Malvern is a spa town 10 miles west of Worcester, famous for the Malvern Hills running 15 km North to South. This where Elgar (https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-firs) gained inspiration for much of his famous work, where Malvern Water (http://holywellmalvernspringwater.co.uk/ ) and Morgan cars (http://www.morgan-motor.co.uk/) also originate. Here are a few events happening during Winter in Malvern.
Over the festive season there is a great deal to do in the area, loads of information can be found on http://visitthemalverns.org/ including a weekly what’s on. There are guides to a huge range of activities on and around the hills. The Theatre complex is running Aladdin as pantomime with Robert Powell as Ebenezer plus a varied programme and cinema http://www.malvern-theatres.co.uk/ and maybe the smallest theatre in the UK, the Theatre of Small Convenience.
Malverns Christmas lights are good but Bromyard’s, Herefordshire’s smallest market town, some 8 miles away are truly awesome. The volunteers called the “Light Brigade” got the equivalent of a group MBE for their efforts. Close by is Bringsty Common with a restored 17 century thatched pub right in the centre just the job after a bracing walk. http://www.bromyard.info/.
For the Children there is the magical Santa steam specials on the Severn Valley Railway plus Christmas Carol trains. http://www.svr.co.uk/ . Next door to the railway is the West Midlands Safari Park www.wmsp.co.ukwith its Santa Safari trail santasafari.com.
Worcester Cathedral has a Christmas tree festival plus a programme of events over the Christmas period. www.visitworcestershire.org/
National trust is open every day except Christmas day and there are some amazing properties in the area https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/worcestershire & https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/herefordshire
For the Shopperholics there is Worcester packed with every outlet you have ever heard of and lots that you haven’t. Completely different is the Herefordshire equivalent to Bicester village called the Hop Pocket Craft Centre some 40 small businesses ranging from food & wine to designer clothes http://www.thehoppocket.com/ then there is the beautiful black and white market town of Ledbury which hosts the Hereford guild of craftsmen’s Christmas show in the market hall.
This post was kindly written by Stuart Diplock of Hidelow House Cottages