Malvern

The Malvern Hills’ 100 miles of bridleways and footpaths draw in walkers all of the year around. There are spectacular views that range from Herefordshire in the east across to Worcestershire in the west. From the highest point, the Worcestershire Beacon, there can be seen the Welsh mountains, the Bristol Channel, thirteen counties, and three cathedrals. The layout of the land means that, in the summer months, there is a warm, dry wind that descends on the hills.

There are a variety of shops in the area, including bookshops, health food shops (Bran Tub, Greenlink), and arts and craft shops, as well as pubs, cafés, and restaurants.

St Ann’s Well Café, a vegetarian cafe, in a delightful spot on the hills, is a 20-minute walk from the town. It also offers vegan food, including a variety of delicious cakes. And there’s guides to some of the walks.

There is a flourishing theatre and cinema in the town, which stands within the beautiful Priory Park. Adjacent to the park is an indoor swimming pool and gym. Nearby is a library with drop-in access to computers and the internet.

Malvern’s heritage in the town includes a museum, the listed Victorian Great Malvern railway station, and the magnificent priory, in whose churchyard lies the daughter of Charles Darwin.

Malvern spring water runs freely from dozens of fountains in the area. Queen Elizabeth I drank the water in the 16th century, while both Charles Dickens and Charles Darwin, in the 1800s, claimed they were cured of minor ailments after they drank the water. Victorians flocked to the town to take the water cure and this caused the town to grow.

The Morgan Motor Car Company is based in Malvern Link, and has been producing hand-made cars since 1910. Two-hour tours of the factory are available, a little expensive at £24, but they are fascinating.