The Top 15 Experiences in The Malverns

If you’re looking for unique, immersive experiences then you have come to the right place. The Malverns offers a huge range of attractions, experiences and activities across our district from vineyard tours and racing days to stunning walks and tranquil landscaped gardens. Wander through hop fields and sip the beer that is brewed on site at the Hop Shed, see how heritage vehicles are hand built at Morgan Motors and view The Malverns from above with adrenaline fuelled experiences such as Paragliding and Hot Air Ballooning. There are too many must-see experiences to fit into one trip – but you can try!

1. The Hop Shed Brewery and Tap Room

Locally grown hops are one of The Malverns specialities, so it’s no surprise that we have an award winning brewery in our midst. The Hop Shed is located in a converted chicken shed on a beautiful farm where many of the hops they use for brewing are grown. You can visit their onsite taproom to taste their sustainably brewed beers or head to one of their events like pizza Saturdays.

2. Astley Vineyard

Once the most northerly vineyard in the world Astley Vineyard has been producing a range of boutique wines since 1971. This family run vineyard welcomes you to get up close to the vines, learn about the onsite wine production and have a taste. After a sold out 2023 they are soon to announce their 2024 tours season – so keep a spot in your calendar open.

3. Shelsley Walsh Hillclimb

There’s nothing quite like the excitement of race day at the oldest still operational motorsport venue in the world. With a course of 1000 meters in length, and an incline of 100 metres, racers from around the world come to test themselves in the beautiful surroundings of the Teme Valley. They hold regular events from breakfast clubs to their competitive events throughout the summer season.

4. Walk the Two Beacon’s

You’ve come to The Malverns, so you must experience one of the areas highlights (literally!). Take a bracing but rewarding walk to the two beacons, Worcestershire and Herefordshire, standing at 425 and 338 metres high respectively. Worcestershire Beacon can be accessed by steep incline from Great Malvern, or one of the Malvern Hills many car parks. Wander along the peaks of the hills to Herefordshire Beacon, known also as British Camp, an iron age hill fort and scheduled ancient monument, taking in spectacular views as you go.

5. Unique Shopping

Don’t believe what they say, a bit of retail therapy is good for the soul. In The Malverns three towns there are a great many unique and independent businesses to spend many happy hours browsing for trinkets, gifts, foodie treats, clothing and anything else you fancy. Tenbury Wells is perfect for foodie shoppers with delis, butchers, fishmongers, a traditional pie makers and even a chocolate factory. In Great Malvern there is an award winning card and stationary shop, Austin & Co as well as a great range of women’s clothing and bookshops. Head to Malvern Link for perfumes, pet supplies and homeware or stock up on local cheeses, ciders and jams at The Cheeseboard in Barnards Green. In Upton upon Severn treasure hunters can browse the many interesting antique shops, or hunt for hobby items in The Map Shop or crafters paradise The Upton Stitchery.

6. Capability Brown Landscapes

England’s most famous landscape gardener Lancelot “Capability” Brown produced two of his best works in The Malverns at Kyre Park Gardens and Croome National Trust. With a previous life as a stately home and secret wartime airbase Croome National Trust is now best known for its gorgeous gardens with grottos, water features, bridges and a lovely selection of plants and trees. Kyre Park Gardens is a former Medieval deer park that was transformed by Capability Brown in 1754 and across these lovely gardens there are no less than 5 lakes, waterfalls, follies, a Grade II listed Jacobean barn, a ruin, and a Norman dovecote.

7. Bluebird Tearooms

With freshly baked cakes and a homey atmosphere a visit to The Bluebird Tearooms in Great Malvern is a must. Serving the tourists, walkers and residents of Great Malvern for over 100 years there’s a reason why this long established tea room continues to be so popular. The tearooms have a long history having been frequented by famous composer Edward Elgar and his architect friend Troyte Griffith, who designed the Toposcope that sits on the Beacon at the Malvern Hills highest point. Much of the furniture is original to Elgar’s time, including his favourite chair.

8. Hire a Boat in Upton at Severn Expeditions

The River Severn, Britain’s longest river, runs through the historic town of Upton upon Severn and boats can be hired for a day on the water. Experience The Malverns in a new way when you are at water level – see the river life up close, relax on the bobbing surface or try a spot of fishing. Severn Expeditions offer boat and fishing experiences and you can choose a skippered or self drive option. You can even have them pack a picnic for your day on the waves to keep things running smoothly – how lovely!

9. Hot Air Ballooning

If the view from the top of the Malvern Hills is good, then a view of the Malvern Hills from the air must be unbeatable. The largest balloon flight operator in the world – Virgin Balloon Flights – launches trips from two locations in Worcestershire allowing you to experience the district from the air.

10. Paragliding

The Malvern Hills is a popular spot for Para and Hang-Gliding for good reason, taking off from The Beacon on a sunny day and floating peacefully back to earth is something everyone should experience at least once. 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.

11. Run The Eastnor Castle Mud Bath

Take part in the Eastnor Mud Bath and run either 3, 6 or 10km through the wet and muddy trails of Eastnor Deer Park. The trails will put even the toughest runner through their paces with obstacles, fallen trees, flooded paths and plenty of sticky mud! Receive a medal and buffet of snacks on completion.

12. Drink from the Malvhina Fountain in Great Malvern

The Malvern Hills have been associated with the water that pours from our many springs, wells and spouts for centuries. Once thought to have healing properties, Victorian doctors popularised Great Malvern as a location to come and receive The ‘Water Cure’ – a treatment that involved brisk walks up the hills and lots of cold water bathing. Luckily today experiencing Malvern Water is much more pleasant – you can take a drink at the fountain in the centre of Great Malvern on Belle Vue Island.

13. Climb to the Top of Great Malvern Priory Tower

It’s the highest point in Great Malvern (if you don’t count the hills!) at the top of the Great Malvern Priory Tower. Founded in 1085 the Priory is one of the greater parish churches in the country and includes many treasures such as the 15th century stained glass, carved misericords from the 14th and 15th centuries and a large collection of mediaeval floor and wall tiles. The building itself is spectacular with the tower providing a unique view over Great Malvern. Tours of the tower are available on selected Saturdays between April and November hourly between 11am and 4pm (subject to weather conditions) and cost £5 for adults and £2.50 for children.

14. Morgan Experience Centre

See behind the scenes of the making of one of England’s heritage card brands – Morgan Motors. The Morgan Experience centre was given an extensive overhaul in 2020 and now includes an on site restaurant and museum. Tours of the factory take you right into the workshop where these impressive vehicles are hand built and you can even book a drive yourself.

15. Malvern Theatres

Malvern Theatres has been providing world class entertainment since the 1800’s and regularly hosts the latest shows from London’s West End. Recently refurbished it offers all the latest films, theatre tours, and classes as well as a packed schedule of top quality music and drama. Located right in the heart of Great Malvern it is well placed for fantastic bars and restaurants as well as some top hotels.