Head for the Malvern Hills

Weekend bolthole in the Malvern Hills

Are you in looking for a perfect weekend bolthole? To Maybe hideaway with your bestie, or other half? Well we have the perfect spot. Elsie is a little cottage in the woods which offers seclusion, wild woodlands with country walks hill forts to climb and castles to explore in an area famed for inspiring writers and composers. Snuggle down by cosy fires, soak in a hot tub under the stars. Tour local orchards and vineyards and take home a tipple to enjoy with your wood-fired pizza cooked by you!  Plus it is all within an hour of Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff. Think The Malvern Hills!

• Just an hour from Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff
• Hills without the hike, rewarded with stunning views
• Foody feasts from wood-fired pizza to a gourmet scotch egg
• Take a tipple from the cider Makers, or tour a vineyard

Weekends start with perfect first night

Arrive to a brew and a slice, kick back to let your weekend break begin.

Get creative and cook up a pizza or, BBQ for an outdoor feast.  Fancy a some good pub grub, then there's plenty to choose from -  The Duke of York is just 5 minutes drive or The Butchers Arms and Hanley Swan Inn are within striking distance

Your hot tub will be warmed ready for a dip, and wine chilled ready for sipping. It all adds up to a heavenly start to your stay.

• Wood fired pizzas made by you?  Or cosy pubs
• Cake and a brew on arrival
• Soak in the Hot tub warmed for your arrival
• Cosy up by the wood-burner

All weekend breaks should start like this

Wake up on your first morning to the quiet of the country side with just the sound of nature doing it's thing.

If you're feeling the need to just unwind, pad outside and sup a coffee, soak in that view (or that hot tub again) whilst cooking up your pre-ordered artisan pastries or a full English.

If you're looking for something more invigorating, then beyond the gate is a woodland walk with a crisp carpet of leaves and hills to climb - maybe reward yourself  with a view and a brew all before breakfast and feel mighty smug!

• Long lingering breakfasts, we supply the coffee, Brekkie 
• Walks from your front gate for you (and the dog!)
• Wake a rainfall shower to set you up for the day

Get creative in the Malvern Hills

Looking to be inspired? The Malvern Hills were home to writers, composers and poets, so let your creative juices run riot.

Elgar composer of Enigma Variations regularly cycled the Malvern's and you can visit his home to learn more about him and his music. C.S Lewis stayed here, its thought the gas lit lanterns, a signature of Great Malvern, were what inspired descriptions of Narnia. His Friend J.R.R Tolkien said the Malvern landscape  Inspired his 'middle earth' in the Hobbit. So when exploring the Hills, just let your imagination run wild.

For the more hands on creatives, visit Eastnor Pottery and learn to throw a pot and create a little momento of your weekend break.

• Walk through Narnia inspired gas light trails
• Find your own 'Middle Earth' as Tolkien did.
• Throw a pot and get your hands dirty
• Visit Elgar's home discover what inspired 'Nimrod'

Lose your self in orchards and vineyards

The counties of Worcestershire and Herefordshire are the heart of Cider country, so why not try a tipple from a small artisan producer like Little Pomona or tour the la Weston's makers of 'old Rosie' and stow ford press. Stop over at The Nest, home of the Scotch egg company and wonderful deli and cafe.

There are also some little vineyards too - Coddington - just up the road and Three Choirs - both do tours and tasting. What a way to spend a day, you might need a driver though - or just buy a few bottles and do your own testing back at  your cottage in the woods.

• Visit Orchards and the cider makers from artisan to global
• Take a vineyard tour and taste the fruit of the land
• Mix a cocktail or two at the Verzons

Castles, forests rivers and hills

Nestled in the valley is Eastnor Castle, with gardens and deer park. worth a wander around its gardens and lakes, and enjoy a slice of cake at the woodshed.

A short drive will get you to the heart of The Forest of Dean, with the magnificent Wye valley, Symonds Yet rock, and miles of deep forest to lose yourself in. Follow the Sculpture trail, or hire bikes or a canoe to explore.

Most who visit Elsie's Cottage enjoy a wander up the hills, which will reward you with breathtaking views without getting too breathless.

• Eastnor castle, gardens, maze & home to Landrover Experience
• Forest of Dean, packed with mystery, scenery and activity
• Wye valley - perfect for a some watery mischief
• The Malverns, walk one or all the hills