Worcestershire County Council

Malvern is famous for its hills, some of the oldest in the World (650 million years old). The Malvern Hills form a striking landmark rising above the flat Severn Plain. The name ‘Malvern’ is derived from the Celtic term for ‘bare hill’, which tells you something aboutthe geology of the 9 mile range. Walks to the ridge can be as gentle or strenuous as you like, the views are well worth the effort though, it has been claimed that you can see 15 counties from the summit of Worcestershire Beacon.

The hill’s beauty inspired Sir Edward Elgar to compose ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ (Land of Hope and Glory). Now if the area can inspire a man to write such a tune, imagine what the scenery is like!

And it is not just Sir Edward Elgar that has been inspired by the untamed beauty of the magnificent slopes.  Many famous writers and musicians have been motivated by the scenic beauty and atmosphere provided by the Malvern Hills.  Famous writers include C.S Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkein, William Langdon and W.H. Auden.  Malvern is also home to the English Symphony Orchestra.

Malvern is also famous for its water. Hydrotherapy treatment started in Malvern in the late 18th Century and became fashionable when the likes of Queen Victoria and the poet Tennyson took the waters.
Much of Malvern’s ornate architecture dates from the Victorian period. Nowadays visitors from all over the world still come to enjoy the spectacular views and pleasant walks and to take the waters that run freely from the various springs dotted around the hills.

There is so much more to Malvern than just the hills, water and Elgar. Malvern’s town centre is dominated by the ancient Priory with its fabulous collection of medieval tiles. The Morgan Sports car is still built by hand here.

Malvern can also boast a first class theatre that stages many West End productions before they reach the West End! Many famous inventions and products have originated from Malvern, a selection of them are on display in Malvern Museum which charts the towns many achievements, for exampledid you know scientists based in Malvern developed RADAR, LCD and thermal imaging?