Malvern
Be Inspired...
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Your first, far-off view of 'The Malverns' tells you that you
are approaching an area with a difference - unusual and intriguing.
They are the centre piece of a wonderful region stretching from
lowland, riverside Upton upon Severn to Malvern itself, and up the
River Teme's winding course through northwest Worcestershire's
hills to delightful Tenbury Wells. |
Perhaps it was the pure water of the Malvern Hills springs that
first attracted the iron-age builders of The British Camp
(Herefordshire Beacon), and then, hundreds of years later, the
founders of Malvern's two medieval priories. Certainly it was those
waters that made Malvern a 19th Century spa, with the elegance to
become a place of culture, attracting people like Sir Edward Elgar
and Bernard Shaw. From the hills you will see some of England's
grandest views, eastwards towards the Cotswolds, northwards to
Shropshire and westward to the misty mountains of Wales.
Within Malvern itself there is plenty to do below are some
ideas.
St Ann's Well
The well waters of Malvern are many - but often well-concealed. St
Ann's Well (where you can enjoy a peaceful break with delicious
refreshments) and Holy Well, are tucked away in valleys. But in and
around the Malverns are many more springs, some well restored like
the Beauchamp Spout in Cowleigh Road or the well known fountain,
Malvhina, at Belle Vue Island and others more obscure. Finding them
makes an interesting treasure hunt. |
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Great Malvern Priory
How about a visit to Great Malvern Priory? It is a cathedral-sized
wonder of English medieval architecture, with many treasures to
reveal; massive Norman pillars, a huge famous east window,
misericord seats carved with lively and entertaining scenes, tiles
in many designs, manufactured by the monks. |
Malvern Theatres and Priory Park
Music and theatre are Malvern traditions. You will find them alive
and well in the Malvern Theatres Complex which overlooks Priory
Park. This Edwardian building has been transformed into one of
Britain's most enjoyed and popular provincial cultural centres. The
theatre's West End style and atmosphere helps the management
attract big names and top-class drama, ballet and opera companies
throughout the year. As for music, the Forum Theatre's superb
acoustics and seating enhance the quality of its programmes. And
the cinema now has frequent showings of less-available films from
all over the world, as well as current releases. |
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The Abbey Gateway
Malvern's other medieval jewel is the Abbey Gateway, which is home
to Malvern's Museum. It is small but filled with exhibits on every
aspect of Malvern's history and development; geology, intriguing
insights into the 19th Century, era of the water cure and items
from Malvern's famous defence research establishment, where
historic wartime radar was developed. |
Malvern is an unconventional shopping centre, thanks to its
hillside setting. There are bookshops - both new and secondhand for
you to browse in. There are antique dealers, as well as auctions
from time to time, not to mention quality furniture, fashion and
food. The Malvern lifestyle attracts artists and craftspeople, so
you will find some delightful works on show and in shops and
galleries. But the best way to appreciate what Malvern has to offer
is to visit and explore - there is much to find.
