Picturesque Towns & Villages in the Three Shires

Situated at the foot of the Malvern Hills, Swallowfields is surrounded by several picturesque towns and villages dotted around the Three Shires (Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire). Aside from offering a fantastic afternoon out, travelling to these towns is a real feast for the eyes as you journey through some of England’s finest countryside. Keep reading to discover our favourite towns and villages just a stone’s throw away from Swallowfields…

Towns & Villages in the Three Shires



Our Top 5 Towns & Villages Near Swallowfields

1) Great Malvern

Great Malvern

Nestled in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with roots firmly planted in the bronze age lies the Victorian spa town of Great Malvern. Once a popular destination for ‘taking the water’, travellers from all over the globe visited Great Malvern to experience the many benefits of the natural healing springs.

Today, visitors flock to Great Malvern to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture of the town and discover the fantastic range of independent shops, cafes and restaurants. Boasting a wide array of arts and crafts shops, galleries, boutiques, interior stores and bookshops, it’s no wonder that Great Malvern has been hailed as a superior shopping destination. 

Our highlights of Great Malvern include:


2) Upton upon Severn

Upton upon Severn

The picturesque riverside town of Upton upon Severn is well worth a visit. At first glance, the town is home to a collection of lovely black and white buildings lining the banks of the River Severn. However, Upton also has a fascinating history, as it was once an important port and river crossing, with boats transporting goods to the rich agricultural areas nearby. 

Upton upon Severn is jam-packed full of delightful old buildings, independent eateries, traditional pubs, and boutique shops. It also plays host to a variety of exciting events each year, with the Jazz, Folk, Blues and Sunshine Festivals attracting crowds in their thousands. One thing’s for sure – this lively, quirky town is definitely a must see!

Our highlights of Upton upon Severn include:

  • The medieval church tower AKA “the Pepperpot”
  • Upton Bridge: the only River Severn crossing for many miles
  • Pubs – with 8 drinking holes dating back to 1822!

Annual events including the Upton Jazz Festival, Upton Folk Festival, Upton Blues Festival and Sunshine Festival

3) Tewkesbury

Tewkesbury

(Image Credit: Cotswolds.com)

Combining rich history with a beautiful waterside setting, there’s plenty for everyone to discover in the magical market town of Tewskesbury. The ancient buildings, roads, alleyways, bridges and rivers found in Tewkesbury tell an important story of the town’s past, which firmly secured its place in British history with the 1471 Battle of the Roses. Each year, this iconic battle is reenacted at the Tewkesbury Medieval Festival, offering a real sight to behold.

There’s so much to see and do in Tewkesbury. Take in the spectacular riverside scenery with a stroll beside the River Severn or hop on a boat trip along the River Avon; explore the famous battlegrounds and Abbey; take part in one of the town’s many annual events; or wander around the impressive range of independent shops and eateries on offer. The only limit is your imagination!

Our highlights of Tewkesbury include:

4) Ledbury

Ledbury

(Image Credit: Visit Dean Wye)

Ledbury is a vibrant market town situated in the east of Herefordshire, surrounded by enchanted woodland, apple orchards, and majestic hills. Various literary giants, including Elizabeth Barrett Browning and John Masefield, were fascinated with this stunning area, and the local literary community gathers together once per year for the renowned Ledbury Poetry Festival.

Soak up the town’s history as you stroll the streets, beginning with the spectacular 17th Century Market House and the cobbles of Church Street. The town’s historic streets are lined with interesting independent shops, with plenty of places to stop and refuel. Discover an irresistible array of quirky homeware pieces, artwork, books, clothing, and more before heading to one of the town’s many coffee shops for a tasty bite to eat.

Our highlights of Ledbury include:

5) Broadway

Broadway

(Image Credit: Explore the Cotswolds)

A little further away is the quintessential English village of Broadway, located at the heart of the Cotswolds in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. If you enjoy admiring stunning landscapes, immersing yourself in rich cultural heritage and sampling award-winning cuisine, we highly recommend a fun-filled afternoon visit to Broadway.

Wander around this eclectic town and discover lovely limestone period buildings bordering a historic high street. Boasting a variety of internationally recognised landmarks, fantastic retail shopping opportunities and some of England’s finest eateries, why not immerse yourself in the pretty little village of Broadway?

Our highlights of Broadway include:



Picture-Perfect Breaks at Swallowfields

Swallowfields is the ultimate luxury nature retreat, nestled in the spectacular South Worcestershire countryside. With two family-friendly safari lodges, as well as an on-site spa lodge and wildflower meadow, we guarantee you’ll feel truly at ease in our wonderful corner of the world. After a busy day exploring the sights and sounds of the Three Shires, retreat to your private accommodation and enjoy spending quality time with your loved ones in nature. What could be better?! 

Book now to experience the magic of Swallowfields for yourself!

  • 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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