Things To Do Around Malvern Worcestershire
Malvern - Worcestershire is also known as Malvern Spa and Great Malvern. It is a Celtic name that is said to mean "bare hill" and indeed the surrounding area is well known for its hills which are great for walking tours. If you are looking for a weekend getaway spot, then you will find Malvern a charming location.
Malvern sprang to the attention of tourists in the 18th century, when it became well known as a spa town. Since then there have been many prestigious guests such as Queen Victoria who have come to the town seeking health giving effects from the local waters.
Prior to that the town was best known for its Norman period church of St Mary and St Michael. For those interested in architecture the church has England's finest examples of medieval tiles that were hand made by the monks of the attached monastery. The church is also known for its splendid stained glass, which is said to be a rival to York cathedral's own.
The Little Malvern Priory Church was built in the 14th century and there is some beautiful stained glass on display too. The stained glass panels are interesting because they feature royal family members from the 15th century.
Attached to Malvern Abbey is a 14th century gatehouse, which has been transformed into the Malvern Museum. In the museum there are interesting archaeological artifacts that are from around the Malvern area some of them dating as far back as the iron age. You can see exhibits that show life throughout the different ages in Malvern and there is a focus on natural history, thanks to Charles Darwin's connection to the town.
A visit to St Anne's Well in the Malvern Hills is a chance to see the spa town in action. There is an ornate fountain from which pours natural spring water and it is housed in a building that was built in 1815. It makes a charming diversion when combined with lunch at the attached cafe. Further up into the Malvern Hills is the Worcestershire Beacon, which offers views all around the surrounding hills from the fixed telescopes.
Other wells and springs are scattered all throughout Malvern. Look out for Holy Well, Morris Well, Temperance Fountain, Enigma Fountain, Jubilee Fountain, Evendine Spring among others. The green hills around the area are a great place to meander on the weekends for easy to moderate hiking. Malvern - Worcestershire has a great mixture of things to do to keep visitors entertained. It is a superb spot for a weekend mini break and a chance to see some of England's most beautiful countryside.
