Gloucestershire &amp; Worcestershire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY<strong>?</strong></h2>



<p>Hugged by some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in the South West, this picturesque spa town is the gateway to the Malvern Hills – a nine-mile stretch of AONB land that rises from the surrounding meadows (locals call them the Midlands Alps). Wholesome and hip since Victorian times for its medicinal waters (more on the natural springs later) these days it&#8217;s a mecca for indie stores and eateries, and there&#8217;s a plentiful stock of handsome character villas to snap up too. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="700" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/09/1-71.jpg" alt="Outdoor seating area Cottage in the Wood" class="wp-image-42570" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/09/1-71.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/09/1-71-800x560.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/09/1-71-400x280.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/09/1-71-750x525.jpg 750w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wine time with a view at Cottage in the Wood</figcaption></figure>



<p>The <a aria-label="Cottage in the Wood (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.cottageinthewood.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cottage in the Wood</a> gives you a breathtaking panorama with your cocktail and canapés. The 1919 Restaurant and Bar is set in a restored Georgian house with stunning, nature-themed wallpaper by Timorous Beasties. It boasts three AA Rosettes for Rob Mason&#8217;s seasonal and inventive menu and (new as of July 2024) the restaurant has made it into the <a href="https://guide.michelin.com/en/worcestershire/malvern-wells_1728836/restaurant/1919">Michelin Guide</a>. </p>



<p>Enjoy French fine-dining in a quaint English setting at <a href="http://cotfordhotel.co.uk/lamuse-bouche-restaurant/">L&#8217;Amuse Bouche</a>, or go to <a aria-label="The Fig (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.instagram.com/the_fig_malvern/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Fig</a> in the centre of town for delicious tapas and global platters, a great spot for pre-show suppers. A cool place for bunching or lunching is <a href="https://www.faunmalvern.co.uk/">FAUN</a>, a café and deli which sells locally sourced, artisan produce and the popular <a href="https://www.facebook.com/abbeyroadcoffee/?locale=en_GB">Abbey Road Coffee </a>in the pretty cobbled street next to Great Malvern Priory.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<p>Ethical luxury homewares and lifestyle boutique <a href="https://www.rhubarb-malvern.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rhubarb</a> has three floors of beautiful interiors buys &#8211; from reclaimed wooden tables to bags, rugs and cushions sourced from around the world. <a aria-label="The Malvern Bookshop (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.themalvernbookshop.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Malvern Bookshop</a> is a great little treasure trove with five rooms of pre-loved books to explore and the <a aria-label="Iapetus Gallery (opens in a new tab)" href="https://iapetus.co.uk/?utm_source=GMBlisting&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_campaign=Google_My_Business" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iapetus Gallery</a> shop is the place for locally-made arts and crafts.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="558" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/8f5168_0b1bb9fb58c145eea8d2c76a7ee001c4mv2.jpg" alt="Malvern Active gym with floor to ceiling windows and countryside view" class="wp-image-65247" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/8f5168_0b1bb9fb58c145eea8d2c76a7ee001c4mv2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/8f5168_0b1bb9fb58c145eea8d2c76a7ee001c4mv2-800x446.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2024/10/8f5168_0b1bb9fb58c145eea8d2c76a7ee001c4mv2-400x223.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Malvern Active</figcaption></figure>



<p>Everything you need is on tap here, from a range of NHS surgeries to dentists. The <a href="https://www.centreforwellbeing.co.uk/">Centre for Wellbeing</a> has been giving out healing and holistic help since 2003, or for a big range of fitness classes go to <a href="https://www.malvernactive.co.uk/">Malvern Active</a>. A leading health and fitness centre at the foot of the Malvern Hills, dive into the 25m deck level swimming pool, scale the climbing wall or try out the gym &#8211; which has amazing views of the Malvern Hills.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>Malvern has a lot to get involved with if you love an event, it&#8217;s a very artsy, very mindful, very demure place! Oh, and lots of them are free. From the <a href="https://www.visitthemalverns.org/event/malvern-coffee-culture-film-club/2024-09-25/">Malvern Coffee Culture Film Club</a> (+ free snacks!) to the awesome annual Christmas Lights Switch on with stalls, workshops, and Santa’s grotto. There are also regular Farmers Markets to mingle at, and free Music in the Park shows throughout the year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<p>The <a aria-label="Malvern Hills (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.visitthemalverns.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Malvern Hills</a> dissect the picture-perfect landscape of Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and are hugely popular with walkers, ramblers, cyclists, dog lovers and families (plus, pretty amazing for a run). The Severn Valley has striking riverside walks with views of the Cotswolds too. Head up to the Worcestershire Beacon for some breathtaking and highly enviable selfies, and <a aria-label="Priory Park (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.visitthemalverns.org/attraction/priory-park-great-malvern/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Priory Park</a> is great for families with a children&#8217;s playground and gardens to explore.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/05/1-29.jpg" alt="three counties fairground" class="wp-image-41807" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/05/1-29.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/05/1-29-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/05/1-29-400x266.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2022/05/1-29-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Three Counties Showground</figcaption></figure>



<p>The nearby <a href="https://www.threecounties.co.uk/whats-on/">Three Counties Showground</a> has an enviable year-round calendar of events from the amazing Malvern Autumn Show in September to <a href="https://www.threecounties.co.uk/whats-on/winter-glow/">Winter Glow</a> (24 Nov 2024 – 6 Jan 2025) and the <a href="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/rhs-malvern-spring-festival-gloucestershire-worcestershire/">RHS Spring Festival,</a> among many others. For a culture fix head to <a href="https://www.malvern-theatres.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Malvern Theatres</a> in Priory Park&#8217;s Winter Gardens. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>On average, house prices are around £360,601. Detached homes sell for £479,502, semis £362,455 and flats £207,393.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/10/f6bab570-ca86-4c5e-8d27-4b2127642820-0.jpg" alt="MALVERN TOWNHOUSE WORCESTERSHIRE KNIGHT FRANK" class="wp-image-62670" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/10/f6bab570-ca86-4c5e-8d27-4b2127642820-0.jpg 1200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/10/f6bab570-ca86-4c5e-8d27-4b2127642820-0-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/10/f6bab570-ca86-4c5e-8d27-4b2127642820-0-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/glosworcs/wp-content/uploads/sites/13/2023/10/f6bab570-ca86-4c5e-8d27-4b2127642820-0-400x225.jpg 400w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Get rooms with a view at this spacious 6-bed townhouse that overlooks the common. <a href="https://www.knightfrank.co.uk/properties/residential/for-sale/worcester-road-malvern-worcestershire-wr14/shr012453314" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market with Knight Frank for £725,000</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.theoldstationnursery.co.uk/nurseries/little-oaks/?gclid=CjwKCAjw1ICZBhAzEiwAFfvFhBjPRGWaO5rQznLbVvNaMoIUaDqVyua7nFCv__LvHKi5n_UgT2lbjhoCGLsQAvD_BwE">Little Oaks Day Nursery</a> takes children from 0 – 5 yrs, <a href="https://www.meyc.co.uk/">Madresfield</a> is an award-winning and Outstanding rated nursery that takes tots from six weeks onwards. For a great independent option <a href="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/review-the-downs-malvern-worcestershire/">The Downs Malvern</a> starts from age 3+ yrs upwards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>For ages 3 to 13 yrs, <a href="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/review-the-downs-malvern-worcestershire/">The Downs Malvern</a> is a vibrant day and boarding school set on an impressive 55-acre campus on the side of the Malvern Hills. High-achieving, close knit and with award-winning eco values it even has its own working steam railway. </p>



<p>For the 13 – 18 yr age group opt for the highly-acclaimed <a href="https://glosworcs.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/review-malvern-college-worcestershire/">Malvern College</a>, a leading co-ed day and boarding school set in a beautiful 250-acre campus with incredible facilities. There are excellent state options too, Malvern Wyche CofE primary which is Ofsted-rated Outstanding, or Good rated <a aria-label="Chase School (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.chase.worcs.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chase School</a> for secondary and sixth form.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>The wishing wells! Head to <a href="https://www.visitthemalverns.org/attraction/st-anns-well/">St Ann’s Well</a>&nbsp;to sample the legendary, restorative waters, and Holy Well. Around the Malverns there are many more springs, some well restored like the Beauchamp Spout in Cowleigh Road or the fountain, Malvhina, at Belle Vue Island and others more obscure.</p>



<p>Finding them makes a cool treasure hunt. It&#8217;s also said that the sight of a Malvern lamp post one snowy night inspired CS Lewis&#8217;s iconic Narnia Chronicles. Ask at the <a aria-label="Malvern Tourist Centre (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.visitthemalverns.org/plan-your-visit/tourist-information-centres/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Malvern Tourist Centre</a> for marked trail guides to discover more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>In the centre of Malvern you&#8217;ll find Great Malvern Station and nearby Malvern Link station in Barnards Green. It takes approximately two hours and 30 mins to reach London Paddington from Malvern. To drive it is just over 100 miles, taking on average 2 hrs. </p>



<p>Main image credit: visitthemalverns.org</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;<a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/">Top 300 Places to Live</a></em></p>


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