The Local Area | Malvern College Summer School

The Malverns – A Perfect Balance of Nature, Culture, and Wellbeing

Malvern is more than a school – it is a thriving community nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the heart of England, where history and innovation intertwine seamlessly.

This spectacular surrounding landscape plays a vital role in your child’s experience at Summer School, offering the perfect balance between outdoor adventure, cultural discovery, and peaceful wellbeing.

The Malvern Hills

The Magnificent Malvern Hills

The Malvern Hills are part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, designated in 1959, with scenic views over both Herefordshire and Worcestershire. These ancient hills, made up of some of the oldest rocks in England, soar to 425 metres at Worcester Beacon, offering breath-taking 360-degree views.

For your child, this means:

Outdoor Pursuits in stunning natural surroundings – climbing, hiking, and paddleboarding all take place in this remarkable landscape, with experienced instructors from our dedicated Outdoor Pursuits team guiding every adventure.
Fresh air and wellbeing – the area is renowned for its clean, restorative environment with walking trails suited to all abilities, from gentle woodland paths to energetic ridge walks.
Peaceful moments – whether it’s a quiet walk after lessons or a group hike during Outdoor Pursuits, the hills provide space for reflection and calm away from the bustle of daily activities.

Hiking on Malvern Hills - Outdoor Pursuits - Malvern College Summer School

A Town Steeped in Heritage and Culture

The Victorian spa town of Great Malvern has been a favourite retreat for notable figures such as C.S.Lewis (an Old Malvernian), Charles Darwin, Lewis Carroll, J.R.R. Tolkien, Florence Nightingale, and Sir Edward Elgar.

The town grew significantly in Victorian times due to its natural mineral water springs, including the famous Malvern Water, celebrated for its purity.

Your child will experience this rich heritage through:

Great Malvern town centre – the charming town offers independent shops, art galleries, cafés, and beautiful Victorian architecture. During English Language modules, students visit the town centre to interview local people and practice their conversation skills in an authentic setting.
Cultural attractions – Great Malvern Priory, a stunning medieval church with beautiful stained glass and 15th-century tiles, Priory Park with its bandstand and ornamental bridges, and the Malvern Museum showcasing local history.
The Elgar connection – composer Edward Elgar, who was from the area, often walked and cycled on these hills, drawing inspiration for his music from the natural beauty surrounding him. Students discover this musical heritage during their time in Malvern.

Modern Innovation Alongside Tradition

Beyond its historical allure, Malvern has been a hub of scientific and technological breakthroughs, playing a significant role in the development of liquid crystal displays and RADAR technology. During World War II, the government’s Telecommunications and Research Establishment developed radar at Malvern, which was vital to the outcome of the war.

The area is also home to the iconic Morgan Motor Company, renowned for its handcrafted sports cars that blend classic design with cutting-edge engineering.

Morgan Motor Company

Excellent Connections to the rest of the UK

Easily accessible, Malvern is well-connected. The town boasts three train stations with direct routes to London and Birmingham. For those traveling by car, the town is a mere 20-minute drive from the M5 motorway, ensuring a convenient journey for all.

Direct train links – Great Malvern station connects directly to London Paddington in just over two hours, and to Birmingham in approximately one hour.
Central location – from London, Malvern is around 2.5-3 hours by car; from Birmingham just one hour; and well-connected to Wales and northern England.
Easy airport access – we provide meet and greet services at London Heathrow and Birmingham Airport, with smooth transfers to campus by private coach.

Great Malvern Train Station

A Perfect Base for Parents

Malvern offers excellent accommodation options, from charming B&Bs to boutique hotels, many with spectacular views of the hills. If you’re travelling from abroad and would like to visit while your child attends Summer School, Malvern provides a wonderful base with its selection of independent shops, award-winning restaurants, traditional pubs, cultural attractions like the Malvern Theatres, and easy access to nearby historic towns such as Worcester, Ledbury, and the Cotswolds. Parents often enjoy exploring the area’s walking trails, visiting local attractions, and experiencing the same beautiful setting their children are enjoying at Summer School.

Stay in Great Malvern