- Benedictine priory c.1075–1540
- Grade I listed
- 15th-century stained glass
- Now the parish church
Great Malvern Priory stands at the heart of the town, just below the hills. It was founded as a Benedictine monastery around 1075. After the monastery was dissolved in 1540 the church became the parish church, and it still is today. The Priory says it has welcomed people for more than 900 years.
The building is Grade I listed. Its great treasure is its glass: the Priory has the largest display of 15th-century stained glass in England. It was restored by Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1860.
For walkers, the Priory makes a fine start or finish to a day on the hills. St Ann’s Well and the Worcestershire Beacon are straight up the hill behind the town. Check the Priory’s website for visiting times and services.
Getting there: In the centre of Great Malvern, a short walk from the station. The Ramblers publish a walk to British Camp starting at the Priory.
Walks that pass Great Malvern Priory
Worcestershire Beacon from Great Malvern station
- Distance: 6.4 km · 4.0 mi
- Time: 2 hr 30 min
- Route type: Circular
The classic climb from the town: past the Priory and St Ann’s Well to the toposcope on the highest point of the Malverns, and back down.
St Ann’s Well from Great Malvern
- Distance: 1.3 km · 0.8 mi
- Time: 30 min
- Route type: Out and back
A short, steep stroll from the town centre up to St Ann’s Well, the 1813 spring house with a café, on the way to the Worcestershire Beacon.
Great Malvern to British Camp along the ridge
- Distance: 9.1 km · 5.7 mi
- Time: 5 hrs
- Route type: Linear
Start at the Priory, climb steeply through the woods to the ridge and follow it south over the central hills to the British Camp hillfort.
Nearest parking
Free car park on West Malvern Road, close to Sugarloaf Hill and Worcestershire Beacon.
Charges: Free (checked Sept 2026)
Pay-and-display car park on North Malvern Road, close to End Hill and North Hill.
Charges: £6.50 per day (valid in any Malvern Hills Trust car park that day), or £3.75 after 6pm. Blue Badge holders free. (checked Sept 2026)
Food and drink near Great Malvern Priory
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A large hotel beside the Priory in the centre of Great Malvern, convenient for the station and the walks up from the town.
- Walk from the door
- Dogs in rooms
- Near a station
- Parking
- Breakfast
- Packed lunches
Book direct (opens in a new tab) Website for The Abbey Hotel (opens in a new tab) Directions to The Abbey Hotel (Google Maps, opens in a new tab)
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A coffee stop on Abbey Road by the Priory, close to the start of walks from the town centre. It posts opening changes on Facebook.
- By a walk start
- Near a station
Website for Abbey Road Coffee (opens in a new tab) Directions to Abbey Road Coffee (Google Maps, opens in a new tab)
Our picks are chosen for their position near the route; partners are paid placements. Check opening times before you go. More food and drink
Staying nearby?
The most practical base for this walk is Great Malvern: town base with a station, shops and places to eat, right at the foot of the Worcestershire Beacon.
- Great Malvern station
- Car-free trips
- First visits
- Food and drink
Our picks nearby
-
A large hotel beside the Priory in the centre of Great Malvern, convenient for the station and the walks up from the town.
- Walk from the door
- Dogs in rooms
- Near a station
- Parking
- Breakfast
- Packed lunches
Book direct (opens in a new tab) Website for The Abbey Hotel (opens in a new tab) Directions to The Abbey Hotel (Google Maps, opens in a new tab)
-
A Georgian hotel on Belle Vue Terrace in the centre of Great Malvern, a short walk from the paths up the hills. Its Mulberry Tree restaurant serves afternoon tea daily.
- Walk from the door
- Near a station
- Parking
- Breakfast
- Food on site
- Afternoon tea
Website for Mount Pleasant Hotel (opens in a new tab) Directions to Mount Pleasant Hotel (Google Maps, opens in a new tab)
The facts on this page were checked against the main source on 14 Sept 2026. Things change, so check before you travel.