Malvern, Worcestershire
Great Malvern is a spa town of course, which prospered in Victorian times so a lot of the buildings date from that era, though some are much older, and they nestle together to such charming effect with a backdrop of the beautiful Malvern Hills; it’s quite captivating, the sort of place where you might stop and think “Ooh, I could live here”.
It’s a nice way to spend a few hours, mooching about the streets, browsing the mostly independent shops selling books, antiques, art, clothes, furniture and food. Those who appreciate history will enjoy a visit to Great Malvern Priory, a church of almost cathedral-sized proportions dating back to medieval times. But if you’ve got the kids with you, they’ll want something to do too; well, you could take them to the museum where they can dress up as monks or peasants and build a castle, or they could have a go at painting their own mug or plate at Green Frog Pottery. They’ll probably like that, and afterwards, you can all go for something to eat at the Swan Inn (good chips!), or Blue Bird Tearooms.