As massive Tolkien fans, we were really excited to discover Great Malvern. With plenty of authors such as J.R.R Tolkien, C.S Lewis and Charles Dickens and musician genius Edgar Elgar having spent time in the Victorian SPA town, we expected some incredible scenery and magic in the air.
We rented an AirbnB and travelled by train from Bristol. The rolling hills we could spy outside of the carriage windows were so inviting that I knew we’d be in for a treat.
Great Malvern train station made us feel like we’d travel back in time! Our little flat was central enough and we loved walked up the hilly high street with its mix of independent shops and restaurants. Reminders of the town’s watery heritage are everywhere with fountains and spouts.
Covid 19 meant that some of the businesses were only doing take away, but over our weekend, we had a tasty breakfast at Mac & Jack’s, a pleasant dinner at Gallery 36 and several pints and light meals at The Morgan and on the terrace of the Mount Pleasant Hotel.
We absolutely loved the mix of scenery that Great Malvern and its surroundings offer. Our main walk to discover the famous hills saw us setting off from Great Malvern Priory, to the beautiful Rose Bank Gardens before we started meandering our way up through the woods to St Ann’s Well and its quaint cafe.
The views from the Sugarloaf hill were fabulous. As we got higher and followed the dry paths that snake through the top of the green hills, it was impossible not to think of Bilbo on one of his adventures! Coming back down towards the town, as the light was fading we were hoping to spot Mr Tumnus as we passed a lit up lamp post.
Great Malvern certainly didn’t disappoint and on our last day before heading back to Bristol we made the most of the fog and enjoyed a very atmospheric walk through the beautiful Priory Park.
We will definitely be back and this time, we hope we can stop for an afternoon tea a Lady Foley’s tea room in the train station!
