long festival of theatre, dance, clowning, circus, workshops, and a community ‘Feast of Thought’ happening this 6 – 12 November…
Family Rainy Day Activity Ideas in The Malverns
There’s no need to be cooped up inside in The Malverns as there’s plenty to do on a rainy day that will keep the kids entertained…
The Great Worcester Maize Maze Announces Royal 2023 Theme
The Great Worcester Maze presents its 2023 theme as; ‘A Royal Train Adventure – The Golden Cob’. Discover the maze from 22 July to 3 September 2023…
Come Out and Play at Croome This Summer: 26 July – 3 September
Are you looking for somewhere to meet up with family and friends in Worcestershire this summer and keep the kids entertained again and again? There’s so much going on at…
Malvern Pride 2023 – Party in the Park
Malvern Pride is back in Priory Park in Great Malvern on Saturday 29 July 2023. Celebrate Pride with free entertainment, local food and drink…
WHERE TO STAY
