The Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is renowned for its scenery and is a magnet for all who love the great outdoors. As well as pursuits such as walking and cycling, there are many other things to do in the Malvern Hills from visiting beautiful gardens to cider tasting. Read on to find more inspiration for your luxury cottage holiday.
Walking is a very popular thing to do in the Malvern Hills. The main ridgeline and the slopes offer spectacular views across to the Cotswolds and over the undulating Herefordshire countryside.
The hills are approximately 9 miles long and while many routes are steep, if you are looking for a gentler walk, it is possible to find one. Try the Easier Access Trails of Black Hill Earnslaw or the Jubilee Drive Path.
If you’re looking for something more adventurous, horse riding, cycling, hang-gliding, paragliding and climbing are all fantastic outdoor things to do in the Malvern Hills.
Kyre Park is a privately owned home with parkland and gardens set out in 1754 by Capability Brown. It is about an 8-minute drive from Tenbury Wells. Whilst you won’t be able to see inside the house, the park and gardens are open to the public.
There is a map to help you explore the garden, which is considered to be one of the best historic gardens in Worcestershire. There are five lakes, waterfalls and follies, plus enchanting spots where you can enjoy a picnic. So, do make sure to bring some goodies with you.
If you are planning a dog-friendly cottage holiday in the Malvern Hills, well-behaved dogs are welcome at Kyre Park.
If you love cars and British motoring history, visit the Morgan Factory in Malvern. Morgan vehicles are stunning examples of how traditional craftmanship and heritage combine beautifully with just the right amount of modern technology.
Morgans have been produced for over 110 years and are still in production today. What’s more, the Morgan Experience Centre offers the exciting opportunity to learn more and get hands on. You can start with a guided factory tour and see production first-hand.
Or how about hiring a Morgan? You could venture into the Malvern Hills for the day or hire one for a few days to explore the Cotswolds perhaps. For the ultimate thrill, there are 1-hour experience drives where, either as a driver or a passenger, you can really see what the car can do.
Westons Cider, in the Herefordshire village of Much Marcle near Ledbury, has a family history of cider making that dates back to 1880. It is renowned for producing traditional and premium ciders using the apples that grow so well in the local orchards.
Westons Cider is open to visitors and tours can be pre-booked. The tour is led by an expert guide who will show you the orchard and how the apples are harvested, before heading into the 17th-century cider mill to discover the pressing, fermentation and maturing process. The tour finishes with the opportunity to taste some delicious cider.
Westons Cider also offers dining at the Scrumpy House Restaurant, a play park and resident Shire Horses to say ‘hello’ to.
Elmslie House Venue and Gallery is an attractive Grade II listed building and a private family home in Great Malvern. If you like to feel that creative buzz or get hands on with art, a visit here is one of the best things to do in the Malvern Hills. The lower ground floor and the Hall of the house hosts a variety of events and classes.
To give you a taste of what’s on offer, there are art exhibitions by local artists and of Mid-century painters. There is the Blue Magpie Contemporary Craft Fair. There are also weekend workshops (including lunch) in subjects such as stationery making, wire sculpting and lino printing.
In addition, the house hosts concerts and recitals throughout the year in the Hall which features a stage and Steinway Grand Piano.
Spend time admiring the fascinating ruins of the Italianate mansion at Witley Court. Built in the 17th century, this English Heritage gem is a great family-friendly place to visit in the Malvern Hills. After you’ve taken in the grand architecture, looked at the preserved church and explored the gorgeous gardens, head into the woods.
Here, you can spend time running free and perhaps play a game of hide and seek. If that isn’t enough, there’s even a nature-themed play area, complete with a treehouse. Then, you can head to the shop to purchase some local wine, chutneys and jams to enjoy back at the cottage.
The National Trust site, Croome, comprises beautiful parkland with an 18th-century mansion designed by former owner the 6th Earl of Coventry. The Earl was somewhat of a trendsetter and chose up-and-coming Capability Brown to design the garden.
In fact, the garden was Capability Brown’s first complete landscape design, and the house was built in such a way to ensure you could see it in all its glory. Amongst the parkland there are historic buildings including follies to discover, a snaking river and gorgeous views towards the Malvern Hills.
Also at the site, is a privately owned walled garden (that incurs an additional charge), the RAF Defford museum that tells of the airbase during WWII, a play area and a café.
If you enjoy a good glass of English wine, there are some good vineyards in and around the Malvern Hills. Astley Vineyard in the Severn Valley in Worcestershire and Coddington Vineyard in Herefordshire are two great places to start.
Astley offers a guided tour that includes a woodland walk, hearing about the different grapes and winemaking and a delicious glass of wine. Similarly, Coddington offers vineyard tours and tastings, plus sharing platters to nibble on.
Do check opening times, as tours can be seasonal and operate on selected days only. Pre-booking is advised.
If you have any questions about any of our cottages or if you’d like some help with your booking, you are very welcome to get in touch with us.
We are always happy to help and go out of our way to tailor your perfect UK holiday.
