Worcester’s historic bridge crossing the Severn

There are many things to do when staying at Woodlands, Malvern B and B. Here are ten in Worcestershire. Look out for our other blogs on the attractions of the area around Woodlands.

1. Great Malvern

Elgar’s statue at Belle Vue Island, Great Malvern

Great Malvern is just four miles from Woodlands, Malvern B and B. The town’s history goes back hundreds of years but it became especially famous in the mid-19th Century as a spa town with water cure establishments in the Belle Vue area; the well-known Malvern water arising from the granite and limestone rocks of the Malvern Hills. (You can see part of the Malvern Hills beyond some of the buildings in Belle Vue Terrace in the picture above.)

See this informative and charming video of Patrick Leach’s walk around Great Malvern and Link Common and enjoy many of these sights yourself on a visit to the area. We are grateful for Patrick’s permission to use shots from his video in our blogs. Another video of one of his walks in the Malverns features below.

Shots from Patrick Leach’s walk to the Beacon and North Hill in the Malverns.

2. Worcester

Founded by the Romans in 50 CE, Worcester has a long history. For example, at the Commandery you can learn about Worcester’s part as the site of the last battle of the English Civil War and Cromwell’s defeat of the Royalists.

The town is famous for many things, including Worcester Cathedral, Worcestershire Sauce, and Royal Worcester Porcelain (no longer made, but visit the museum as well as enjoy eating your breakfast at Woodlands Malvern B and B on Royal Worcester Evesham plates).

Experience the Ghost Walk of Worcester and, in season, the Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre; see a variety of ancient buildings; visit the plethora of shops; and enjoy the hospitality of a wide range of cafes, restaurants and pubs.

3. The Vale of Evesham

There is plenty to see and do in and around the town of Evesham and, in spring, you can visit Worcestershire’s Blossom Trail.

Evesham is proud of its plums, but so are we at Woodlands Malvern B&B. If there is any left, enjoy plum jam from our own orchard on homemade bread for breakfast at Woodlands.

The plum orchard at Woodlands, looking towards the Malvern Hills

4. West Midlands Safari Park

Enjoy a Safari Adventure at the West Midlands Safari Park, less than an hour’s drive from Woodlands Malvern B and B.

See a variety of animals from around the world from rhinos, giraffes and zebras, to African cattle and buffalos, to tigers and African lions and elephants; as well as various exhibitions and displays.

5. Hanbury Hall

Gain an insight into life at the turn of the 18th Century in the William and Mary-style Hanbury Hall some three-quarters-of-an-hour’s drive from Woodlands Malvern B and B. Visit both the house and gardens and walk in the parklands.

6. Gardens in Worcestershire

The county of Kent may be known as the Garden of England (principally because of its multitude of fruit orchards) but Worcestershire is home to a large number of gardens to visit.

Two examples of Great British Gardens, Worcestershire

We think that Worcestershire has fantastic scenery just about everywhere. And if you want to see a wide variety of gardens, that’s another reason why it’s a great place to visit.

7. Morgan Cars

Another thing for which Malvern is famous is Morgan sports cars, made here for over a century. Visit the Morgan factory, just a 13-minute drive from Woodlands Malvern B and B, for a factory tour or to hire a Morgan sports car for a unique driving experience. You may even want to get on the waiting list to buy one!

Morgan Cars.jpg — The Morgan Experience Centre, Malvern

8. Sir Edward Elgar

Worcestershire, and especially Malvern, is also famous for being the place where the English composer Elgar was born, lived for much of his life, and where he is reputed to have gained inspiration for much of his music.

It is nice to believe the local story (which may not be true) that Elgar used to sit under an oak tree part way up what we know as ‘Cardiac Hill’ just a very short (but rather steep) walk from Woodlands Malvern B&B (shown on the right).

Follow the Elgar Route to see a variety of places in Worcester associated with the great composer.

And there are other Elgar country walks where you can see other views of the fantastic Worcestershire scenery. And you can also go On the Trail of Elgar which includes ‘Cardiac Hill’ and goes past the former Kelsall’s farm shop which is part of Woodlands.

9. Severn Valley Railway

For steam railway enthusiasts, the Severn Valley Railway runs regular passenger trains between Kidderminster in Worcestershire and Bridgnorth in Shropshire.

You can dine on the train, and for those wishing to fulfill what was once said to be every young boy’s dream, you can also book a footplate experience and get to drive the train yourself!

10. The Malvern Hills

No compilation of things to do in Worcestershire would be complete without referring to the Malvern Hills.

In this video, Patrick Leach describes one of his several Malvern Hills walks, this one starting with the ‘99 Steps’ in the town up to St Ann’s Well and on to the Beacon, and then to North Hill (visible from Woodlands Malvern B and B). The panoramic views from these peaks are incredible.

The Malvern Hills are easily accessible from the many car parks along with their lower levels; the Lower Beacon Road car park, for example, being just 15 minutes drive from Woodlands. At this link, you can get free maps and guides to the Malvern Hills. And if a long walk on the hills makes you too tired to go out for an evening meal, enjoy a cold platter in your room at Malvern B&B.

Ten things to do in Worcestershire