Summary
Sharing its name with a hill range and the spring water that flows from it, Malvern is a town and district situated near the Worcestershire-Herefordshire boundary.
The historic spa resort of Great Malvern is a popular destination for visitors, just as it was for Victorian travelers seeking therapeutic water treatments.
The hydrotherapy physician James Manby Gully established a successful clinic here in 1842, counting figures such as Alfred, Lord Tennyson, and Charles Darwin (specifically, his ailing daughter, Anne) among his clients.
Visitors can “take the waters” at Ann’s Well, located on the eastern slope of Worcestershire Beacon, a formidable 425-meter peak boasting views that are nothing short of breathtaking.
Equally impressive is Great Malvern Priory, which has retained its remarkable Medieval features, including stained glass, 15th-century tiles, masonry, and elaborate misericords.
Let’s delve into the top attractions in Malvern:
1. Malvern Hills
The Malvern Hills, composed of some of the oldest rocks in England, is a pre-Cambrian range that rises dramatically over the western side of Malvern district.
This area is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with natural springs flowing through deep fissures in the 680-million-year-old igneous and metamorphic rock.
The two tallest summits, Worcestershire Beacon and North Hill, can be accessed from the center of Great Malvern, which serves as the starting point for the 31-mile Worcestershire Way, a trail that traverses the northern Malverns en route to the charming town of Bewdley in the Severn Valley.
To illustrate the commanding presence of the Malverns: if you travel east from Worcestershire Beacon, the next significant elevation is located on the western ridge of the Ural Mountains in Russia.
2. Great Malvern Priory
Initially established as a Benedictine monastery, Great Malvern Priory transitioned into a parish church after local citizens raised £20 to save it from demolition in 1541 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
Thanks to their efforts, Great Malvern Priory is rich with Medieval artwork.
It houses the largest collection of 15th-century stained glass windows in the UK, with the most notable being the north transept window, which illustrates the Coronation of St. Mary, a gift from Henry VII. Additionally, there are over 1,000 Medieval tiles lining the walls, all crafted between 1453 and 1458. Within the nave, the 15th-century Perpendicular Gothic architecture features Norman pillars and circular arches that are over 950 years old.
Don’t miss the opportunity to view the 22 15th-century misericords (along with 12 from the 19th century) located in the choir, which depict the Labors of the Months alongside a fascinating assortment of mythical creatures.
3. Worcestershire Beacon
The pinnacle of the Malvern Range presents a striking appearance west of Great Malvern.
Worcestershire Beacon reaches a height of 425 meters and can be ascended from the center of Great Malvern.
The trail begins with a paved pathway leading from Rose Bank Gardens to St Ann’s Well, which will be addressed subsequently.
The summit features a prominence of 337 meters, granting an exceptional view that stretches into 13 distinct English and Welsh counties.
On clear days, one can gaze beyond Birmingham to Cannock Chase, as well as across the Severn and Avon Valleys to the Cotswolds.
A touch of history is present at the summit in the form of a granite toposcope, which labels the visible peaks on a clear day, designed by Troyte Griffith, a friend of Edward Elgar, and erected in 1897 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee.
4. St Ann’s Well
While climbing Worcestershire Beacon, you will notice the numerous springs, wells, and spouts present beneath your feet.
The most notable spring, and a picturesque stop along the ascent, is St Ann’s Well.
This spring is named after St. Anne, the maternal grandmother of Christ and the patron saint of wells.
It is located within a charming and recently restored brick building dating back to 1813. Be sure to carry a bottle to experience what all the hype was about in the 19th century.
The waters here were sampled by Elizabeth I while Queen Victoria regarded them as beneficial.
You may enhance your visit with tea or coffee at the adjacent café before continuing your trek upwards.
5. Abbey Gateway
Although Malvern never housed an abbey, as the Great Malvern Priory functioned as a daughter institution of Westminster Abbey, the title “Abbey Gateway” was adopted approximately 200 years post the priory’s suppression.
Dating back to around the 1430s, the priory’s gatehouse now holds a Grade II* listing and previously served as the main entry and exit point for the monastic grounds.
The gatehouse preserves much of its Medieval architecture: the north side features masterful 15th-century blind tracery, and as one passes under the arch, they can observe original stone blocks, massive oak beams, and a minuscule window for the porter to view incoming visitors.
The brick south side presents a stark contrast as it originates from a 16th-century expansion.
Additionally, the Malvern Museum is located within.
6. Malvern Museum
Housed within the gatehouse, the museum serves as a showcase for the stunning Medieval architecture of the building.
It is also an excellent source for gaining insight into Malvern’s notable historical events and the distinguished figures who visited the area or called it home.
Exhibits focus on Elgar, Florence Nightingale, as well as the health establishments initiated by James Manby Gully and James Wilson in 1842. Visitors can explore Medieval stonework from the priory, dioramas depicting Victorian life, and even dinosaur fossils, while families can engage in jigsaw puzzles, QR code trails, and building model castles.
A new touchscreen display was installed in 2018, exploring the historical significance of Malvern institutions, including the Morgan Motor Company, founded in 1910 and still thriving today.
7. Malvern Hills Geocentre
The official information center for the Malvern Hills is located on the western slopes of the range.
This facility highlights the geology and natural species of the Malverns, provides leaflets and maps for walking routes, and showcases a small exhibition of fossils and rocks.
Interactive iPads are available to address any inquiries regarding these hills, while the large video wall displays their full grandeur.
The center itself offers stunning views westward over Herefordshire and into Wales.
Free Wi-Fi is accessible at the center, and the H2O café serves light meals freshly prepared with locally sourced ingredients to energize your hike.
8. Priory Park
Designed in the 1870s, Priory Park is situated within the grounds of the Tudor Revival Priory Mansion, constructed in 1874 and currently serves as the Council House.
Priory Park is a delightful setting for a pleasant afternoon, featuring a bandstand, a pond linked by ornamental bridges, manicured lawns, and an abundance of exotic mature trees planted nearly 150 years ago.
To the west, there are magnificent views of the North Hill and Worcestershire Beacon, as well as the Malvern Theatres located within the Winter Gardens.
From the 1960s to the 1990s, the Winter Gardens was known as a legendary rock music venue, playing host to artists such as Yes, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, Thin Lizzy, and the Buzzcocks.
The Sunday concerts at the bandstand in Priory Park are a more tranquil affair in the present day.
9. Malvern Theatres
Situated within the Winter Gardens complex of Priory Park, the cultured Malvern Theatres await your visit.
This venue, originally opened as the Festival Theatre in 1885, became closely associated with the eminent Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw during the early 20th century.
Nineteen of Shaw’s plays were performed at the Festival Theatre, with six making their debut here.
A new structure was constructed around the theater in the late 1990s, and in addition to the 850-seat Festival theatre, it also comprises the smaller Forum Theatre and a 400-capacity cinema, all accompanied by a bar and restaurant.
Visitors can experience West End plays delivered by touring theatre companies, screenings from renowned groups such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, and an array of workshops for children throughout the summer holidays.
The cinema features classic films alongside critically acclaimed new releases.
10. North Hill
The second highest hill in the Malvern range is located to the west of Great Malvern and can be accessed on foot from the town center.
North Hill, adjacent to Worcestershire Beacon, reaches a height of 398 meters and marks the northernmost point of the Malverns.
For those feeling energetic, one can directly ascend to the peak from Worcester Road; however, a more moderate circular walk is available that encircles the summit.
This 2.5-mile route features some challenging zigzag sections initially, but rewards trekkers with stunning views of the Worcester Plain to the east, the Shropshire hills to the west, and the Lickey and Clent Hills to the north.
11. Blue Plaque Trail
As a noteworthy spa resort, Great Malvern welcomed a multitude of prominent individuals during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
A map of blue plaques marking buildings around the town where influential figures stayed is available for download.
In a rather solemn aspect, Charles Darwin arrived in Great Malvern in 1851 seeking the water cures offered by Charles Manby Gully for his daughter Anne, who was afflicted with scarlet fever.
Tragically, she passed away in April of that year, and her grave is located at the Great Malvern Priory.
The plaques honor notable individuals such as authors C. S. Lewis, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, and Evelyn Waugh, along with historical figures like Florence Nightingale, Haile Selassie I, and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
12. Elgar Birthplace Museum
The region of Malvern is recognized as Edward Elgar Country: one of England’s most significant composers was born in Broadheath, six miles away, in 1857 and later moved to Great Malvern with his wife Alice in 1891, right before his ascent to fame as a composer.
The Firs, Elgar’s birthplace, is now a National Trust site.
This modest cottage, constructed at the beginning of the 19th century, has been restored to reflect how it would have appeared during Elgar’s early years. Elgar was the son of a piano tuner and a farmer’s daughter, who aspired to raise her children amidst the countryside.
At the visitor center, guests can explore Elgar’s creative domain, furnished with his personal writing desk, chair, gramophone, and writing instruments, as well as original manuscripts such as Land of Hope and Glory and Salut d’Amore.
13. Little Malvern Priory
Following the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII in the 1530s, the Benedictine priory located in Little Malvern was reduced to the status of a parish church.
The chancel and crossing tower were preserved, while the transepts and chapels were demolished and remain as ruins visible on the church’s outer walls today.
The small priory, which hosted a modest brotherhood of 10-12 monks, was founded in 1171, yet scant evidence of this Romanesque structure survives.
In 1480, the priory was in a state of disrepair, leading to its reconstruction, which resulted in the monks being sent to Gloucester Abbey for “correction.” A must-see is the 15th-century east window, showcasing the family of Edward IV, including the future Edward V, one of the “princes in the tower” reputedly murdered by Richard III.
14. Knapp and Papermill Nature Reserve
Located five miles from Malvern, this reserve encompasses 63 acres of woodlands, meadows, orchards, and marsh areas within a picturesque valley alongside the Leigh Brook.
A trail meanders through the valley beside the brook, commencing at a serene orchard where redwings and fieldfares may be observed pecking at fallen fruit during the autumn months.
Much of the woodland actively undergoes coppicing to sustain ancient trees while allowing space for bluebells and other wildflowers, including stitchwort, yellow archangel, and wild garlic, to flourish from spring to summer.
Papermill meadow serves as a wildflower haven in an ancient pasture, nurturing cowslips and orchids, and is a hunting ground for buzzards.
More information regarding the diverse species inhabiting the reserve can be acquired at the information center located by the entrance, which also features a picnic area.
15. St Wulstan’s Catholic Parish Church
While in Little Malvern, another church merits a visit.
St Wulstan’s is named in honor of the 11th-century Bishop of Worcester who established the Great Malvern Priory.
This modest structure is worth a visit primarily as it is the resting place of Edward Elgar (d.1934) and his wife Alice (d.1920). The church is managed by the Benedictine monks of Downside Abbey, and during Sunday’s 10:30 mass, visitors may enjoy choral performances of Elgar’s liturgical compositions such as Ave Maris Stella, Ave Maria, or Ave Verum Corpus.
