10 things to do around Malvern UK. Home to the hills of Malvern, numerous country pubs, famous spring water, and full of history, it is not surprising that Malvern is a popular place for people to visit every year. The city is located on the border of Worcestershire and Herefordshire, under the hills which offer a breathtaking panoramic view over the Wye valley towards the Welsh border on one side and the Cotswolds on the other.
Malvern became a popular destination in Victorian times due to its healing spring water. Water was known for its healing properties, approved by Charles Darwin who was often seen in the area. As a result of overtime, several hydrotherapy centers and clinics have been established in the region. The water always greets visitors from miles around who visit the springs to collect fresh spring water. There is no shortage of activities in Malvern, but here is my breakdown of the top 10, once the post-COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted and normalcy has returned.
While walking
There are hundreds of walking trails to choose from, suitable for people of all ages and abilities. The Malvern Hills form part of the 50 km long Worcestershire Trail, with the Worcestershire Beacon and North Hill as the two highest points on the hills. There are designated loop tracks navigating each hill, or if you feel like being a little more adventurous, there are plenty of secluded tracks tucked away. Parking is available at several locations, including British Camp, where there were trails leading directly to North Hill and the Beacon. Check online or at local tourist offices for hill maps.
Cycling
Cycling is a popular sport in Malvern, with many cyclists and mountain bikers on the roads and hills every day. There is over 56 km of bridleways to choose from on Malvern Hill and Commons, including three mountain bike routes that have been clearly labeled as part of a new campaign to encourage responsible mountain biking on the hills. . There are trails of all lengths, difficulty, and terrain, all shown on the map and guide to Malvern Hills, available at local tourist information centers, cafes, and local bike shops.
Morgan Motor Museum
Housing the oldest production car in the world, the Morgan Factory welcomes visitors and future owners of Morgan five days a week to come and learn more about the history of the company and its cars. Factory visits are organized regularly throughout the day and take visitors on a 2-hour journey through each stage of the production chain. Each group is escorted by an owner and a Morgan enthusiast and has the opportunity to watch skilled craftsmen create each part of the vehicle. The tour is intriguing, even for non-oil tankers, and ends with a visit to the museum and a shop with afternoon tea also available. You can also discover the Morgan behind the wheel by booking a driving experience. It is recommended to call in advance to avoid disappointment as visits are often full and the factory is regularly closed several times during the year.
The terrace on the hill
Whether you are looking for lunch on a rainy day, afternoon tea, or a gastronomic experience, the terrace on the hill is the perfect place. They are open Monday to Saturday, offering a pre-theater dinner on weekdays and a superb seven-course tasting menu on Friday and Saturday. The tasting menu is specially designed each week by the chef to highlight his passion for elegant and simple cuisine. The tasting experience is not surprisingly very popular, so they advise you to book well in advance to avoid missing out. The staff are friendly and welcoming and will meet all your needs in a warm and relaxing atmosphere. They also have a sensational selection of cakes, which you can take away!
Sally's Place
This place is always occupied regardless of the time of year or the day of the week. The pop-up cafe is conveniently located next to the British Camp parking lot, so it's perfect for walkers to grab a bite to eat and a refreshing drink after exploring the hills. They serve delicious bacon rolls, sausages, sandwiches and a selection of homemade cakes, as well as a wide range of ice creams. Sally's Place is famous among locals for their rock cakes, so be sure to check them out. It is important to note that they only take cash and the coffee closes at 5.30 p.m. every day.
St Ann's Well Cafe
Nestled in the hills, this cozy little cafe is a hidden gem. The ascent of Malvern, although short, is certainly steep and you are quickly rewarded with a beautiful view extending over Malvern and a historic well. The cafe is vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free, and serves sandwiches, cakes, cold drinks, and tea - with free refills! There is outdoor seating on a beautiful terrace which is perfect for a sunny day and the cafe welcomes friends on all fours! They are open from 11.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. on weekdays, except on Mondays when they are closed, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
Theaters of Malvern
Looking for evening entertainment, look no further than the Malvern theaters. There is an impressive range of plays, comedy, music, film, and dance on display here as well as world-class tour productions and critically acclaimed theater and film productions. Check their website to see what's going on, check showtimes, and buy tickets. There are two theaters and a cinema inside, equipped with facilities for living screen productions from around the world. Additionally, Malvern Theaters has become a popular destination for pre and post-West End productions, so keep your eyes open for the chance to catch one of these fantastic productions. There are a restaurant and bar in the theater, but as it is located in the middle of Malvern, there are many options available for drinks or food for all budgets.
Little Malvern Priory
The small priory of Malvern is a small picturesque church in a peaceful setting steeped in history. Located at the southern end of Malvern, below British Camp, you can stroll through the priory while enjoying the picturesque atmosphere. A small group of monks founded the priory in 1171 to be destroyed by Henry VIII in the 1530s. Today, little remains of the original Romanesque building, adding to the mystery and charm of the place. For those more interested in history, also visit Little Malvern Court for a paid guided tour of the priory, church, courtyard and gardens.
Mac & Jac's
Mac & Jac's is a charming café located at the foot of the Great Malvern Hills. Enjoy fresh, healthy and delicious dishes in a rustic setting with a great atmosphere. They are open six days a week (except Mondays) and serve breakfast, lunch and sweet treats. They also offer a pre-theater, by reservation only, which is perfect as it is just a two-minute walk from the Malvern theaters.
Clive fruit farm
Nestled between the hills of Malvern and the fruit farm of the River Severn, Clive offers a fun day out with the family. There really is something here for everyone to enjoy; whether picking, feeding animals, collecting eggs, visiting the farm shop or the children's play area. Be sure to visit the cafe before your departure, open seven days a week, welcoming a wide range of local products and an excellent plow lunch! In addition, entry to the farm is free, making it obvious for your next day with the kids.
