Ultimate Guide To Visiting the Malvern Hills
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Malvern is one of the most underrated spots in all of the UK. Many of the places people go for hikes are grand national parks, with difficult climbs and more to do than you could ever fit into one trip.
In Malvern, Worcestershire, you get all of the greatness with none of the problems. You get beautiful landscapes, fascinating history and wonderful wildlife, all in one stretch of hillside.
Table of Contents
- What is Malvern?
- Why should you visit Malvern?
- Even more reasons to visit Malvern!
- How to plan a trip to Malvern
- Tips for a successful holiday in Malvern
- Frequently Asked Questions
- The last thing you need to know about Malvern
What is Malvern?
Malvern, UK is an old Victorian spa town in Worcestershire, England.
It is known for its natural beauty, including its many parks and gardens like Priory Park, and its unique atmosphere.
Malvern, England is mostly known for the Malvern Hills, a range of hills that rise above the town and are designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
These hills are visible from most parts of Malvern, and they often provide beautiful Malvern Hills photos of the surrounding countryside.
The Malvern town centre is also known for its picturesque charm, containing boutique shops, places to eat, and old historical buildings such as the Malvern Theatres and the Great Malvern Priory.
It also has a strong link to artists, writers and musicians. Malvern College, a prestigious independent school, is also located here.
Many people also visit Malvern in order to enjoy the many events that take place there each year. Whether you’re looking for things to do in Great Malvern with the kids or just want to relax by the lake, you can find it all at Malvern!
Why should you visit Malvern?
The Malvern Hills
The Malvern Hills are one of the top places to hike in the UK. They have amazing views over the town of Malvern and across Herefordshire.
On a clear day, you can see as far as the Welsh Black Mountains from peaks like the Worcestershire Beacon. Despite having such high views, the Malverns make for a relatively easy hike compared to a lot of other places.
Visiting the Malvern Hills is great if you’re a beginner or just fancy a more gentle stroll. There is also free parking Malvern Hills at the base of many of the walking trails.
Malvern Water
Water was once the drink of choice for the royal family. In the Victorian Era, the Malvern spring water was world-renowned for its supposed healing properties as part of the water cure.
People such as Charles Darwin and Teddy Roosevelt came to partake in the Malvern Hills spa activities of the town to be healed.
Today, free natural spring water near me can be found all over the town at spots like St Ann’s Well, Holy Well and Evendine Spring. One of the favourites is the Malvhina status on Belle Vue Island.
The water is free to collect when visiting the Malvern Hills. Make sure to bring an empty bottle!
Malvern Theatres
The Malvern Theatres has a long history and has attracted many famous actors and playwrights. In the early 1900’s, it was home to the Malvern Drama Festival.
This was hosted by the famous playwright George Bernard Shaw and was the place where many of his plays opened.
The theatre now hosts regular entertainment in the town and is definitely a spot to check out while you’re there.
Great Malvern Town Centre
Malvern is home to some absolutely stunning architecture. Most notable is the Great Malvern Priory, found directly in the Malvern town centre.
It was once a Benedictine Monastery and was one of the only things in Malvern before its expansion in the Victorian era.
Other notable historic sites include the Abbey Gateway. The town itself is full of old, Victorian buildings, and Malvern Link train station has remained a stunning example of a Victorian Railway Station.
Definitely make time to head into the town centre of Great Malvern when visiting the Malvern Hills.
Even more reasons to visit Malvern!
Malvern Shopping
The Malvern town centre is also home to many independent boutique shops. Full of spots owned by local business owners, make sure to stop for a browse.
It’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat, with a tapas bar, Nepalese restaurant and cocktail bar providing highlights of places to dine.
Malvern Literary History
It’s a surprising hotspot for literary fans. Malvern is full of gaslamps, and the town is said to be C.S. Lewis’ inspiration for Narnia.
The town is also said to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien in his creation of the Shire.
Fans must visit The Unicorn pub, where these two writers are said to have met up and written parts of their stories.
Make sure to keep an eye out for the Hobbit door while you’re visiting the Malvern Hills too…no, really!
Malvern Music History
Classical music fans will also love visiting Malvern, as it was home to the composer Edward Elgar.
Find his statue in the town centre, overlooking the view. You are also able to go and visit the sweet English cottage that he grew up in here along the Elgar Route.
Find out more in my Guide to Historical Sites in Worcestershire.
How to plan a trip to Malvern
Figure out how long you need
The Malvern town centre and a walk on the hills can easily be fit into one day.
However, if you’re coming from father afield or want to discover more of the surrounding areas, then you will definitely want longer than that.
Try to make a plan of everything you want to do first, and then see how long you will need.
Bring your camera
The views up the Malvern Hills are absolutely stunning, and the town is picturesque too, so a camera is an absolute must-have to capture those wonderful sights when visiting the Malvern Hills.
Bring a water bottle
Make sure to bring a little one to take on your walk with you, but it’s a great idea to bring a big one to fill up at the springs too.
In fact, fill as many as you like, as the Holywell Malvern spring water is completely free.
Just make sure to boil or otherwise sterilise the water before you drink it. These water sterilising tablets are a great idea for sterilising spring water in a pinch.
Decide where to stay in Malvern
If you’re in Malvern for an extended stay, then doing some research into the accommodation on offer is a great idea. Here are some of my favourites to get you started:
Mount Pleasant Hotel – in the town centre, at the foot of the hillside paths.
Malvern Hills Hotel – 18th-century building, nestled in the hills with stunning views,
The Abbey – Old hotel in the town centre with stunning Victorian architecture.
The Malvern – Malvern Hills spa and wellness retreat linked to the healing properties of Malvern water.
Cottage In The Woods – Hotel with some of the best views in Malvern – attached to one of the best restaurants in Malvern.
Walking The Malvern Hills
The Malvern Hills offer stunning walks with breathtaking views across the countryside, making them a perfect destination for nature lovers.
The Malvern Hills walks consist of several notable peaks, including the Worcestershire Beacon, the highest point at 425 meters, North Hill, Sugarloaf Hill, and End Hill.
The British Camp, an ancient Iron Age hill fort, is another popular walking spot offering panoramic views.
For a great Malvern Hills car park, visitors can use the Black Hill car park, which is a great starting point for ascending to British Camp, or the Beacon Road car park for those heading to Worcestershire Beacon.
Additionally, the West of England Quarry and Gardiner’s Quarry car parks provide easy access to various walking routes.
Check Out This Malvern Hills End-To-End Walk
Grace’s Adventures has made this amazing video of her ened -to-end walk of the Malvern Hills. Check it out so you can previous this wonderful walk.
Tips for a successful holiday in Malvern
Keep yourself safe.
Make sure to keep to the paths on the hills, and go properly prepared. Even relatively simple walks like the ones in Malvern require things like proper footwear to make sure you don’t get injured on your walk.
Head to one of the cafe’s in town for lunch
Malvern has some fantastic places to grab a bite to eat – something you will definitely need after a long walk.
Some of the best spots are Faun, Abbey Road, and Mac and Jacs. Just make sure to book a table so you don’t find yourself caught out.
Take a look at the surrounding area
There are so many lovely places in the vicinity, including Ledbury, Upton-upon-Severn, Malvern Worcester and Broadway.
Make a proper trip of it, and take yourself out of town to one of these lovely locations. You may have to stay a couple more days, but it will be worth it.
Frequently Asked Questions
The last thing you need to know about Malvern
Malvern is without a doubt one of the most under-recognised parts of the UK to visit.
There are so many things to do and enjoy here, and it had retained authenticity of its culture, due to not being overrun with too many visitors.
It has a unique identity for a small town in the Midlands, with creativity and spirituality flourishing.
If you’re looking for something a little different, then Malvern is the best place for you to head.
