Castles:  If your children (and your grown-ups) love castles, then remember that here you are in border country, the land of the Marcher lords and, before these, among the skein of hill forts which marked the border with Celtic Wales. From the Iron Age Hill Fort, known as British Camp, legend has it that the British chief Caractacus fought his last-ditch battle against the invading Roman legions. Nearby there is Eastnor Castle with a full events programme, along with Goodrich Castle near Ross on Wye and Berkeley Castle near Gloucester. While in Berkeley make sure to visit the charming Edward Jenner Museum, home of Dr. Edward Jenner (1749-1823), pioneer of vaccination. Kenilworth Castle is another great day out. Further West, Skenfrith and Garway castles mark the furthest west that Tudor rule extended.

Geology: for those with an interest in rocks visit the fascinating Puzzle Wood, Forest of Dean and the close by Clearwell Caves.  Amazing rock formations – good for the sure-footed. For information about the geology of the Malvern Hills refer to Abberley and Malvern Hills Geopark for activities and information.

Architecture:  architecture buffs will enjoy visiting the cathedrals of Hereford, Worcester and Gloucester or following the famous Herefordshire churches trail to Kilpeck, Dore Abbey and Bacton. There are some wonderful local houses to visit, such as Croome Court, built by Robert Adam with a landscape by “Capability” Brown or the moated manor house of Madresfield Court (visits by appointment and charity fundraising days), Hellens at Much Marcle and, further afield, Tyntesfield and Berrington Hall. However, the local market towns also offer a wealth of architectural styles to admire so one doesn’t need to make a special outing.

Elgar: Edward Elgar was inspired by the Malvern Hills to write some of his most memorable music and he and lady Elgar are buried just the other side of the hill. To find out more about his life visit The Elgar Birthplace Museum at Lower Broadheath, near Worcester.

Antiques: Visit the flea and antiques fairs at Malvern Showground - Malvern Flea and Antique Collectors Markets – monthly usually on Sundays. You will also find an abundance of antique/bric a brac shops in nearby Leominster and some good sales held by the local auction houses – see local paper for details.

Gardens: a walk-able distance is Picton Gardens - specialising in michaelmas daisies: or a short drive away the ten acre garden of the 14th century former Benedictine Priory at Little Malvern Court. For a larger, formal Victorian garden head towards Worcester for Spetchley Park or for something a little different try Hampton Court near Leominster.

If you happen to visit in April/May when azaleas and rhodedendrons are in flower a trip north to Hergest Croft is well worth a visit and can include walks on Hergest Ridge.

Food : Foodies will relish the butcher shops and delicatessens in Malvern and Ledbury or be tempted by chef Stephen Bull’s award-winning restaurant at Woolhope or the acclaimed Walnut Tree Inn at Abergavenny. Good pubs serving excellent food are within walking distance of the cottage and often have live music. Herefordshire is famed for its cider and perry. A visit to Weston’s cider mill in Much Marcle is a great day out for the family.

Here is a list of country and farmers markets that are brilliant for culinary treats.
Markets: Produce Market, Ledbury - Saturdays & Tuesdays around the Market House.
WI Market, Ledbury. - Friday mornings (get there at 9am for choice) St. Catherines Hall.
WI Market, Malvern - Friday mornings, Lyttelton Rooms
Farmers Market, Malvern – every third Saturday
Teme Valley Farmers Market – every second Sunday  11-1.30pm at the Talbot, Knightwick (good for lunch or their own brew)