Located in The Malvern Hills – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – Malvern’s Victorian charm sets the backdrop for a slower paced way of life than nearby, vibrant city of Worcester. Originally famous for the perceived therapeutic qualities of the local springs, the town’s working gas lamps pay emblematic homage to the Chronicles of Narnia and their author, C.S. Lewis, who went to school in the area.
The popularity of Malvern’s bottled spring water goes back to its beginnings in 1662 and has gathered a long list of patrons including such British greats as Queen Victoria, Charles Darwin, CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien as well as diverse admirers from further afield such as US President Franklin D. Roosevelt and defender of the Rastafarian faith and Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie. Malvern was also the chosen location for the British Government in case of evacuation from London during WWII.
Essentially made up of three towns - Great Malvern, Barnards Green and Malvern Link – Malvern is not only a beautiful place to live but gives access to some of the most breath-taking countryside in the UK.
This stunning natural landscape is also steeped in ancient history and is dotted with Iron and
Bronze Age forts as well as the Great Malvern Priory a former Benedictine monastery and magnet to enthusiasts who flock to see the carved misericords from the 15th and 16th century and the largest collection of medieval floor and wall tiles in the country.
The delightful streets of Malvern offer a special experience for shoppers with plenty of independent retailers, arts and crafts shops, galleries and boutiques. There are also some great pubs, bars and cafes in which to take a well-earned break.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation in Malvern with a range of hotels, B&B’s, self-catering and even camping and caravan sites. One of our firm favourites is the Mount Pleasant Hotel which gives great access to both the surrounding hills and to the town itself. The rooms are super comfortable and the hotel is attached to the excellent Mulberry Tree restaurant which serves a great menu including the delicious Mulberry Pie.
Although the town is relaxed and peaceful there is still plenty to see and do. The local Malvern Theatre regularly welcomes some of the UK’s leading productions from London’s West End including The Royal Shakespeare Company and The Royal National Theatre.
The Three Counties Show is one of the annual highlights covering 90 acres and offering a celebration of the British countryside with displays, food, livestock, produce and entertainment. The showground also hosts the he annual RHS Malvern Spring Festival.
Regular trains take you into the closest major town of Worcester in under 15 minutes - about 25 minutes by car - and to Hereford in under 30. Food and wine lovers will enjoy the many local fruit farms, farm shops and vineyards.
The town boasts some of the best independent schools in Britain in particular the famous institutions of Malvern College and Malvern St James. These centres of excellence also have a positive effect on the area’s state schools making Malvern a real attraction to families with school-age children.