Top 10 Things To Do And See In Malvern!

1. Independent Shopping

Malvern’s town centres (at Great Malvern, Barnards Green and Malvern Link) are second to none with their selection of independent shops and retailers. The range of produce from florists to jewellers to curios and arts and crafts, you won’t find anywhere else; exploring Malvern’s incredible shopping scene will never be boring.

In addition to the many farmers’ markets held throughout the year, whatever your desired treasure you’ll find it here. From the Great Malvern Farmers’ Market, Artisan Arts Market, and many more. There’s something for everyone!

2. Malvern Theatres

Malvern Theatres has been a beacon of culture since 1885, and still provides exceptional performances and screenings. From its origins with the greats such as Sir George Bernard Shaw and Edward Elgar, today the classics and most star-studded shows make a stop here after the West End. Combined with a modern cinema with all the latest releases, Malvern Theatres stands out in the county for being one of the finest establishments of the arts.

Morgan Motors has been a Malvern institution for over 100 years. Founded in 1910 by Henry Morgan, they are still producing excellence in automotive engineering today, all by hand. Unlike most factory tours, there is no glass between you and the production line- each tour guides you through every workshop. From the first splinter of ash, to the latest modern technology, fully experience what goes into each Morgan vehicle. The NEW experience includes a museum, showroom and shop and café.

Pool users will now be able to benefit from fully refurbished changing rooms, dedicated disability changing facilities, additional family changing areas, a new flume, new interactive water play for younger swimmers, a new wave machine and a modern looking, revamped poolside area.

Malvern is well known and well loved for our green spaces. The natural habitats, varieties of wildlife and ancient trees are everywhere you look.

The Malvern Hills are formed from some of the oldest rocks in England and Wales. These majestic peaks have overlooked the surrounding areas for thousands and thousands of years, attracting visitors from pre-historic times all the way up to today. The urge to conquer the top of the twenty-two hills is a compelling one, there’s no wonder why we have been awarded the title ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.’

Priory Park, next to the historic Malvern Theatres, was originally the grounds of Priory Mansion in 1877 and much of the park’s layout is the same. This includes many of the trees in the park, which date back to the Victorian era. You will find a beautiful band stand also from the Victorian era, and the park is host to many live music events, outdoor cinema and festivals throughout the year. A recently installed highlight is the children’s play area which opened in 2022.

Victoria Park can be found in Malvern Link. It features tennis courts, two football pitches and a child’s play area, with the Malvern Rugby Club nearby.

Rose Bank Gardens may be on the smaller side but I doubt there are many parks with views as outstanding. Overlooking the town and surrounding areas for many miles, this park sits at the base of the hills. It is also home to Walenty Patel’s Diamond Jubilee sculpture of Two Buzzards and several Victorian gas lamps.

In the forecourt of Malvern Library, you will find a gorgeous and well kempt garden featuring a war memorial by Captain Richard Reginald Goulden. The shrubs and fragrant lavender are abuzz with bumblebees and benches are available to take a moment’s rest. The memorial is a stunning rendition of the ‘spirit of youth’ and is dedicated to the sacrifices and hard work the community dedicated to the war effort.

The town centres of Malvern not only have the magnificent backdrop of the Malvern Hills but are surrounded by common-land, meaning you’re never too far away from the great outdoors.

Natural springs have always been copious in Malvern, the fissures in the rock filtering the water until it is completely pure. In the Victorian era, the water was used as a medical treatment for both internal and external ailments. The bottled water was said to have been a favourite of Queen Elizabeth II.

We can only recommend drinking the water from the Malvihna Fountain on Belle vue Island in Great Malvern as it is regularly approved for drinking water quality. Wells worth the visit due to their location include Malvhina Fountain, St. Ann’s Well, Hayslad and Holy Well.

Visit during the Malvern Well Dressing and Water Festival and you’ll see over 50 wells, springs and spouts dressed by the local community in the year’s annual theme.

The traditional gas lamp is an iconic emblem of Malvern; and we are home to 80 of them.

It is these that partially inspired C.S. Lewis’ vision of Narnia. It’s not just whimsical charm that these lamps display, they are a testament to the town’s adaption to ever-evolving development.

Malvern is home to many beautiful and historic churches. From local parishes to the ornate Great Malvern Priory, these places of worship are welcome to all and well worth a visit. During the Heritage Open Days this September, many of these churches such as Little Malvern Priory and St Matthias will extend their opening hours and guides will be on hand to answer any questions on the history of these buildings.

9. Great Malvern Train Station and The Route To The Hills Trail

Great Malvern railway station opened in 1860 and very little has been done to affect the elegance and style of the architecture designed by Edmund Wallace Elmslie. Cast-iron girders support a canopy intertwined with carvings of flowers amidst the traditional French-Gothic brickwork. Stepping onto the platform really feels like stepping back in time- you won’t want to miss this.

From Great Malvern station you can take the Route To The Hills Walking Trail (Highly Commended in the 2019 Heritage Awards) through Great Malvern up to the Malvern Hills.

10. Food and Drink In And Around Malvern

Whilst you’re in Malvern make sure you stop off for a bite to eat or drink. There is a varied selection of places to eat and drink in the town of Malvern, whether you want something on-the-go, or prefer to take your time dining out on an la carte menu. Many places serve locally sourced produce for an authentic ‘foodie’ experience.