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Weekend itinerary

Your first weekend in the Malvern Hills

The two things everyone should do on a first visit: stand on the Worcestershire Beacon, and climb the Iron Age ramparts of British Camp. Here is how to fit them into a relaxed weekend.

  • First-time visitors
  • Mixed groups and couples
  • Anyone who wants the classic views without a very long walk

Base yourself in Great Malvern: the station, cafés and the paths up the hill are all within a few minutes of each other. Day one stays close to town; day two heads to the southern hills, which is easiest by car or taxi (no bus stops at British Camp).

Day one: the Beacon and the town

  1. Morning

    Worcestershire Beacon from Great Malvern station 6.4 km · 2 hr 30 min · Moderate

    Walk up from the town to the highest point of the hills, past St Ann’s Well, and round back to the station.

  2. Lunch

    St Ann's Well Café Café · St Ann's Well

    The café in the well house is on the way down; in town, try a café near the Priory. Check opening days before relying on either.

    Or: Mac & Jac's, The Lyttelton Well Café

  3. Afternoon

    Great Malvern Priory Landmark

    Look inside the Priory for its 15th-century glass, then follow the springs and wells around the town (the spout water is untreated: look, don’t drink).

    Or: Malvern springs and wells

  4. Evening

    Malvern Theatres Attraction · Great Malvern

    See what’s on at Malvern Theatres, or eat in town.

Day two: British Camp and the southern hills

  1. Morning

    British Camp and Giant’s Cave circular 3.2 km · 1 hr 5 min · Moderate

    Climb the hillfort ramparts from the British Camp car park, follow the ridge south to Giant’s Cave and loop back on a lower path.

  2. Lunch

    Malvern Hills Hotel Hotel · British Camp

    The hotel bar is opposite the car park and the café is beside it.

    Or: Sally's Place

  3. Afternoon

    Little Malvern Priory Landmark

    Drop down to Little Malvern Priory, a short drive away, or head for the Beacon Road car parks for an easy sunset walk.

  4. Option

    Easiest route up the Worcestershire Beacon 2.6 km · 55 min · Easy

    For sunset: the tarmac path from the Beacon Road car parks is the gentlest way to the top. Check sunset time on the weather page.

Where to stay

Places you can walk onto the hills from. Chosen on merit; details from each business’s own website.

Compare every place to stay

If it rains

Check opening days and times before you go.

Shorter options

Good to know

  • Car parks on the hills fill on sunny weekends: arrive before 10am or have a second car park in mind.
  • The tops are exposed. Take a layer even on a warm day in the town.
  • Check the weather page for wind and sunset before an evening walk.