Looking to take a countryside escape from London? Here’s how to do the perfect trip from London to Worcestershire — from a London travel blogger.
This post was written in partnership with Visit Worcestershire, all opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links. Check out my Disclosure & Privacy Policy for more information.
If the busyness of London life has caught up with you, it may be time to trade your Oyster card for scenic drives, city views for rolling hills, and Zone 1 exploring for chocolate-box cottages and cobblestoned streets. In other words, a weekend trip from London to Worcestershire.
This month I had the chance to see the best Worcestershire county has to offer in both Great Malvern and Worcester — and now you can too!
Here’s exactly how to plan the perfect trip to Worcestershire including which areas to visit, how to get there, where to stay and what to do for your time in the countryside. And of course, how to actually pronounce Worcestershire in the first place! Let’s get into it.
How to do the Perfect Weekend Trip From London to Worcestershire
Where in Worcestershire Should I Visit?
As you may have noticed, Worcestershire itself is not a destination, but a county. This consists of six districts and dozens of small towns and cities that make up the area.
Because of this you’ll need to work out where in Worcestershire you’ll want to explore before you go, especially if you’re not driving.
Great Malvern and Worcester are notably two of the best places to visit in Worcestershire county and was where I spent my time this go around, so I’ll be focusing on these areas specifically in this post.
In terms of when to visit Worcestershire county, anytime between spring to autumn is best.
P.S – Here’s a full list of all the places in Worcestershire county if you’d like to combine your trip with some other destinations
How Do You Pronounce Worcestershire?
The more research I did the more I realised people really don’t know how to pronounce Worcestershire (okay, let’s be honest — including me).
To help you out I’m going to hand it over to this amazing and super quick Worcestershire pronunciation video — practice it a few times before you go!
Wait…Worcestershire….like Worcestershire Sauce?
Yep! If you’re wondering where that yummy sauce comes from (that we’ve all had with dinner at some point) look no further than Worcestershire.
Getting Around Worcestershire: How to Get From London to Great Malvern and Worcester
If you’re carless (like most Londoners), you’ll need to take the GWR train from Paddington Station for your trip.
As you’ll see in our itinerary, our first stop is Great Malvern. So, simply book your train ticket, hop on the GWR and sit back for around a cosy 2 ½ hour train ride to Worcestershire county and the Great Malvern and Worcester area.
If you prefer to drive, getting to Great Malvern will take around 3 hours each way and about a 20-minute drive from Great Malvern to Worcester.
P.S – Great Malvern and Worcester are only 2 stops away from each other! So you’ll have no problems visiting both areas with public transport during your trip
Where to Stay For a Trip from London to Worcestershire
The highlight of our trip was most definitely staying at The Cottage in the Wood.
The boutique hotel is nestled in the heart of Malvern Hills, offering absolutely everything you’d ever want in a countryside escape, best views in England included. Now, let’s chat details.
The Rooms
The Cottage in the Wood has 32 rooms spanning across the Main House, the Beech Cottage and The Coach House, each with a different character. We stayed in The Coach House — the newest and most environmentally-friendly led wing of the hotel, and it did not disappoint.
Their room types vary from the Best Rooms, Great Rooms, Very Good Rooms, Classic Rooms and Cosy rooms. But all offer all the amenities you need for a relaxing trip and access to The Main House dining halls and bar.
P.S – Only certain rooms have views onto Severn Valley — they’ll be highlighted when you book!
The Amenities
What drew me in the most to the Cottage in the Wood was its direct access to Malvern Hill (as in, literally right behind the hotel).
Within moments you can trade your hotel holiday for a hike up to one of the best views I’ve seen in England.
Outside of its nature appeal it’s also packed with luxury facilities, an onsite bar & restaurant, and it’s pet-friendly too!
Food & Drinks
The Cottage in the Wood has the unique positioning of being both a popular restaurant and hotel — with the 1919 Restaurant, Lounge Bar and Terrace drawing in visitors from across Great Malvern and beyond, led by local chef Rob Mason with all dishes inspired by the nature of the countryside. If you fancy, you can add on the following to your stay.
Breakfast – Wake up to a bottomless brunch of tea and coffee, doughy pastries, creamy porridge and locally sourced breakfast finds from a Full English to Eggs Benedict, Royale or Florentine. There’s also plenty of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and lactose intolerant options to choose from.
Lunch – We didn’t get the chance to sample the lunch menu during our stay, but if it’s anything like the brunch and dinner, you’re in good hands. Highlights include pan roasted cod loin and slow braised blade of beef or hearty snack menu if you’d prefer a small bite.
Dinner – For a dinner you won’t forget, make sure to leave room for 1919’s tasting menu, filled with seasonal dishes made entirely from locally-sourced ingredients.
Afternoon Tea – Because there’s nothing like feasting on delicate finger sandwiches, warm scones and homemade pastries all while looking out onto amazing countryside views
Drink – The Lounge Bar at Cottage in the Wood is the perfect place to end a day of Great Malvern and Worcester exploring with a colourful cocktail or pint (or both…)
The Views
It’ll be hard to find a hotel with views like the Cottage in the Wood again. Sat high on Malvern Hill itself you’ll be spoilt for sights of Severn Valley from the instant you arrive.
You can also hike Malvern Hill itself as mentioned, or take in the views straight from your hotel bedroom.
London to Worcestershire Itinerary Weekend Trip Itinerary
Friday:
Arrive at Paddington Station to catch the GWR:
I suggest getting to Paddington about 30 minutes early to catch your GWR train to Great Malvern. This gives you plenty of time to grab a coffee or tea and get first dibs on for a window view if you didn’t pre-book your seat.
Enjoy the ride to Great Malvern:
As you can imagine with any trip from London to the countryside — the views are amazing. I highly suggest sitting near the window to take in London drifting away and the rolling countryside saying hello.
Grab a taxi and check-in The Cottage in the Wood:
Once you’re in Great Malvern you’ll need to book a taxi to The Cottage in the Wood, about a 10-minute drive from the hotel. We used Great Malvern Taxi and J R Taxi and had no issues!
P.S – I suggest calling up the taxi service before you arrive to Great Malvern so you won’t have to wait.
Once you’ve arrived to The Cottage in the Wood the friendly staff will show you your room and take your bags if needed. Depending on what you choose you’ll either be in the Main House, the Beech Cottage or The Coach House, all surrounded by acres of woodlands and countryside charm.
Have a cup of tea and take in the Cottage in the Wood View:
Once you’re in I suggest taking it slow and soaking up all your room has to offer. Many of the rooms at The Cottage in the Wood offer striking views of the Cotswolds, Severn Valley and the Vale of Evesham. And all have a unique design of handpicked furniture and antiques, a gorgeous bathroom and of course, tea!
Hike up to Great Malvern Hills:
Once you’ve R&Rd a bit it’s time to see the view at Great Malvern Hills. Lucky for us The Cottage in the Wood has a pre-planned route and map to follow which you can pick up at reception, and off you go!
P.S – If you want to venture our past the hotel for your trip, download the Malvern Walk app for the best walking routes in the area!
Dinner at The Cottage in the Wood:
To end the day cosy in with a fantastic dinner at The Cottage in the Wood’s onsite restaurant — the 1919. The menu is ever-changing but typically consists of a set and tasting menu, and of course, dessert.
Saturday:
Breakfast at The Cottage in the Wood:
Ready for some exploring? Let’s fuel up first. Get ready for your day of Worcester sightseeing and head down to the Main House for the first breakfast of your stay.
It’s a set menu with plenty of choice from coffee and tea to gooey porridge and fresh pastries, Eggs Benedict (or Royale..or Florentine), a Full English or Vegetarian English or Free Range Eggs & Avo on Toast.
Take the train to Worcester:
After breakfast take a (pre-arranged) taxi down to Great Malvern station and ride 2 stops over to Worcester Foregate Street Station on the GWR.
Visit Worcester Cathedral:
A 12-minute walk from Worcester Foregate Station and you’ll have officially landed at Worcester Cathedral.
The medieval church dates back to AD 680 and is described as one of the most architecturally interesting cathedrals in England.
Most notably it’s the resting place for both King John and Prince Arthur, with many people of interest connected to its history throughout time.
While here I suggest exploring the royal tombs, taking in the architecture, visiting the Medieval Library and Archive, admiring the stained glass and grand instruments and taking in the views from the Tower.
P.S – Worcester Cathedral is free to enter with donations encouraged, except for tickets to the Tower which are £10 as of current.
Potter about Worcester:
After Worcester Cathedral you’ll want to spend some time pottering about Worcester and taking in the area.
Don’t forget to visit Mr. Simm’s Olde Sweet Shoppe and China Antiques Curios!
P.S – If you’re looking for other things to get up to in Worcester have a look at Visit Worcestershire’s explore page!
Say hi to the swans at the River Severn:
Right next to town centre you’ll find the River Severn — and all the lovely swans that come with it.
The swan sanctuary lies right in the heart of Worcester, dedicated to the preservation of Mute Swans (and rare Black Swans).
It’s also a great opportunity to do some people-watching and take in more views of Worcester on the way.
Have lunch at GoodRoots:
You’re sure to have worked out an appetite from all your walking about, so it’s time for lunch at GoodRoots.
The family-owned cafe spans four-generations, with an unwavering dedication to all things simple food and good ingredients.
We treated ourselves to fresh smoothies, the Good Roots hash and a Chicken & Waffles I’m still having dreams about.
P.S – You can check out their menu here!
Step into Lord of the rings (and Worcestershire sauce) times at the Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum:
For a true taste of Worcester culture be sure to visit the Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum.
Set in an opulent Victorian building the gallery & museum is mix of permanent and special exhibitions, and a complete pleasure fest for Lord of the Rings fans….and Worcestershire sauce fans too.
P.S – Check on the latest exhibitions here!
Dinner at The Cottage in the Wood:
To get back to The Cottage in the Wood simply head back to Worcester Foregate Station and grab a train to Great Malvern Station, followed by a taxi to the hotel.
End your evening with Dinner Round 2 and rolling hill views.
Sunday:
Breakfast at the cottage in the wood:
To start your final day in Worcestershire county, tuck in for breakfast at The Main House before check-out.
Explore the town of Great Malvern:
Before you end your weekend trip from London to Worcestershire have a walk around the spa town of Great Malvern. Highlights include Great Malvern Priory, St. Ann’s Well, the Malvern Museum, Malvern Theatre & Priory Park and the famed Elgar Route.
Have a pint at the Unicorn:
The Unicorn is where C S Lewis and J R R Tolkien used to meet after walking on the Malvern Hills, and it still stands strong.
Have a final pint at the famed pub before leaving the area.
Train back to London:
Time to head out! Say goodbye to Great Malvern and Worcestershire county on the GWR train, with about a lovely 2 ½ hour journey back to London.
Map of Things to do in Great Malvern & Worcester
Final Thoughts on How to do the Perfect Weekend Trip From London to Worcestershire
I’m always amazed at how much of a refresh going to the countryside from London can give you, even if it’s only for a weekend — but oh is it worth it.
I hope this post inspired you to make your own weekend trip from London over to the beautiful county Worcestershire. And don’t forget to let me know how your trip goes on Instagram!
Happy travels,
What a great trip!!