Malvern and Malvern Hills
Malvern and its hills really are a special destination and are known for several key reasons; the Malvern Hills for their incredible views and walking, for their springs, fountains and natural water, and the Malvern area for its independent schools, theatre and active showground.
The Malvern Hills are a 15km (c.9 mile) range of ancient pre-Cambrian age; at least 650 million years old. Their composition on the ridge top supports little more than short wiry grasses, providing ideal walking conditions and stunning views, earning their stripes as an area of outstanding natural beauty and it is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
They divide the counties of Herefordshire and Worcestershire with the rolling countryside of Herefordshire to the west and the flatter plains of the Severn Valley to the east.
The highest point on the Hills is the Worcestershire Beacon at 425m, with North Hill 397m, and the British Camp Hill or Herefordshire Beacon at 338m the other highest points.
Twenty named hills complete range and the entire length of the Hills are open to the public, woven with about 160km/100 miles of bridleways and footpaths and are very dog friendly, though cycling is allowed on bridleways only. There are lots of walks with outstanding views over Herefordshire and Worcestershire. It is from these hills that the many (c. 88) springs and fountains flow from outlets all around them. This is of course were the famous Malvern spring and mineral water derives.
While the town and its pretty beamed buildings are well serviced, one of the main attractions is the Malvern Theatre and also the Three Counties Showground. The theatre hosts great productions and is part of the celebrity circuit for performances, continuing Malvern’s reputation for inspiring our cultural arts heroes like Elgar, Tolkein and more modern day Phil Rickman, to name but few.
The Three Counties Showground welcomes a huge annual footflow for long established and nationally acclaimed events like the Royal Three Counties Show, RHS Malvern Spring Fair, the Malvern Autumn Show and many many more.
Whatever the reason for your visit, be it a show, an event, the walking and activities, Malvern is a year round destination.
With thanks to Malvern Hills District Council for their wonderful photographs.
useful information
useful information Malvern Tourist information centre
Malvern public transport times
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