- Well house of 1813
- Octagonal extension of 1841
- Café in the building
- On the Worcestershire Way
St Ann’s Well is the best-known of Malvern’s springs. It is a small well house on the steep hillside above Great Malvern, where water runs from a carved spout into a basin. The building dates from 1813, and the octagonal extension was added in 1841. The café in the building says it is Grade II listed.
The well sits on the classic walking route from the town to the Worcestershire Beacon, and on the final stretch of the Worcestershire Way. That makes it a natural stop for a drink or a coffee on the way up or down. The café describes itself as a 10 to 15 minute walk from the town.
The well was part of the Victorian and Edwardian development of the hills for visitors, along with paths, shelters and follies. See springs and wells for the history of Malvern water.
Getting there: About a 10–15 minute walk uphill from Great Malvern town centre, on the classic route up to the Worcestershire Beacon.
Walks that pass St Ann’s Well
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.
Colwall to Great Malvern over the hills
- Distance: 5.5 km · 3.4 mi
- Time: 2 hr 30 min
- Route type: Linear
Take the train to Colwall, climb onto the ridge below the Beacon, cross to North Hill and descend to Great Malvern or Malvern Link for the train home.
North Hill and the Worcestershire Beacon
- Distance: 4.8 km · 3.0 mi
- Time: 1 hr 50 min
- Route type: Circular
The two highest summits in one loop: North Hill, Sugarloaf Hill and the Worcestershire Beacon from North Quarry car park, returning on lower paths.
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.
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 West Malvern Road, close to Worcestershire Beacon and Sugarloaf 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 St Ann’s Well
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Halfway up the classic climb from the town to the Worcestershire Beacon, in the old well house. Vegetarian, with outdoor seating.
- By a walk start
- Dogs welcome
Website for St Ann's Well Café (opens in a new tab) Directions to St Ann's Well Café (Google Maps, opens in a new tab)
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On St Ann’s Road, the lane up to St Ann’s Well, so it sits right on the walk from the town centre onto the hills. Dogs are welcome throughout the pub.
- By a walk start
- Dogs welcome
- Near a station
- Garden
Website for The Red Lion (opens in a new tab) Call The Red Lion Directions to The Red Lion (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
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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)
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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)
The facts on this page were checked against the main source on 14 Sept 2026. Things change, so check before you travel.