There are plenty of things to do in Malvern, but should you feel the need to branch out further, then there are some interesting spots nearby that deserve your attention.
Only a 15-minute drive from Malvern, Clive’s Fruit Farm has a variety of fruit throughout the year depending on the season. Founded in 1921, the farm is within walking distance of nearby town Upton-Upon-Severn. With a children’s play area, animals to feed and the chance to pick your own fruit, it is a fantastic time with the family.
At the foot of the Malvern Hills, on the edge of the Cotswolds, you will find Eastnor Castle. Surrounded by a deer park, an arboretum and a lake; it offers a variety of trails and also has its own ‘Knight’s maze’. Inside of the castle you can find rooms decorated with medieval armour, fine art and tapestries. This truly enchanting castle offers something for everyone and offers something for everyone within its grounds.
This fantastic estate (whose library contains about 8000 books) has beautiful architecture; with a collection of furniture from England, France and Germany, whilst also hosting a collection of paintings and other objects. Madresfield Court boasts beautiful gardens which cover sixty-nine acres and there are written guides to go along with it. You may also explore a pre-booked guided tour of Madresfield Court, which will last approximately 1 ½ hours. Go and visit Madresfield Court which has been part of the Lygon family for nearly 900 years.
These adventure centres based all over the UK have tree top courses, zip line treks, heavy-duty all-terrain Segways and more. The closest centre to Malvern is at the Wyre Forest, only a 45-minute drive away, based west of Kidderminster. At the Wyre Forest, they have courses known as the “Treetop Challenge” and “Treetop Adventure”. The Treetop Challenge is intended the thrill-seekers, whilst the Treetop Adventure focuses on an easier course for all ages. Either way there is plenty to experience at Go Ape.
Based at the Worcestershire Ravenmeadow Golf Centre complex, Jungle Safari Adventure Golf offers a fun day out for the whole family to enjoy. After being greeted by the sounds of the jungle, golfers will have to go past an aeroplane, palm trees and other jungle wildlife to finish the course. After completing the course there are beverages and light meals at the watering hole. You can be the talk of the jungle after your day out at Jungle Safari Adventure Golf.
Goodrich Castle is a Norman medieval castle ruin in Herefordshire, just north of the village of Goodrich. Situated about a 45 minute drive from Malvern and owned by English Heritage, you can pick up a free audio guide to learn more about the castle and its history. It is also home to the famous ‘Roaring Meg’, the only surviving Civil War mortar along with a cache of Civil War cannonballs. Afterwards you can visit the tea room for lunch, tea and cakes.
Knapp and Papermill Nature Reserve
This nature reserve is home to a fantastic array of wildlife such as, dragonflies, buzzards, butterflies, dormice and more. The trail around the Knapp and Papermill starts in an apple orchard, but has a great mix of habitats including meadows, woodland, a brook and a lush valley. A circular walk of two miles is littered with plenty to see for nature enthusiasts and a trail leaflet is available from the small information centre.
About an hour’s drive from Malvern, in Bewdley Worcestershire, is the West Midlands Safari Park which opened in 1973. It was the first safari park in the UK to be home to the big five African game animals (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and Cape buffalo). It’s now home to many exotic animals, a theme park and many events throughout the year; it is a fantastic day out and offers plenty of things to get involved in.
This heritage railway line runs along the Severn Valley from Bridgnorth to Kidderminster and crosses the Shropshire/Worcestershire border. It follows the River Severn for much of the 16-mile track and the trains are mainly steam locomotives, with one diesel train. Other activities include: a ‘Footplate Experience’ where you have the chance of firing and driving one of the trains, ‘The Engine House Visitor & Education Centre at Highley’ where you can see the exhibits and attractions about the history of British railways (to go the centre get off at the Highley station), and seasonal events such as the “Steam in Lights” event where they cover the train with thousands of lights.
Based in Worcestershire, Witley Court was one of the great country houses and was used for parties and royal entertainment during the Victorian period. A fire in 1937 left the house in ruins and it was only after English Heritage took over in 1972, that they repaired the damage and allowed it to become accessible to visitors. Now, you are able to explore the ruins of this once great house and explore the beautiful gardens with the spectacular Perseus and Andromeda fountain, which fires water every day from April to the end of October. Pick up your free audio guide and start exploring.
The Great Worcester Maize Maze
In Powick, on the outskirts of Malvern; you will find The Great Worcester Maize Maze which is a fun family day out during the summer holidays. Each year the maize crop is grown and after the visitor season has finished, it is used to feed the livestock on the form. Furthermore, each year the maze puts on a different theme for you and the kids to enjoy. Due to the maze being outdoors, it is best to check their website and social media in case of any of any closures.
Old Court Nurseries and the Picton Garden
Old Court Nurseries and the Picton Garden is a small family run plant nursery nested in Colwall on the lower slopes of the Malvern Hills. They specialise in Michaelmas daisies and now hold the Plant Heritage National Collection with over 430 varieties! Windings paths follow the 1.5-acre garden and are filled with unusual plants and something different around every corner, seeds can even be purchased from the nursery so that you can grow at home. Check their website for opening hours.
Based near Upton-Upon-Severn, Croome has been owned by the Coventry family since the 16th century. The 6th earl took over the estate in 1751 and decided to redesign the house. Eventually, the house was purchased by the Croome Heritage Trust in 2007 and now the mansion house has been leased to the National Trust, who also owns the surrounding parkland. This led to the house and parklands being opened to the public. Within the parkland you can find: a secret RAF wartime airbase turned into a visitor centre/museum, plenty of parkland and garden to walk around with the dogs, play areas, a restaurant, a shop, and a surprise around every corner. Also, look out for details on contemporary artists and craftspeople who are re-interpreting the history of Croome.