No matter what time of year you choose to visit The Malverns, there is always something going on, events to attend, heritage to uncover and spectacular nature to experience. You’re spoilt for choice so we have put together the top reasons to book yourself a getaway to The Malverns in each season of 2024.
Winter
The Malverns is spectacular in winter. All cosy pub fires, snow topped peaks, Christmassy lights and jolly events.
Wintry Peaks
As home to one of the highest peaks in the West Midlands, The Malverns is more likely to experience snow than the rest of the surrounding countryside. When the weather gets cold and frosty it’s quite likely that the peaks of The Malverns will turn white – leaving the town feeling like an alpine skiing village. Head up into the snow for the full winter wonderland experience – seeing the white peaks fade into the frosty horizon is something special. Once you’re sufficiently wowed (and cold!) stop by one of our cosy pubs for a welcoming fire and bite to eat.
Winter Events
We all know that Christmas is events season and it’s no different in The Malverns. In late December and early January there is still time to catch annual pantomime Cinderella at Malvern Theatres – playing from 14 December – 7 January 2023. The Regal in Tenbury Wells is showing it’s Genie-us panto Aladdin from 15 – 31 December so don’t miss out on this rollicking show.
At The Three Counties Showground annual illuminated spectacular Winter Glow is taking place from 24 November 2023 – 6 January 2024. Experience one of the region’s largest indoor ice rinks, sheltered from the elements and festively decorated, before taking a break to enjoy a cup of steaming hot chocolate from the Ice Café or mulled wine from Jingle’s Bavarian Winter Bar. Grab some warming food from the Indoor Food Quarter, before exploring the indoor Christmas Market, where local makers, bakers and artisans will entice visitors with a range of unique arts, crafts, gifts and tasty treats.
Romantic Valentine’s – pop the question on the hills
The spectacular views from the Malvern Hills provide the perfect backdrop to ask a very important question. If you and your partner have a connection to the hills, or are just looking for a gorgeous location to make some new memories, book an extra special winter break to The Malverns. Stay in one of our cosy self catering properties, or relax in our outstanding spas.
Did you know there are lots of wedding venues in The Malverns? From small intimate ceremonies to a full on big day The Malverns is ready to welcome you, your new spouse and your guests.
Spring
Winter has it’s charms, but it’s always a relief to see spring coming out from its slumber in The Malverns.
Wild Spring Flowers
Come and see The Malverns burst with floral goodness in all its forms in Spring. Much of the Malvern Hills district is covered in meadow or grass land, including large areas of the Malvern Hills. This important habitat is home to an abundance of rare wildflowers, butterflies, bees and tall grasses. Native Bluebells bloom on the slopes of the Malvern Hills as they are warmed by the spring sunshine and rare wildflowers blossom on the biodiverse Lamas Flood plane at Upton Ham Meadow.
Well Dressing & Water Festival
The community comes together every spring to celebrate Malvern’s long history as a spa town for the Well Dressing – with over 130 recorded springs and wells. Around 45 of these are creatively decorated around a unified theme by schools and community groups and visitors can take a walking or bus tour to see the display’s.
In honour of this event, and to announce the winners of the Well Dressing Prizes, a Water Festival is held on the early May Bank Holiday. This celebration of Spring, water and the well dressing usually includes family fun and entertainment with plenty going on in Great Malvern’s Priory Park.
RHS Spring Festival
The RHS Malvern Spring Festival is one of the highlights of The Malverns event calendar. Held at the Three Counties Showground this four day event will take place from 9 – 12 May 2024 and promises to be a fantastic weekend filled with everything garden related. Highlights include the amazing floral marquee, star studded line up of special guests, incredible show gardens, food & drink tent and shopping area.
Country Estates
The green fingered past residents of The Malverns have left a gorgeous legacy of landscaped and formal gardens for us to enjoy. These all look their most colourful during springtime with lawns carpeted with daffodils and walled gardens filled with roses. Head to Witley Court and Gardens to see their extensive and fashionable 1890s landscaped garden complete with spectacular statues and fountains – all with the backdrop of the gothic ruins of the old manor house.
Croome National Trust is an impeccable example of historic garden design. Planned by famous 18th Century landscape designer ‘Capability’ Brown many species of flowering plants have been expertly planted to make the most of every season. Lovely floral displays can also be seen at Kyre Park Gardens, Priory Park, Rosebank Gardens, Little Malvern Court and Gardens, Old Court Nurseries and the Picton Garden and Ralph Court Gardens.
Summer
Summer in The Malverns brings with it more opportunities to enjoy our great outdoors, as well as music festivals, food festivals and plenty of events to keep everyone occupied throughout the long, warm days.
Music Festivals
There are almost too many music festivals across the summer to list here, partially due to Upton upon Severn being one of the most musical towns in the country. Usually playing host to 4 festivals; Upton Folk Festival, Upton Jazz Festival, Upton Blues Festival and Sunshine Festival there’s no better place to be for music lovers in summer than Upton.
Great Malvern Food Festival
Great Malvern Food Festival is a long running favourite of the summer and will be back for its 14th year from 6 – 7 July 2024. The 2 day foodie event takes place in Great Malvern’s Priory Park and includes loads of local food and drink traders selling everything from doughnuts to fresh local produce and foodie accessories. Grab a bite to eat from one of the street food stalls and listen to the live music or watch the cooking demonstrations and foodie talks held on the bandstand. Many punters stay all day soaking up the great atmosphere with music, street entertainment, children’s activities and (hopefully!) summery weather.
Tenbury Countryside Show
The rural town of Tenbury Wells is buzzing in the summertime. One of the UK’s biggest agricultural shows, Tenbury Countryside Show, takes place just outside the town and adds to this atmosphere. Attracting 1000’s of visitors each year the show, with its rural location, retains its countryside charm. Animal lovers will enjoy seeing the range of animals on display from some of the country’s finest Heritage breeds to birds of prey, ferrets, horses, livestock, pigs, poultry and rabbits.
While you’re in the area swing by Tenbury Wells town centre for an abundance of foodie shops, charming independents and beautiful historic buildings.
Bands in the Park
On weekends during the summer months the popular bands in the park programme comes to Priory Park. There is a wide range of free music from pop to rock to be enjoyed. Make it a day out and bring your picnic blanket, some chairs and the family to enjoy the music and atmosphere. Priory Park is just a short walk from Great Malvern’s cafes and shops so grab an iced coffee, pastry or ice-cream from one of the independent businesses and head down to the park for some live music on a Sunday afternoon. The kids can enjoy the recently refurbished playpark and don’t forget your furry friends too!
Outdoor Activities
With sunshine and long days ahead its the best time of year to get outside and enjoy the spectacular natural landscapes The Malverns have to offer. The Malvern Walking Festival takes place across late May and early June and there are a huge amount of guided walks on offer on topics from local history, geology, pubs or just routes with the best views!
Many houses across the district participate in ‘open gardens’ across the summer through the National Open Garden Scheme, a lovely way to see more of the district while enjoying the best of the weather.
Other Events
The summer is always chock full of events like farmers markets, beer festivals, pottery sessions, outdoor theatre and so much more. When you’re planning your next trip to The Malverns make sure to consult our events calendar.
Events finderAutumn
With its miles of rolling countryside and acres of fertile farmland, autumn and the harvest season are wonderful across The Malverns. It’s all about experiencing the natural wonders this season has to offer and thinking about getting cosy for the upcoming winter.
Cloud Inversion
Autumn days in The Malverns occasionally induce the natural phenomenon of a cloud inversion – where low lying morning clouds cover the great hills, but their tallest peaks break through. If you are lucky enough to experience this it’s quite something to spend the first half of your walk under cloud, and battling wet mist, only to suddenly break through to bright sunlight and blue sky.
Autumn Colours
With a great mix of incredible natural beauty and some clever landscaping interventions by our Victorian ancestors, trees across The Malverns put on a spectacular display in Autumn. In Malvern drive through long thoroughfares lined with orange horse chestnuts or look up to the hills to see them a patchwork of burnt oranges, ochres and umbers. In Tenbury Wells, as a market town surrounded by farmland, yellow wheat is harvested and hops are hung bringing a colourful warmth to the cooler days.
Cultural Festivals
Along with the natural beauty that is The Malverns in Autumn you’re sure to be inspired by the vibrant and creative atmosphere, enhanced by a multitude of arts and cultural festivals.
The Malverns has been a source of inspiration to creatives, artists and thinkers since at least the Bronze Age. Across the years some of the worlds most creative minds have used The Malverns as a place to think, invent, write, paint and play. One of the largest is Autumn in Malvern Festival – comprising of concerts, historical and artistic exhibitions, and talks in a variety of venues across Malvern. There’s also the Malvern Autumn Show at The Three Counties Showground, showcasing the best of the harvest with entertainment, food and shopping.
Tenbury Applefest is a highlight of the season, as the town is famous for its orchards. There is a huge display of over 250 types of apples as well as the opportunity to bring your own apples for juicing services. There’s entertainment, children’s activities, food and of course plenty of cider!
With so much going on, there’s no best time to visit The Malverns – no matter what time of year you visit exciting adventures are to be found!
