Celebrating the Autumn Harvest Season in the Malvern Hills

The month of September is abundant with rich flavours and produce, making it an excellent time of year for food enthusiasts to explore Worcestershire’s food and drink scene. Our region is renowned for being the ‘home of food and drink’ and boasts many independent pubs, restaurants, and cafés, where you can enjoy a delightful meal, afternoon tea, or a sumptuous glass of wine. There’s so much to love about the Autumn Harvest Season in Worcestershire; keep reading to discover more…

Autumn Harvest Season in the Malvern Hills



Food Famously Found in Worcestershire, Gloucestershire & Herefordshire

Swallowfields is conveniently located in the middle of three counties: Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and Gloucestershire. Each county is famed for its delicious, home-grown local produce, including fruit, vegetables, dairy, and alcohol.

Herefordshire cider is a favourite thirst-quencher among the locals. There are some fantastic artisan producers who are serious about the art of cider-making, many of whom run amazing farm shops – why not stock up on some delicious sparkling ciders which are guaranteed to tickle your tastebuds?

The county of Gloucestershire is of course famous for Double Gloucester cheese, with its heavenly mellow flavour and smooth melting qualities. Having once been known as Berkeley cheese, the smooth sandwich filler we all know and love now as Double Gloucester has been made in the Vale of Gloucester for over a thousand years!

Worcestershire is known around the world as the home of Worcestershire sauce, which is still produced in the city using John Lea and William Perrins’ original recipe! The county is also home to a wide variety of produce, such as fruits and vegetables grown in the Vale of Evesham, award-winning wines, sausages, cheese, and the natural spring water of Malvern.


Our Guide to the Best Local Foodie Events this Autumn in the Three Counties

The Malvern Hills and our nearby surroundings are a hub of activity all year round. During the autumn months, there are some fantastic food and drink festivals perfect for budding foodies to try out.

Malvern Autumn Show (Friday 22nd – Sunday 24th September 2023)

With record-breaking giant vegetables, show-stopping floral displays, exquisite food, shopping galore and plenty of fun family entertainment, you can experience the very best of the region’s local food produce at the Malvern Autumn Show later this month.

Gloucester Beer, Cider & Gin Festival (Friday 22nd – Saturday 23rd September 2023)

A great place to try out a wide selection of local beers, ciders, and artisan gins is this year’s Gloucester Beer, Cider & Gin Festival. There will be over 50 different beverages to choose from, as well as fantastic live music, all day food, and an even larger selection of beer and cider than last year!

Hereford AppleFest (Saturday 30th September – Sunday 15th October 2023)

Celebrating the best of Hereford’s juicy, crunchy apples, Hereford AppleFest returns this year for two weeks of apple-themed events, including cider-tasting, art exhibitions, apple fairs, historic city trails, and much more. Events take place across the county, kicking off in Hereford High Town with cider and apple juice tasting, as well as live music and more activities throughout the day.


Swallowfields’ Delicious Autumn Soup Recipe

As the autumn months roll in, we love switching summer salads for comfort food and warm autumn soups. Here’s one of our favourite recipes for a hearty butternut squash soup!


Ingredients:
1 butternut squash, peeled and deseeded
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
2 onions, diced
1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
2 mild red chillies, deseeded and finely chopped
850ml hot vegetable stock
4 tbsp crème fraîche, plus more to serve

Method:
1. Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.
2. Cut the squash into large cubes, about 4cm/1½in across, then toss in a large roasting tin with 1 tbsp of the olive oil.
3. Roast for 30 mins, turning once during cooking, until golden and soft.
4. While the butternut squash cooks, melt the butter with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan, then add the onions, garlic clove and three-quarters of the chillies.
5. Cover and cook on a very low heat for 15-20 mins until the onions are completely soft.
6. Tip the butternut squash into the pan, add the stock and crème fraîche, then use an electric blender until smooth.
7. Return the soup to the pan, gently reheat, then season to taste. Serve the soup with swirls of crème fraîche and a scattering of the remaining chopped chilli.

Amazing Autumn Escapes at Swallowfields Luxury Glamping Retreat

If you’re searching for the perfect base to enjoy a cosy autumnal stay in the Malvern Hills, Swallowfields has got you covered. Our two luxurious safari tents boast stunning décor and large private garden areas, each with a different vibe for a truly unique experience. As the evenings draw in, you can get cosy on the sofa and cuddle up in front of the log burner or gather around the firepit outside to toast marshmallows and watch the flames flicker away. You can watch the sun set or even stargaze from the comfort of your very own private hot tub and end the evening with a delicious hot chocolate or comforting cup of tea. There really is a lot to love here at Swallowfields, but don’t just take our word for it. Book your cosy autumnal stay in the Malvern Hills today!

  • WELLBEING BREAKS

    Malvern has long been associated with healthy living, ever since it originated as a spa town. Many benefits have been linked to its spring water, as well as people. Charles Darwin, Queen Victoria and Florence Nightingale are all said to have enjoyed its therapeutic qualities.

    It’s a legacy that’s lived right on to this day and one we wholeheartedly embrace. Not only are we fortunate to be nestled at the foot of the Malvern Hills, we live and breathe nature and its many benefits.

    There’s no pounding the treadmill at Swallowfields, just beautiful walks with wonderful vistas provided by nature. Come visit our retreat and enhance your wellbeing in the best way for you, from reading a book and taking naps in your own hammock to cooking on a campfire and enjoying spa treatments. Our world awaits you…

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  • FAMILY BREAKS

    Nothing beats a great family break! When you laugh so much your sides hurt and enjoy yourself so much, you’re thinking, talking (and giggling) about it for many weeks to come.

    Swallowfields is geared up for families. You’ll find that all of our safari lodges, which easily sleep six people, are located on a child-friendly site. There are also plenty of things for the whole family to see and do too.

    Take a wander in our lovely wildflower meadow, toast marshmallows on the camp fire, explore the Malvern Hills and beyond and check out our Adventure Castle and Nature Hideout! You can even bring the dog too!

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  • ACTIVITY BREAKS

    You just bring yourself, we’ll point you in the direction of the action! And there’s lots of it!

    Maybe you want to challenge yourself and try something different, like paddleboarding or kayaking, or perhaps you want to practice your favourite hobby, such as mountain biking or hiking?

    There are lots of things to do all around Swallowfields and, when you’re back at your lodge, there’s a relaxing hot tub waiting for you.

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  • DOG FRIENDLY BREAKS

    We’re animal-lovers here at Swallowfields and we understand that your dog is a big part of your family, so why leave them behind?

    They’ll be right at home in our pet-friendly safari lodges. There’s oodles of room for them, their bed, bowls and fave toy! All that we ask, is that you keep them on a lead when walking around on-site and don’t leave them unattended.

    For just £25 per dog, per stay*, you can make sure the entire family get their hands (and paws) on our wonderful glamping experience! Oh, and don’t forget to ask us about our complimentary doggie essentials pack too!

    * Maximum of two dogs per lodge

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