Step outside and explore the Great Outdoors in Malvern

SPRING has well and truly sprung, and the days are getting longer. It’s time to emerge from winter hibernation and explore the Great Outdoors.

Winter has offered us the opportunity to rest and renew, but now fresh air, physical movement, and connection with nature beckon once more…

And what better than a trip to the Malvern Hills, synonymous with scenic walks in a stunning landscape and dramatic views of Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and the Cotswolds.

The majestic Malvern Hills. Picture – The Cottage in the Wood, Malvern

Great Malvern has been associated with the nature cure movement since Victorian times.

Its abundance of Victorian architecture is a testament to its status as a popular tourist destination, as the popularity of Malvern Spring Water for medicinal purposes attracted the likes of Florence Nightingale, Charles Dickens, and Charles Darwin.

Water cure or hydrotherapy, as it became known, became very popular amongst the wealthy who flocked to the spa towns of Malvern, Leamington and Cheltenham to take the waters, breathe fresh air and abstain from rich food and alcohol.

You can still visit the Malvhina Fountain today to sample some of the local H2O, look out for the Malvern Wall Dressing and Water Festival, which takes place around the early May Bank Holiday.

For an early spring break, you can do no better than choose The Cottage in the Wood at Malvern Wells, perched on a hill in eight acres of woodland above Great Malvern.

The historic four-star establishment is more of a hotel on a hill than the aforementioned cottage and makes a welcome destination for anyone who enjoys fine dining combined with stunning views.

Twice winner of Restaurant of the Year at the Taste of Worcestershire Awards, and 3AA rosettes to boot, this privately owned establishment makes a welcome endpoint with plenty to offer a weary explorer.

1919 Restaurant with spectacular views. Picture – The Cottage in the Wood, Malvern

In spring 2025, it relaunched its culinary offering, dividing its original restaurant into two distinct eateries – 1919 Restaurant (listed in the 2026 prestigious Michelin Guide) and The Brasserie – and a new era of tasting was unveiled.

The inspectors wrote in the Michelin Guide: “In finer weather, you must aim for a table on the terrace… Built – funnily enough – in 1919, it boasts one of the best panoramic views of the English countryside that you will find”.

They also highlighted “a proudly British spirit” in the cooking, which is very evident in the seven-course tasting menu crafted by head chef Mark Potts and his team.

The experience is curated, creative and deeply rooted in seasonality and changes throughout the year.

During a late winter visit, beautifully presented ‘snacks’ in the form of smoked eel and Granny Smith crustard, beef fillet tart and cheese sable with black garlic provided an elegant foretaste of what elegant delights were to follow.

Salt-baked beetroot with goat’s curd and pumpkin seeds, baked cod with a scallop chowder, and crispy onion bhaji, honey-glazed duck breast with chicory, gnocchi, and celeriac did not disappoint. All savoured and enjoyed with gusto.

A fragrant trio of rose geranium, lychee and coconut formed a pre-dessert, which was followed by chocolate delice, clementine and olive oil. Bite-sized petit fours finished off a perfect dining experience.

All smoothly washed down with a glass of Pierre Mignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Albarino, Carignan and Monbazillac respectively.

To follow a night of restful sleep, hearty breakfasts from a full English to homemade granola provide a hearty choice for all.

Lovely three-course lunches and delightful afternoon teas are served with a welcome smile and understated flourish.

Complimenting the two restaurants are the cosy and colourful Lounge Bar and The Terrace, offering panoramic vistas over the Severn Valley and the Cotswolds. Perfect for pre-dinner cocktails.

For overnight visitors, there are 32 unique and stylish bedrooms in five categories (cosy, classic, very good, great, and best) set across the Main House, Beech Cottage and The Coach House – each with its own story to tell.

One of the ‘best’ rooms in the Coach House. Picture The Cottage in the Wood, Malvern

Rooms have been individually designed and thoughtfully curated with little touches that reinvigorate the senses to promote deep, natural sleep.

Guests can expect to find distinctive features, quirky art, natural and indulgent Bramley toiletries, fresh cookies on arrival and huge, comfy beds to dive into.

Many rooms have sweeping and dramatic views of the Severn Valley, Vale of Evesham and the rolling hills of the Cotswolds.

And it was the very Malvern Hills on which the historic property sits, which have inspired creatives such as CS Lewis, who first envisioned the world of Narnia.

A 30-minute yomp up a track at the back of the main house takes walkers to the top of the eastern slopes between Perserverance and Jubilee Hill.

The good news is that four-legged friends are allowed to stay in select rooms at The Coach House, which is paw-some as it means man’s best friend does not have to miss out on all that fresh air.

Exploring The Malvern Hills. Picture – The Cottage in the Wood, Malvern

A one-night B&B stay in a ‘Cosy Room’ at The Cottage in the Wood, Malvern (www.cottageinthewood.co.uk) is priced from £104 per night for two adults sharing.

A ‘Great Room’ is from £159 per night for two adults sharing and a ‘Best Room’ is from £177 per night for two adults sharing.

To book a table in 1919 Restaurant or The Brasserie and/or organise a stay, call 01684 588 860 or email [email protected].