Home of Morgan cars, Malvern has attracted famous names for years, some of which are Elgar, George Bernard Shaw, Dame Laura Knight, Roosevelt as a boy and Roget of Roget’sThesaurus fame.
What is the attraction? Well the air is bracing and the views wonderful. In days gone by people visited for the health programmes offered by rather questionable doctors professing to cure all ills with uncomfortable cold baths, miniscule meals and energetic walking. Victorian ladies rode donkeys up the hills to enjoy the views and paint.
Today you can enjoy nice warm showers in comfortable accommodation, choose from a selection of very good restaurants and go to the theatre.
We stayed at the Foley Arms which is now run by JD Weatherspoon. This hotel is set in the centre of Great Malvern and offers reasonably priced accommodation and no frills, budget priced food. There is no parking here so you have to scout around the area to park up. We had a magnificent view over the Severn Valley from our bay window and I even saw the sunrise, a novelty for me!
Wheher you walk up the hills or drive around, you will be soothed by the views. From West Malvern you look across to the Black Mountains which sported snow during our visit. The surrounding villages such as Ledbury are chocolate box pretty with unique small shops and stories of Roundheads and Cavaliers centred around most pubs.
Malvern does have a lot to offer from history to its vibrant theatre, good restaurants and opportunities to put on those walking boots and breath in the pure air.
