The Area
An idyllic place to learn…
For students wishing to stay locally during their course, here is some information about the surrounding area.
Great Malvern
Malvern, only six miles away from the school, is a spa town in Worcestershire. It lies at the foot of the Malvern Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Malvern has fabulous accommodation to suit all tastes, and the finest local produce available across a selection of fine restaurants and country pubs. With activities for all, historic venues, museums and renowned gardens.
Malvern is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area and is within easy reach of places such as Worcester with its Cathedral and Porcelain Museum, Warwick and it’s medieval castle, Cheltenham Spa Town and Racecourse and so much more.
I would like to thank you for such a great course just before Christmas. It was just perfect and Peter’s a great teacher! I thoroughly enjoyed the week – much appreciated.
Andy Prichard, Beginners Course
The town centre has two main streets, the steep Church Street and Bellevue Terrace. The traditional high street shops such as butchers, bakers and grocers have now been replaced by health food shops, art and craft shops, bookshops, charity shops and antique dealers.
Take in a show at The Festival Theatre, now known as Malvern Theatres, housed in the Winter Gardens. It has been a provincial centre for the arts since 1885. Malvern theatres attracts many of the big names and there is always a good show to be seen, there is also a cinema.
If you are looking for peace and quiet why not visit the Malvern Priory, the focal point of the town or Priory Park situated behind Malvern Theatres.
Find out more…
www.visitthemalverns.org
Upton-upon-Severn
Upton-upon-Severn is a small town in the Malvern Hills District of Worcestershire. Upton lies on the banks of the River Severn and the bridge used to be the only river crossing for many miles.
For centuries before modern transport, it was alive with river craft carrying goods from and to the rich agricultural areas around it. Today it offers a wide selection of shops from fishing tackle to handmade chocolates, art galleries, book shops and more. There is a flourishing marina on the east bank, and Upton’s historic prosperity can be seen in its variety of delightful old buildings, including pleasant places to eat and drink.
Upton is a small yet lively town and is well known for the festivals it hosts including; the colourful Folk Festival, the Upton International Jazz Festival and the popular Blues Festival.
Look out for its distinctive copper-clad cupola known as the ‘Pepper Pot’ the remnant of a former church. The Pepper Pot is the site of the Battle of Upton in 1651 between Royalists and Roundheads. It is now the Tourist Information and Heritage Centre where you can learn all about its history.
Upton-upon-Severn takes part in the RHS Britain in Bloom campaign, in the regional Heart of England in Bloom, and has won Gold Awards every year since it first entered in 2003, and has won its category for the last six years.
If you enjoy boat trips, Upton is the place to be and for those who enjoy something more active, why not sample the local walking and cycle routes.
Find out more…
www.visitthemalverns.org
Cheltenham
Cheltenham known for its Regency buildings is an easy twenty-minute drive from the school. Described in the New York Times as a town enjoying a cultural renaissance with many ‘happening spots’ and featured in The Independent as a ‘Design Destination’ with stylish places to eat, drink and stay.
This spa town is hard to beat for its beautiful Promenade, annual festivals, and racecourse. It also boasts a fortnightly farmers market, classy shops and restaurants all surrounded by glorious countryside. Visitors can also still sample the Spa Waters at the beautiful Pittville Pump Room.
Stroll along the leaf-lined promenade and experience many of the architectural and heritage features that can still be seen today or experience the more modern redevelopments which are seeing a new generation of visitors to Cheltenham.
Take a trip to The Wilson, Cheltenham’s outstanding museum and art gallery with a programme of exciting temporary exhibitions and permanent collections or visit the birthplace of Gustav Holst, open to the public as a Museum.
The town hosts several festivals featuring famous contributors and attendees, including the Cheltenham Literature Festival, the Cheltenham Jazz Festival, the Cheltenham Science Festival, the Cheltenham Music Festival, the Cheltenham Cricket Festival, and the Cheltenham Food & Drink Festival.
Cheltenham is world-famous for its horse racing course at Prestbury Park with the main hurdles event being the Gold Cup National Hunt Festival week in March.
Find out more…
www.visitcheltenham.com
