Spotlight: Great Malvern, UK
Idyllic Great Malvern lies below the Hills formed from some of the most ancient rocks in England. The landscape stretches for miles.
The UK has many beautiful places and towns that are great for extended stays or a weekend visit. Each one has a friendly surrounding where locals enjoy a comfortable lifestyle unique to the British. It's no wonder I love them so much! My early image of the lush countryside wasn't just from movies or books. It meant a lifestyle I wanted to become part of, with centuries-old homes, churches, and notable architecture as a backdrop. I dreamed of driving a sporty English coupe in quaint villages.
Anything from the UK grabbed my attention! Finally, I don't have to dream anymore because my travel adventures now include England! I admit to a star-struck love affair with buzzy London. But, I didn't realize the destination that holds my heart so tightly is the serene and beautiful outlying town of historic Great Malvern located at the northern end of Malvern Hills.
The Brits love to holiday anytime and anywhere, preferably outside of busy cities. This desirable location is easily accessible by train from London, Birmingham, and southwest England. It is a perfect and peaceful countryside retreat!
Board the Paddington Station in London for a relaxing ride to the countryside.
In a few hours, arrive at the Great Malvern Station, a landmark in its own right!
Named as one of the best places in the UK to live, Great Malvern has the relaxed and laid-back country vibe you'd expect while still offering the amenities of a big city. It's close to Worcester's more populated outlying town and the Cotswolds, both comfortably reachable by taxi or train.
I've taken many hikes on miles of misty green paths in the Malvern Hills. They surround Great Malvern and neighboring villages. Hikers and mountain bikers have year-round accessibility to make their way up to The Beacon's highest point. It's always a welcome surprise to come across grazing long-haired cattle.
Besides being world-famous for its beautifying natural springs, Great Malvern has recognition as a spa town. Renowned figures such as Charles Darwin and Charles Dickens traveled with their families to 'take the cure' featuring hydrotherapy plus drinking plenty of the fresh water, bottled since 1622. Even Queen Elizabeth II travels with a supply!
The Malvhina Spout has water piped directly from three springs above the town of Malvern. The fountain, designed by sculptor Rose Garrard, allows locals to fill their containers.
Don't pigeonhole England into only Fish & Chips and pub grub. My stays in Great Malvern led me to experience culinary sensations that could rival any country's location from around the world. Taste something out of the ordinary!
Bakery goods are a treat to enjoy any time of day. I love a warm scone with fresh jam and butter in the morning. Afternoon tea at Terrace on the Hill includes a fruity plum tart served with rich cream. Warm and decadent caramel-y toffee pudding satisfies a sweet tooth after dinner!
Seasonal carrots & pumpkins become delectable soup. Avocado, tomato, and bacon top a fresh English muffin for lighter fare. Hereford beef with garden veggies or steak and kidney pie fulfill heartier appetites.
The Morgan is my English dream vehicle! I feel its "WOW!" factor each time I see one. This British sports car manufacturer was established in 1910 in Malvern Link and is still active today. The Morgan is especially known for an open-top body style.
Each one of these hand-crafted autos uses three core elements: ash wood, aluminum, and leather. I had an extraordinary tour of the production line, watching where creativity and quality come to life. I could never have imagined the back story of these fantastic vehicles until I had experienced assembly up-close. It takes six to eight weeks to build from start to finish! This destination draws visitors worldwide to take a fantastic 2-hour tour by appointment.
The unmistaken Morgan logo gets proudly displayed on each vehicle.
Each car is painstakingly made one at a time, not missing a single detail. Choose from over 40 thousand paint colors to truly make it your own!
The Great Malvern Priory, founded in and beginning construction in 1075, is a former Benedictine monastery. The Grade I-listed building is the oldest in this Victorian town. Fifteenth-century stained glass windows and ancient vaulted tile rooftops are but two of the architectural features still seen today. The interior is ornate, quiet, and welcoming for reflection.
The Priory appears differently depending on sunrise or sunset. It is the town center's proud focal point.
When visiting, I take a room in the dignified and stately Abbey Hotel. I have had exceptional stays there where I felt welcomed and right at home. It is an ideal base to explore all that Great Malvern offers. Here's where I can relax, reflect, and re-group from experiences of the day.
Enjoy proper English hospitality at the Abbey Hotel
I love all of Malvern's country homes. They were built in many sizes and strong enough to endure England's challenging weather changes. Many have stood for centuries. Architectural accents are made from wrought iron, fieldstone, and turned wood shaped using a lathe. They highlight manicured lawns, showy gardens, and sidewalks.
I've been part of numerous memory-making events and occasions, making me feel like a local. I don't own a thatched-roof cottage or drive the sporty coupe (yet!) but hanging out at traditional pubs is a great and entertaining way I've met the lovely residents. I enjoy relaxing with a pint and munching the addicting cider vinegar crisps, whether sitting on a patio or next to a cozy fire!
The Unicorn Pub (Inn), c. 1659, is one of the oldest public houses in the country. Regional and family-owned Wye Valley makes award-winning original craft beer featured in many area pubs. Enjoy Bitter, HPA, and Stout varieties with friends!
See these Great Malvern points of interest to help create your exciting adventures when visiting. Take additional time to learn about the extraordinary history here, too! Were you aware Bronze Age settlers once inhabited this area? Or that the British government chose Malvern as a location for evacuation from London during WWII?
So, when visiting England, put this location on the destination list. Don't miss seeing the town's hidden gems. While touring, you will experience far more than you could imagine. And, who knows, you may see me zipping 'round the country roads in a Morgan! CHEERS!!
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