A WHOLE host of events centred around Malvern’s heritage and culture are on offer this month as part of a long-running festival.
Heritage organisations across the region are opening their doors to visitors as part of the jam-packed Heritage Open Days Festival.
Heritage Open Days is the largest festival of free heritage events in England. For ten days, organisations are encouraged to host events, open their doors, and welcome in their communities for free. The festival focuses on the theme of Architecture for 2025.
Supported by the National Trust and People’s Postcode Lottery, the festival is designed to break down barriers and encourage residents to find the hidden gems right on their doorstep.
Across Malvern there are multiple venues taking part in the festival, running between September 13 and 20.
Malvern Museum, Abbey Road – Explore the ancient Priory Gatehouse and learn about life from prehistoric hill forts to Victorian motor cars. Dressing-up activities, slideshows, touchscreen displays and audio guides bring the museum’s history to life. Visitors can attend on Saturday, September 13 from 10am to 16:30.
Malvern Masonic Hall, Belle Vue Terrace – Step inside this Edwardian building, originally part of the Belle Vue Hotel, and admire its lavish décor. Learn about the Freemasons’ meeting rooms, dining hall and history of the building. Visitors can attend on Saturday, September 13 from 10:30 to 15:00.
Pendock Old Church, Sledge Green – Celebrate the fine architecture of this Grade I church, with its Norman features, Jacobean pews, chancel arch, and a ‘stepway’ to Heaven. Volunteers will guide visitors around the church and point out key features. The church can be visited on Saturday, September 13 from 14:00 to 17:00.
Malvern Quaker Meeting House, Orchard Road – Discover this Grade II listed example of 1930s Quaker architecture. The main room is used for Quaker worship, and visitors can learn about the Cadbury family’s influence and the Arts and Crafts design. Refreshments available; donations welcome. Open Monday, September 15 from 14:00 to 17:00 and Thursday, September 18 from 09:00 to 12:00.
North Malvern Clock Tower, North Malvern Road – Take a guided tour of the historic water tower, featuring its 1901 brick and terracotta structure, four-faced clock, and the Cascade Gates art installation. Visitors can attend on Monday, September 15 at 13:00.
Malvern Water: ‘One Billion Years’ Talk, Elmslie House – Carly Tinkler of the Malvern Spa Association will give a talk about the history of Malvern Spring Water and its community significance. The talk will be held on Tuesday, September 16 at 14:00.
Little Malvern Priory, British Camp – Explore the Priory’s 12th-century Benedictine origins, its medieval restoration under Bishop Alcock, and view the East window portraying Edward V and his family. Visitors can attend on Wednesday, September 17 from 14:00 to 16:30 and Saturday, September 20 from 10:30 to 16:30.
Great Malvern Station, Station Approach – Learn about the station’s 1862 construction, architect Edmund Wallace Elmslie, and Lady Emily Foley’s contributions. Tours highlight the building’s history, restored lighting columns, and Lady Foley’s Tea Room. The tour runs on Saturday, September 20 from 10:30 to 11:30.
Visit https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on.html for more information. Festival booklets can be seen online or picked up at participating venues.
