Visit The Malverns https://www.visitthemalverns.org/ a breath of fresh air Fri, 02 May 2025 12:06:11 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://www.visitthemalverns.org/wp-content/uploads/cropped-Visit-The-Malverns-Favicon-32x32.png Visit The Malverns https://www.visitthemalverns.org/ 32 32 Malvern Water and Well Dressing Festival Returns 3 – 11 May 2025 https://www.visitthemalverns.org/blog/malvern-well-dressing-festival-returns/ Wed, 23 Apr 2025 11:38:35 +0000 https://www.visitthemalverns.org/?p=21259 The popular festival, which will be held from 3 - 11 May 2025, will see many wells, springs and spouts creatively decorated according to a selected theme...

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The Malvern Water and Well Dressing Festival is set to return better than ever for 2025.

The popular festival, which will be held from 3 – 11 May 2025, will see many wells, springs and spouts creatively decorated according to a selected theme. This year the wells will be decorated in the theme of Folklore and Fairytales. The theme is fitting as The Malverns has many connections to folklore, both modern and ancient, having inspired Lord of The Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia and one of the oldest pieces of writing in the English language Piers Ploughman.

The festival starts with dressing the wells on Friday, 2 May, judging takes place on Saturday, 3 May, and prize giving with rosettes and certificates on Bank Holiday Monday, 5 May, in Priory Park where family fun day also takes place.

The Spirit of Malvern’ Open Air painting competition, also to be held on Bank Holiday Monday, will see up to 100 artists set out into the town and hills to seek inspiration.

The annual event celebrates the history of the Malvern Hills District, from its iconic spring water and Victorian Water Cure to the area’s ancient Pagan traditions.

It is brought to the town by the Malvern Spa Association with local businesses and community groups taking part. Last year, over 800 people took part in dressing the wells, springs and spouts.

Visitors can view the wonderful creations by setting off across the hills on foot, by bicycle or a minibus tour. Maps can be downloaded from the Malvern Well Dressing Facebook page or from Malvern Tourist Information Centre.

Entertainment taking place includes singing, well blessings, maypole and morris dancing, and much more.

Phil Ironside, Well Dressing Organiser, said: “As usual we had immense fun at the theme choosing evening. ‘Folklore & Fairytales’ has a huge scope, and we can’t wait to see what incredible creations the Well Dressers produce. This year there will be over 50 wells dressed. It is an amazing celebration of water and of Malvern’s water heritage. If anyone is interested in taking part this year we would be delighted to hear from you, it is always amazing fun”.

To take part contact the well dressing committee at malvernwelldressing@gmail.com for more details.

Visit Malvern Well Dressing on Facebook or access their website via the link below.

Image copyright: Sue Warner

Find Out more

Map of dressed wells

Google maps version here

Malvern Hills District Council only recommends drinking Malvern Water from Malvhina Fountain in Great Malvern.

What’s On

Today

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]]> What’s on This Easter Across The Malverns https://www.visitthemalverns.org/blog/whats-on-in-the-malverns-this-easter/ Mon, 07 Apr 2025 14:16:32 +0000 https://www.visitthemalverns.org/?p=22971 The Malverns is celebrating Easter 2025 in a big way. Plan family activities, venture outdoors and tuck into an Easter Sunday Roast in the Malverns...

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The Malverns is celebrating Easter 2025 in a big way. The Easter holidays are the perfect time to plan some big family activities, venture outdoors as spring hits its stride, tuck into an Easter Sunday Roast (accompanied by a bit too much chocolate) and still have time to fit in an Easter Egg Hunt or two. As luck would have it, The Malverns provide all these and more, so why not plan a day trip or full-on Easter getaway to our fantastic area. Read on to find out what’s happening this Easter…

Events, Days out and Easter Trails

There are plenty of Easter Trails taking place across in The Malverns this year, including a custom-made Town Centre Easter Bunny Trail in Tenbury Wells, and they make a fabulous way to welcome the coming of spring and get the kids out and about during the Easter holidays. Alternatively, head to one of the attractions listed below and experience treasure hunts and adventure days.

What’s On

Today

Walks, Nature and the Great Outdoors

Gardens in Bloom

A lone swan on a lake at Kyre Park
Kyre Park Gardens

Come and see The Malverns burst with floral goodness in all its forms this spring and summer; from our splendid formal gardens which showcase the best in floral arrangement to magical wildflower meadows which span large areas of our district. Read our blog about Malverns gardens in bloom here…

Gardens in Bloom

Visit the Lovely Upton Ham Meadow

View of field on Upton Ham Walk

Upton Ham Meadow is a rare, flower rich grassland and an example of a Lammas or floodplain meadow. The meadow floods annually bringing water and nutrients to the grasses which creates a perfect environment for rare and pretty wildflowers. This time of year, after the flood water has thankfully receded, the meadow blooms with wildflowers including the pretty lilac Lady’s Smock or Cuckoo Flower. It is a lovely walk on the paths across the Ham, and back to Upton upon Severn via the river path.

Find out more

Enjoy the Teme River and Valley

A view over rolling fields with pink blossom on the trees

The Teme is a meandering and secluded river which runs from mid Wales, down the border between Wales and England, and through Tenbury Wells before joining the River Severn near Worcester. The valley surrounding the river is worth exploring with views of tranquil rolling hills and plenty of orchard blossom in the spring. Access to the riverbank itself is somewhat limited but pretty river walks can be taken from places like Knightwick. Follow the link below to find walks through the Teme Valley and around Tenbury Wells.

More Teme VAlley walks

Take the Hidden Tenbury Trail

Pump Rooms Tenbury Wells

Tenbury Wells is a town rich in heritage, culture and community. Known as the international capital of mistletoe and a great producer of cider apples the town holds festivals to celebrate these annually. Tenbury is also well-known for growing hops and for the rearing of cattle and sheep, which is showcased in the annual Agricultural and Countryside Show in August each year. Delve deep into the town’s rich history and culture with the self guided Hidden Tenbury QR Trail tour.

Hidden tenbury

See the Beautiful Bluebells on The Malvern Hills

A woodland floor covered with bluebells
Forest Bluebells credit Jan Sedlacek

From mid-April, as the spring breeze warms the wooded slopes of the Malvern Hills, delicate bluebells bloom in their thousands. Head to Jubilee Drive, accessible via a short walk from Black Hill car park, to see this lovely native species.

Please take care when visiting these ancient plants, they are protected from picking and digging up by the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). Bluebells can take years to recover from being trampled so please stick to the paths so that they can continue to be enjoyed year on year.

More spring walks

Discover the Incredible Priory Park Play Area

Priory Park Play Area wooden play pods
Priory Park Play Area wooden play pods

Having opened on Good Friday in 2022 Priory Park’s newly revamped play area is one of the best for miles. The new play area has sustainable timber, planting and materials to give a natural and rustic feel, while also allowing for a range of play for kids of all ages. Children are able to climb on natural boulders, crawl through hobbit holes, hide in a hollow tree trunk, walk across a rope bridge, swing on a basket swing and even meet a giant dragonfly!

Find out more

Food and Drink

Easter Treats at The Finest Chocolate Shops

Mr Thom's Chocolate Shop and Factory
Mr Thom’s Chocolate Shop and Factory

There’s nothing like slipping into a chocolate induced snooze after the excitement of the egg hunt. It’s not hard to find delicious cocoa treats in The Malverns as we are blessed with two fine chocolate shops. At Mr Thom’s in Tenbury Wells you can find handmade Belgian chocolates and a huge range of delectable Easter treats including an Easter version of their popular hot chocolate bombs and huge handmade chocolate eggs . In Great Malvern, Chocolate Avenue is stuffed with luxury chocolate morsels, as well as ice-cream for those warm April afternoons.

Find out more

Snack on Traditional Easter Baked Goods

Pastries, cakes and buns really come into their own in the Easter season. Luckily our bakeries in The Malverns are up to the challenge of providing sticky hot cross buns and light, fruity Easter cake. The Malvern Bakehouse freshly bakes bread and sweet treats every day including Swedish buns and pretty cupcakes. Local favourite Colson Bakeries can always be relied upon for traditional Easter bakes and Faun cooks up treats using local and seasonal ingredients.

More food and Drink Shops

Have a Delicious Easter Sunday Lunch

A classic roast dinner on a white plate

Nothing beats a crispy roast potato or gravy-filled Yorkshire pudding with daffodils smiling in the sun out the window. There’s no shortage of Easter Sunday venues from family friendly pubs to fine dining eateries in The Malverns. The Cottage in the Wood puts on a fantastic Easter Sunday spread. There are plenty of family friendly pubs in the area with play areas for excited little ones such as The Old Bush in Callow End which serves a traditional Sunday Roast and has a lovely countryside setting with a large pub garden and play area.

Food & Drink

Where to Stay…

The Abbey Hotel 2 1

Hotels

Cannara 2

B&Bs / Guest Houses

Ockeridge Rural Retreats 2

Self-Catering

The Firs Campsite 1

Glamping, Camping And Caravanning

Image of Bed

Search For Accommodation

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]]> ‘The Spirit of Malvern’ – en plein air Painting Competition https://www.visitthemalverns.org/blog/the-spirit-of-malvern-en-plein-air-painting-competition-to-return-in-2025/ Wed, 02 Apr 2025 13:03:59 +0000 https://www.visitthemalverns.org/?p=55161 A new art competition for the Malverns offers prize money of £2200 and a chance for today’s artists to add their mark to the area’s creative legacy...

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Dozens of artists – from near and far – will be setting up their easels in and around Malvern this Bank Holiday Monday (May 5) as the ‘Spirit of Malvern’ outdoor art competition gets underway for the second year, following the runaway success of the launch event in 2024.

Organised again by Creatives Connect Malvern, this year there is more than £3000 in prize money to win, as well are two separate categories for participants: professional and semi-professional, and amateur artists. On the day, they will all set off to find their own spot and start to paint – against the clock – in a similar vein to the popular Sky Arts Landscape of the Year. In fact one of this year’s judges will be a Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year Winner. Artist Fuji Rose will be joined by three additional local judges; Bridget MacDonald, Brian Gorst and Susan Birth to select this years winning entries.

With prize categories including both urban scenes and landscapes, artists will be able to seek inspiration in Priory Park, the Winter Gardens, Malvern Link, West Malvern, Little Malvern, anywhere on the hills, or even from the shelter of a bus stop. Ideally, their work will convey a sense of the ‘Spirit of Malvern’, whatever the weather!

When their artwork is complete, competitors will be hot-footing it back to the Malvern Theatre, where judging takes place, prizes are awarded and the public can then enjoy seeing all the results in the free pop-up exhibition, which will be open from 16.00 to 17.00. You might even be inspired to buy an original artwork, as many of the pieces will be for sale.

The ‘Spirit of Malvern’ event has attracted generous sponsorship, including The Bransford Trust, Malvern Hills National Landscape, The Malverns, Malvern Hills District Council, Smartbox Malvern, Malvern Theatres, Aetheria Gallery & Studios, Lucart Hygiene Ltd, Analysis History, Worcestershire Ambassadors and The Dame Laura Knight Society.

For more about the competition and individual prizes, visit the link below:

https://creativesconnectweb.wixsite.com/malvern/events

Watch What Happened at last years competition:

Find out More

I.G.: malvern_creatives_connect
FB : creativesconnectmalvern
YT: creativesconnectmalvern

email: creativesconnectmalvern@gmail.com

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]]> Tenbury Wells Easter Bunny Trail 12 – 26 April https://www.visitthemalverns.org/blog/tenbury-easter-bunny-trail/ Tue, 01 Apr 2025 10:59:12 +0000 https://www.visitthemalverns.org/?p=22763 Can you help the Easter Bunny find his friends? 26 adorable bunnies are hopping around Tenbury Wells! Head to town to find the bouncing bunnies...

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Can you help find the cheeky bunnies that have run away from their Easter duties? Find the 19 Easter Bunnies around the town to make sure they are ready to deliver plenty of eggs. In return you’ll be rewarded with an Easter treat!

Bunnies can be found from 12 – 26 April from Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm

Once you’ve found the phrase, please head to the Tourist Information Centre to pick up a small prize and children’s cinema ticket voucher kindly provided by Regal Tenbury Wells

Visit Tenbury Wells Tourist Information Centre at 48 Teme St, Tenbury Wells WR15 8AA for more information and to collect your prize. The TIC is open Monday – Saturday: 10am – 4pm.

We look forward to seeing you for the Tenbury Wells Town Easter Trail and wish you a Happy Easter!

Read More about tenbury wells

The Easter Trail is supported by Tesco.

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]]> When is the Malvern Flea Market and Antiques Fair? https://www.visitthemalverns.org/blog/when-is-the-malvern-flea-market-and-antiques-fair/ Mon, 31 Mar 2025 13:34:39 +0000 https://www.visitthemalverns.org/?p=74821 Malvern Flea and Collectors Fair is the largest flea fair in the UK. You will find the dates for the Malvern Flea and Collectors Fair here...

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Malvern Flea and Collectors Fair is the largest flea fair in the UK, held ten times a year at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern. You will find the dates for the Malvern Flea and Collectors Fair below.

The hundreds of stalls across the halls and even more outside (number of outdoor stands weather-dependent) together create an incredibly eclectic shopping experience, with items on sale ranging from furniture, lighting and textiles to jewellery, clothing, teddies and toys. This is the perfect event for the interior designer, crafter, up-cycler and thrift-seeker.

The Three Counties Showground is just five minutes drive from Great Malvern with its independent cafes, restaurants, and shops. You can even continue your hunt for antiques in the newly opened Malvern Antiques.

Open: 7.30am – 2.30pm
Entry cost: £6 (cash only) per person (accompanied children under 16 go free)
Parking: Free
Dogs: Allowed – on short leads (but please avoid bringing them if you can)

Dates in 2025

Sunday 12 January
Sunday 30 March
Monday 21 April
Monday 26 May
Sunday 29 June
Sunday 20 July
Monday 25 August
Sunday 21 September
Sunday 12 October
Sunday 2 November

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]]> Malvern Success at Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards https://www.visitthemalverns.org/blog/malvern-success-at-visit-worcestershire-tourism-awards/ Tue, 25 Mar 2025 16:03:00 +0000 https://www.visitthemalverns.org/?p=38321 Tourism and hospitality businesses from across The Malverns won a great deal of awards given at the ceremony...

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The county’s annual Tourism Awards took place at the Three Counties Showground on Friday 21 March 2025 which was a fantastic success for tourism and hospitality businesses from across The Malverns, with six businesses taking home awards and even more winning highly commended: 

Business Events Venue of the Year and Large Hotel of the Year Winner: Stanbrook Abbey Hotel

Stanbrook Abbey Food Drink 1 1
The Refectory at Stanbrook Abbey

With its superbly renovated restaurant and conference rooms this converted abbey is an impressive location to conduct business. The Abbey offers 13 flexible meeting rooms and space for up to 400 attendees as well as a games room, wine cellar and snooker room – all decorated to a high standard with wood panelling, classical art and plush upholstery. Also offering AA Rosette awarded food and rooms with original stained glass windows it’s no wonder the judging panel took a shine to Stanbrook.

Find out more

Ethical, Responsible & Sustainable Award Winner: Treeopia

Treeopia 2

Last years winners of the Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year Award are still at the top of their game. These luxury treehouses are a credit to artisanal craftmanship and no expense has been spared; from their location in secluded countryside with woodland, waterfalls and lakes to hand building the treehouses themselves over 9 years. Green credentials are taken seriously at Treeopia where close attention has been paid to make all areas as low impact as possible – including solar powered lighting and robust recycling practices. Treeopia was also awarded highly commended in the Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year category.

Find out more

Experience of the Year Highly Commended: Morgan Experience

Entrance to Morgan Experience Centre

See how this piece of classic British engineering is still hand crafted with a tour of their Malvern Link factory. Get up close to the action as you are taken right onto the factory floor where highly trained engineers expertly piece together this fine engine. Knowledgeable factory tour guides are adept at explaining technicalities in plain language making the tours suitable for even car novices . There is also an onsite museum, café run by local bakers FAUN, and the opportunity to book drives in the cars themselves round the gorgeous countryside of The Malverns.

Morgan Experience

Festival & Event of the Year Winner: RHS Spring Festival

two people shopping for plants at an outdoor market

Competition was stiff in this fairly new category but, as a county of gardeners, the RHS Malvern Spring Festival scooped the rosette from the public vote. The RHS Spring Festival is a four day showcase of world leading gardens, specialist traders, celebrity guests and flower displays – truly bliss for anyone green-fingered.

RHS Spring Festival

New Tourism Business of the Year: Wagtail Retreat

Aerial view of Wagtail Retreat looking over fields

With meticulously designed shepherds huts, set in a countryside meadow with views of the Malvern Hills, a wild swimming lake and even it’s own vineyard Wagtail Retreats has just become the new go to location in The Malverns.

The cabins are well insulated, spacious and include both log burners and outdoor bath and fire pit for relaxing in nature whatever the weather,

natures Edge Cabin

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year Winner: Rowley Farm Holidays

Rowley Farm Holidays 1

Set on a family farm, and recently featured in national newspapers for offering the very trendy hands on lambing holiday, Rowley farm offer a friendly and authentic slice of countryside living. Don’t fear, they haven’t compromised on the modern comforts that make for a comfortable holiday with all accommodation finished to an extremely high standard including hot tubs, king sized beds, underfloor heating and more.

Rowley Farm Holidays

Self-Catering Accommodation of the Year Highly Commended: Elsie’s Cottage, Secret Bolthole

Sitting room with wood burning stove, sofas, table and exposed wooden beams

Elsie’s Cottage tucked away on the secluded slopes of the south hills, with a stunning terrace and outdoor hot tub its perfect for sunshine BBQ’s and stargazing – without a neighbour in sight!

Elsie’s Cottage

Large Hotel of the Year Highly Commended: The Cottage in The Wood, Malvern

Cottage in the Wood Hotel
Cottage in the Wood Restaurant

This boutique hotel, set high on the slopes of the Malvern Hills, offers panoramic views, award winning fine dining and newly renovated luxe bedrooms. With footpaths leading you through bluebell woods and onto the Malvern Hills on its doorstep there’s no better place to stay for the perfect mix of exploration and relaxation.

Find out more

Taste of Worcestershire Award Highly Commended: Unwined Bistro

Seating area with sofas and view to street; large clock on wall
Lucy Rebecca Photography

Nothing can dampen the enthusiasm of this family run business. Created in Covid lockdowns and the victim to Tenbury Well’s terrible flooding the team at Unwined Bar and Bistro produce excellent tapas inspired by the family orientated food and wine culture of the Mediterranean. A real hidden gem which we are so proud has been noticed by the judges at Visit Worcestershire.

Find out more Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards 2025

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]]> NGS Garden Openings Around The Malverns https://www.visitthemalverns.org/blog/ngs-garden-openings-around-the-malverns/ Wed, 19 Mar 2025 11:43:09 +0000 https://visitthemalverns.org/?p=13431 The Malverns are home to a wide variety of gardens packed full of colour, horticultural interest and unusual features. Many also offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Attracting visitors…

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The Malverns are home to a wide variety of gardens packed full of colour, horticultural interest and unusual features. Many also offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Attracting visitors both from the local area and further afield, a number of hardworking garden owners generously open their gardens for the National Garden Scheme on selected dates during the year. In addition, some gardens open by arrangement. This allows the wider public to enjoy these fabulous spaces whilst supporting the work of some fantastic charities. You’ll find more information about the long-running and perennially popular scheme, as well as the charities it supports, on the National Garden Scheme website. 

There are many more gardens to explore, so visit the National Garden Scheme website for more inspiration.

Photo credit: Millbrook Lodge

What’s On

Today

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]]> Expert horticulturalists, TV gardening personalities and famous chefs at this year’s RHS Malvern Spring Festival https://www.visitthemalverns.org/blog/expert-horticulturalists-tv-gardening-personalities-and-famous-chefs-at-this-years-rhs-malvern-spring-festival/ Thu, 13 Mar 2025 11:01:33 +0000 https://www.visitthemalverns.org/?p=37483 RHS Malvern Spring Festival has unveiled the full line up of celebrity and special guests set to feature at the show from 8 - 11 May 2025...

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RHS Malvern Spring Festival, a trailblazing four-day horticultural showcase, returning to Three Counties Showground, Malvern from 8 – 11 May 2025, has announced a whole host of well-known names for its special guest line-up.

This year’s Festival Theatre will once again host a packed programme of lively talks, interactive demonstrations and expert advice from some of the most respected names in horticulture. This year’s theatre host is TV presenter, broadcaster and former music publicist, Nicki Chapman. As well as hosting the iconic evening radio show, Mellow Magic, Nicki is well-known for co-hosting BBC’s Escape to the Country and RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Nicki will be joined on the Festival Theatre stage across the four days by some of horticultures most well-known and much-loved personalities, including one of the UK’s favourite gardeners, Alan Titchmarsh CBE, who, as well as being a passionate gardener, is a successful writer and TV presenter, best-known for featuring in BBC’s Ground Force, BBC’s Gardeners’ World and ITV’s Love Your Garden. On Friday 9 May, Alan will join Nicki on stage to share insight into what being a ‘good gardener’ means to him.

two people shopping for plants at an outdoor market

Alan Titchmarsh CBE commented, “I love the RHS Malvern Spring Festival! It has all the things a gardener like me values in a day out – a great setting at the foot of the Malvern Hills, a tremendous range of exhibitors and specialist growers offering a wide range of plants and a wonderfully friendly atmosphere. It remains a firm favourite in my calendar.”

From Thursday through to Sunday, Nicki will welcome BBC’s Gardeners’ World presenters, broadcasters and writers, Rachel de Thame, Adam Frost and Frances Tophill to the stage. On Saturday and Sunday, Frances will share tips and advice on how to design your outdoor space to work for you, and Adam will chat about gardening for wellbeing and how plants can help to cultivate positivity. Visitors to the show can book a VIP cream tea with Rachel de Thame on Friday 9 May, or with Adam Frost on Saturday 10 May (both £134 per person) and enjoy the opportunity to chat with these passionate and knowledgeable gardeners in a relaxed, more intimate, setting.

three people holding indian street food

The Kitchen Garden Theatre will make a sizzling return to RHS Malvern Spring Festival this year, offering visitors the chance to relax within an immersive kitchen garden while enjoying live cooking demos from talented chefs and excellent local food producers. Hosting the Kitchen Garden Theatre this year will be RHS Malvern Spring Festival regular and award-winning food and gardening writer, Mark Diacono. Culinary icon, Raymond Blanc OBE, will take to the stage on Thursday 8 May sharing fascinating insights from his decades of experience in food and hospitality, and how he’s crafted a legacy of culinary excellence throughout his career. Raymond is renowned for his exceptional talent, innovation and unwavering dedication to the art of French cuisine, and his restaurant, Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, has retained two Michelin stars for 41 years consecutively, and in 2020 received a Michelin Green Star in recognition of its sustainable practices. From Friday to Sunday the hugely talented, self-taught chef and regular face on ITV’s This Morning, Marcus Bean will share tasty tips on celebrating the season through food.

The Potting Shed Theatre, located inside the impressive Floral Marquee, will host a range of green fingered specialists ready to share their gardening knowledge with visitors. Husband and wife team Martin and Jill Fish will host The Potting Shed Theatre this year, bringing to the stage over 45 years of experience working in horticulture and experimenting in the kitchen with home grown ingredients. Martin and Jill will welcome guests including Jon Wheatley (esteemed garden designer and grower who has won numerous RHS gold medals), Chris Collins (Head of Horticulture at Garden Organic and former head gardener of Westminster Abbey), and Jonathan Moseley (one of the UK’s leading floral designers). Visitors can expect to pick up handy tips and useful insights to put into practice at home, including how to get plants for free via successful propagation, growing pot to plate plants, and how to create fun, seasonal floral arrangements.

A portable gardening theatre

A brand-new Give it a Grow Theatre will host engaging talks to enhance gardening knowledge for both seasoned gardeners and those dipping their toe into the soil for the first time. Hosted by Leigh Johnstone (aka ‘The Beardy Gardener’ – award-winning garden designer, mental health campaigner, podcaster, writer and broadcasting presenter), the Give it a Grow Theatre will welcome special guests including Adam Alexander (aka Seed Detective – award-winning film and TV producer who lectures widely on his work discovering, conserving and sharing rare and endangered gardening crops), Huw Richards (YouTube content creator and author of four best-selling plot to plate books), Anya Lutenbach (aka Anya The Garden Fairy – bestselling author and digital content creator, who is passionate about encouraging people to garden regardless of their background, budget or garden size), Sarah Gerrard-Jones (aka The Plant Rescuer – author and presenter on ITV’s Alan Titchmarsh’s Gardening Club, and a prominent voice in the world of houseplants) and Helen Cross (author, broadcaster and horticultural educator). This bustling area will act as an educational hub, inspiring visitors to grow more, grow smarter and grow better, celebrating the ethos of this year’s RHS Malvern Spring Festival Theme, ‘Plants & People’.

As well as an outstanding line-up of expert horticulturalists, TV gardening personalities and special guest speakers, this year’s RHS Malvern Spring Festival will also feature the introduction of the first RHS judged Indoor Plant Gardens, which will be scrutinised by a panel of horticultural experts and RHS judges to crown the very first RHS medal-winning Indoor Plant Garden 2025. Additionally, RHS Malvern Spring Festival will also host the first RHS judged outdoor Show Gardens for the year, two exciting and immersive feature gardens, as well as the return of the spectacular Floral Marquee, the Plant Village and Pavilions, the School Gardens plus a whole host of food, drink and shopping opportunities as well as fun family activities for all ages.

Tickets for RHS Malvern Spring Festival, including VIP experiences, dog tickets for Sunday 11 May and taster tickets for Saturday 10 May, are on sale now (starting from £16, and under 16s free) and can be booked via the link below:

RHS Malvern Spring Festival

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]]> 15 Reasons To Visit The Malverns This Spring https://www.visitthemalverns.org/blog/15-reasons-to-visit-the-malverns-this-spring/ Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:34:16 +0000 https://www.visitthemalverns.org/?p=21295 Springtime in The Malverns has a particular loveliness with festivals, fine chocolates, and fantastic floral displays...

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We might be biased, but we think that The Malverns is a pretty spectacular place to visit all year round. However, Springtime in The Malverns has a particular loveliness. There are festivals, fine chocolates, adorable animals bouncing around the fields and pastel flowers perfuming the air. So, uncurl yourself from winter hibernation and take a springtime trip to The Malverns; here are 15 reasons why its worth it.

Image Credit: Jan Sedlacek at Digitlight Photography

1. The Malvern Well Dressing & Water Festival: 3 – 11 May 2025

Malvhina Fountain 2021 Well Dressing Copyright Sue Warner
Malvhina Fountain 2021 Well Dressing Copyright Sue Warner

The popular festival, which will be held from 3 – 11 May 2025, will see many wells, springs and spouts creatively decorated according to a selected theme. This year the wells will be decorated in the theme of Folklore and Fairytales. The theme is fitting as The Malverns has many connections to folklore, both modern and ancient, having inspired Lord of The Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia and one of the oldest pieces of writing in the English language Piers Ploughman.

The festival starts with dressing the wells on Friday, 2 May, judging takes place on Saturday, 5 May, and prize giving with rosettes and certificates on Bank Holiday Monday, 5 May, in Priory Park where family fun day also takes place.

The annual event celebrates the history of the Malvern Hills District, from its iconic spring water and Victorian Water Cure to the area’s ancient Pagan traditions.

It is brought to the town by the Malvern Spa Association with local businesses and community groups taking part. Last year, over 800 people took part in dressing the wells, springs and sprouts.

Visitors can view the wonderful creations by setting off across the hills on foot, by bicycle or a minibus tour. Maps can be downloaded from the Malvern Well Dressing Facebook page or from Malvern Tourist Information Centre.

read more


2. Bluebells on The Malvern Hills

A woodland floor covered with bluebells
Forest Bluebells credit Jan Sedlacek

It is thought that half of the worlds bluebells are in the UK, and locals often retort that half of the UK’s bluebells seem to sprout on the banks of the Malvern Hills. From mid-April, as the spring breeze warms the wooded slopes of the hills, the delicate blue flowers bloom in their thousands. Head to Jubilee Drive, accessible via a short walk from Black Hill car park, to see this lovely native species.

Please take care when visiting these ancient plants, they are protected from picking and digging up by the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). Bluebells can take years to recover from being trampled so please stick to the paths so that they can continue to be enjoyed year on year.

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3. Blossom – Tenbury Wells and the Teme Valley

A view over rolling fields with pink blossom on the trees

Its abundance of orchards and fruit trees mean that the Teme Valley is prime spot for blossom viewing. As immortalised in this beautiful Teme Valley Blossom Painting by Paul Powis the fluffy, pink and white flowers of apple, damson and cherry trees are a stunning sight. A walk around the town of Tenbury Wells is a great place to start your blossom hunt. Use our Teme Valley trail guide to find the perfect walk for you.

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4. Eat the finest chocolates

Mr Thom's Chocolate Shop and Factory
Mr Thom’s Chocolate Shop and Factory

We’ve got competition for the Easter bunny himself. Stock your cupboards for the Easter holidays, and don’t forget to sample plenty before they all get lost in the egg hunt. The finest chocolates can be purchased from one of our independent chocolate shops. In Tenbury Wells, Mr Thom’s Cholate bombs are as mouth-watering as they sound, and they even have creamy vegan milk chocolate alternatives. Chocolate Avenue in Great Malvern stock just about every flavour of chocolate imaginable as well as having commitment to Fair Trade in their supply chains.

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5. See the beautiful Little Malvern Court & Gardens

Little Malvern Court Gardens 1
Little Malvern Court Gardens

Little Malvern Court & Gardens are opening their gates on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons for their spring/summer season from 16 April – 10 July. These 10 acres, attached to a former Benedictine Priory, promise a carpet of happy daffodils, a distinguished collection of old English roses, as well as views across the Severn Valley. Visits to the garden don’t need to be booked but if you would also like a tour of the house pre-booking is essential.

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6. RHS Spring Festival: 8 – 11 May 2025

Malvern RHS spring festival

Tickets are now on sale for the RHS Malvern Spring Festival, hosted at the Three Counties Showground. This 4 day festival celebrates everything gardening with a beautiful floral marquee, festival theatre with lively talks and informative demonstrations and a large shopping area.

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7. Spring gardens in bloom

Madresfield Court 2

There is no shortage of places to find an abundance of spring flowers across The Malverns.

The historic Madresfield Court has extensive sixty-nine acre grounds that are popular year on year for their completely glorious display of spring flowers, including a stunning amount of yellow daffodils. The lawns are further blanketed with a sweet mixture of anemone, cowslips, fritillaries, bluebells and other wild flowers. Tours of the gardens and house are available from the end of April to the end of June – booking is essential.

In Great Malvern the lush Rosebank Gardens boast multiple tiers of colourful floral displays. The flowers frame a view of the Malvern Priory and the surrounding countryside. Why not grab a hot drink and slice of cake from Abbey Road Coffee or The Mulberry Tree and enjoy the view.

For an example a quintessential flower garden its worth a turn around Old Court Nurseries & The Picton Garden. See the late winter snowdrops give way to expertly planted spring bulbs in this perfectly formed 1.5 acre floral wonderland. See their website of opening times, or visit during one of the National Garden Scheme open days.

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8. Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb: Speed into Spring 3-4 May 2025

Shelsley Walsh 4
Shelsley Walsh

If you’re in need of a bit of adrenalin visit Shelsley Walsh – a motor sport venue that has been running events on its original course since 1905. Known for its speed hill climbs (who would have thought driving in The Malverns would involve hills?!) it will host competitors from the Midland Hill Climb Championship. The weekend will culminate with the first Top 12 Run Off of the season. If you can’t wait until then for the action, their Season Opener event takes place on 13 April with many drivers starting their championship campaigns.

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9. Priory Park’s Fantastic Playpark

Priory Park Play Area overview showing families playing on the swing, slides and wooden climbing apparatus
Priory Park Play Area overview showing families playing

Quick! Winter’s over! Lets play outside!

Since its opening in 2022 the newly built play park in Great Malvern has had rave reviews. The fun space is made up of multiple areas suitable for different ages and includes hobbit houses, a daring robe bridge, a dizzying basket swing and a giant butterfly to befriend. There’s hours of outdoor fun and exercise to be had, even adults will tempted to join in. Let the little ones run riot on the eco-friendly structures while you shade under the mature trees, the sound of the nearby stream babbling in your ears. A visit to the playpark has never been this relaxing!

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10. Malvern Walking Festival: 24 May – 1 June 2025

Malvern Walking Festival Logo

The Malvern Walking Festival comprises of 9 days of fantastic themed walks on the Malvern Hills and the surrounding countryside. Take an interactive look at some of Malverns known history on the “Malvern: The Culture and The Cure” walk, take a brewery to brewery stroll on the “Walking up a Thirst!” route, joined the chilled out” Tea on the Hills” or challenge yourself complete the entire length of the hills on the End to End walk. With walks for every ability, this popular festival will sell out soon, so don’t delay if you want to take part!

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11. Malvern Festival of Ideas: 7 – 9 March 2025

Malvern Festival of Ideas logo 2024, with green, blue and orange used as background colours for text

Expand your mind with the Malvern Festival of Ideas – a weekend of talks, discussions and activities.

Featuring leading figures from academia, politics, activism and entertainment, the programme also includes a young people and family programme of education, storytelling, art and science.

Hear from leading thinkers such as former leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn, scientist, broadcaster and author, Adam Rutherford and Senthorun Raj, Reader in Human Rights Law at Manchester Law School.

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12 . Jacobs Lambs at Stanbrook Abbey

Stanbrook Abbey Hotel 1

There’s nothing that gives the feeling of spring more than a fluffy lamb bounding around a felid. The lambs that delight guests of former monastery turned luxury hotel Stanbrook Abbey are distinctive for their spotted black and white wool. These are Jacobs Sheep and will grow from the cute black and white patched lambs to a formidable sheep with no less than 4 large horns. With 26 acres of gardens and a fine dining restaurant Stanbrook Abbey is the perfect spot for a luxurious spring retreat.

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13. Highland calves on The Malvern Hills and Castlemorton Common

A heard of charming Highland cows have taken up residence on the Malvern Hills and Castlemorton common. Apart from their important job helping conserve the flora of the hills; they’re adorable. If you’re lucky this spring you might meet a shaggy, amber haired calf with a big pink nose while on an evening stroll. Remember to keep these lovely creatures safe by keeping gates closed and dogs on their leads when the cows are are near.

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14. National Trust at Croome & Witley Court (English Heritage)

Wild flower field at Croombe
Croome Image Credit: Arnhel De Serra

As the weather gets warmer and (hopefully) drier the historic landscaped gardens of Croome and Witley Court become an appealing place for a walk and picnic. Witley Court provides plenty to fill a spring day from intricately designed gardens, including the spectacular Perseus and Andromeda fountain, to a fantastic wilderness play area.

Croome’s 18th century ‘Capability’ Brown designed gardens are second to none. Across the gardens and woodlands crocuses will be sprouting and sheep and lambs roaming. If the weather takes a turn, head inside to the main house for an art exhibitions or for a tea and cake at Croome’s RAF Canteen.

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15. CountryTastic: 17 April 2025

A child hugs a sheep at the Royal Three Counties Show

CountryTastic provides a jam packed day for all the family. There is something for everyone to get stuck into including tractor and trailer rides, pottery workshops , a play barn and so much more. There will be an opportunity to meet all the farmyard favourites as well as rabbits, guinea pigs and the very friendly ponies and donkeys. This family fun day is very popular so make sure to book your spot!

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Spring Breaks – Stay Longer

The Abbey Hotel 2 1

Hotels

Cannara 2

B&Bs / Guest Houses

Ockeridge Rural Retreats 2

Self-Catering

The Firs Campsite 1

Glamping, Camping And Caravanning

Image of Bed

Search For Accommodation

The post 15 Reasons To Visit The Malverns This Spring appeared first on Visit The Malverns.

]]> What’s On In The February Half Term https://www.visitthemalverns.org/blog/whats-on-in-the-february-half-term/ Fri, 14 Feb 2025 15:39:04 +0000 https://www.visitthemalverns.org/?p=20764 With half term fast approaching the big question always looms- how can I keep the kids entertained for a whole week...

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With the half term fast approaching the big question always looms: how can I keep the kids entertained for a whole week? There’s a million different ways right here on your doorstep. From ice skating to pottery, no matter what your children are interested in, I’m sure you’ll find a way to get them off their screens and into the outside world.

Malvern Hills Geo Centre

The Malvern Hills GeoCentre featuring Cafe H2O, our cafe on the hills, is the official visitor information centre for the Geopark Way. We are situated on the western slopes of the Hills, providing information about the Abberley and Malvern Hills Geopark, the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the Malverns.

Wall maps in the Centre show the Geopark and its geology, the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the Malvern Hills & Commons. iPads allow visitors to access a wealth of information, and a large video wall shows panoramas and videos of the region.  We also have some small displays of fossils and rocks from the region, and some relevant kids activities at a school-desk workstation.

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Malvern Splash

Malvern Splash

Enjoy the feeling of the wave machine as the waves grow higher and higher, race down the slide with friends or relax in the beach area, sipping on a drink while watching the swimmers do laps in the 25m pool.

There are fun inflatable sessions for the little ones and a teaching pool for those who want to grow in confidence in the water.

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Priory Park Play Area overview of the play area showing wooden climbing apparatus, hobbit tunnels and play pods
Priory Park Play Area overview

Priory Park Play Area

Just a couple of minutes walk from The Splash a brand new expanded adventure playground has opened in Priory Park. The fun space is made up of multiple areas suitable for different ages and includes hobbit houses, a daring robe bridge, a dizzying basket swing and a giant butterfly to befriend. There is hours of outdoor fun and exercise to be had, even adults will tempted to join in. Let the little ones run riot on the eco-friendly structures while you shade under the mature trees, the sound of the nearby stream babbling in your ears. A visit to the playpark has never been this relaxing!

Priory Park

Eastnor Pottery and The Flying Potter

Eastnor Pottery and The Flying Potter offers a broad range of fun and imaginative pottery activities designed to explore and develop creativity in all ages and abilities.

Families can choose from the menu of clay projects including 10 minute potter’s wheel tasters, coil pot tealights and colourful critter pinch pot animals.

Make and take away options to paint at home, or for that permanent ceramic effect, why not leave your masterpiece with them to fire and glaze? Your creation can be collected from the Pottery a few weeks later or posted to your home at cost.

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Ice Skating and Laser Quest

Ice Skating is a cool experience, whatever your age or ability.

So why not give it a go with Ice Quest: the only real ice rink in 3 Counties Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire!

They do ice skating sessions to suit all ages and standards, from Disco Nights with the Big Party Atmosphere, to quieter sessions for families, parent and toddlers.

The exciting game of Laser Quest is a high-tech combination of tag with hide and seek. Wearing a sophisticated jacket and gun set, ‘Questors’ enter the battle arena amidst flashing lights and swirling fog. Points are scored by zapping opponent’s sensors. A thrilling experience whether you’re 6 or 66!

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National Trust at Croome

Owned by the Coventry family since the 16th century, Croome has a fascinating history.  The Coventrys used their wealth – from successes as statesmen and lawyers, and from colonial connections and advantageous marriages – to create this magnificent mansion.

Today, in the 21st century, it’s a wonderful landscape for families to explore with something of interest around every corner and a host of family things to do. Enjoy walks, from hikes around the edge of the parkland to gentle strolls around the lake – keep an eye open for giant bird sculptures hidden in the trees!

Housed in restored 1940s buildings, the visitor centre and museum is the place to discover Croome’s fascinating past including its wartime role; there is an interactive children’s audio trail around the listening posts.

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Clive’s Fruit Farm

Encourage an interest in food and where it comes from with an outing to Clive’s Fruit Farm near Upton upon Severn. Families can pick their own fruit in season, browse in the farm shop, and enjoy the play area and nature trail.

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Walking on the hills

Enjoying a family walk is a great way to promote healthy lifestyles as well as enjoying the gorgeous natural landscapes around us. We have an excellent walk-finder on our website to help you find the best route for you.

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Green Frog Pottery

Come and have fun painting your own design on a piece of pottery at Green Frog! There are lots of things to choose from, including mugs, plates and bowls, money boxes, treasure boxes, animals, cupcakes, dragons, pirates, aliens, fairies, princesses and much more!

Green Frog Pottery offers great fun for all the family. Relax in the bright, friendly studio, where you can listen to music while you paint. They also offer hot and cold drinks and a range of snacks.

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Top Barn Farm Park

It’s free entry to this rural paradise 7 days a week! Enjoy the green space, play areas, tractors and purchase a bucket of animal feed to meet some furry friends. Say hello to the donkeys, pony, goats, pigs, rabbits and guinea pigs who are cosy in their winter homes. There are activities like Frizbee golf, the maize maze and hot drinks, homemade cake, sandwiches and pastries are available from the Coffee Cabin. The perfect place to spend time outdoors blowing away those winter cobwebs.

Find out more

What’s On

Today

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