Home to some of the prettiest towns and most enchanting countryside in the UK, Worcestershire is a delight for wonderful walks. Tempting throughout the year with waymarked trails and hidden gems, it is perfect for those seeking moments of adventure and peaceful pursuits in nature. From the spellbinding beauty of the Malvern Hills and the sylvan setting of Wyre Forest to the Cotswold charm of Broadway, an array of routes invite breathtaking forays into bewitching landscapes.
To trace unforgettable trails through some of the county’s most precious corners, uncover our curated guide to the best walks in Worcestershire.
Worcestershire Beacon
Referred to locally as The Beacon, Worcestershire Beacon is a beloved landmark and denotes the highest point in the county. Comprising part of the Malvern Hills, it resides on the border of Worcestershire and Herefordshire and can be hiked on clear days to savour stunning views across the two counties and beyond to the Black Mountains in Wales. Enjoy whispers of wind and the warmth of the sun as you follow the 3-mile circular walk from Beacon Hill car park. First passing the western slopes, the trail skirts the base of the hill before continuing its way along the eastern approach and leading walkers back to the car park. Pass peaceful quarry pools, walk through woodland, and admire the panoramas across the Malverns and Severn Valley as you go. To extend this walk, you can take a detour to the top of the hill to reach the beacon itself, as well as to neighbouring Summer Hill.
Broadway Tower
The timelessly romantic Broadway is one of the prettiest villages in the Cotswolds. As picturesque bathed in summer sunshine as winter snow, this postcard-perfect idyll sets a beautiful scene for luxury staycations. To make visits to Broadway all the more captivating, an exhilarating walk can be followed from the village to the nearby Broadway Tower. A fairytale folly, this Grade II listed hilltop tower was built in 1798 and was the result of the unique vision of ‘Capability’ Brown. Commence your walk on the high street, taking the 4-mile route out of the village towards the Cotswolds escarpment, before it climbs to reach the summit of Middle Hill (the second highest point in the Cotswolds) and the foot of the tower. On certain days, Broadway Tower is open to visitors and offers a rooftop viewing platform from which to gaze at the surrounding 200-acre estate, deer park, and sun-kissed horizon.
British Camp to Swinyard
Spanning the border of Worcestershire and Herefordshire, the Malvern Hills make for one of the dreamiest destinations for walks. Venture just over the border into Herefordshire to find the 3.5-mile loop from British Camp to Swinyard Hill, a route which encompasses some of the most iconic sites in the region. To begin, park at British Camp car park and follow the trail uphill. En route, one of the first sites you reach is British Camp itself (also known as Herefordshire Beacon), the site of an ancient Iron Age hillfort. A Scheduled Ancient Monument, this settlement is believed to date back to 2BC and can still be clearly identified through striking earthworks etched into the landscapes. Continuing your journey, savour highlights such as British Camp Reservoir, Silurian Pass, The Giant’s (or Clutter’s) Cave, and Swinyard Hill with its 360-degree aspect overlooking the surroundings.
Wyre Forest
The serene swathes of Wyre Forest comprise the largest area of woodland National Nature Reserve in England. The perfect place to relish the healing qualities of forest bathing, it proposes some of the best walks in Worcestershire for time in the pine-scented air. Head into the great outdoors and settle into a relaxed rhythm along one of Wyre Forest’s three waymarked trails, embracing the natural quietude infused with the crunch of leaves and the lullaby of birdsong. One of the best routes, the 2-mile Giants Walking Trail features a combination of steep sections and flat surfaces and leads walkers through the arboretum and towards the Valley of the Giants. Here, the woodland’s towering Douglas Firs make their striking appearance, reaching dozens of meters tall against the tangled canopy.
Spetchley Park Gardens
Surrounded by 3,000 acres of rural estate, the family-run Spetchley Park is a delightful destination for walks in Worcestershire. The home of the Berkeley family since the 1600s, it features a Bath stone Palladian mansion, romantic gardens, a lake (a former Tudor moat), deer park, and visitor centre. Explore the gardens in season from March to September and make the most of the halcyon setting for wanders under spring sunshine and summer skies. Whether you’re looking for a short and sweet stroll or would like to immerse in the scenery and Georgian grandeur of Spetchley for a while, you can perfectly tailor your visit to your own wanderlust desires. Garden highlights include the Cork Lawn and fairytale Root House, the romantic Lovers’ Walk, and the charming Gardener's Cottage, once the retreat of esteemed composer Edward Elgar.
Clent Hills
For those seeking a leisurely walk in Worcestershire, this short walk in the Clent Hills is sure to pique your interest. Following a well-worn pathway that wends through woodland and undulating hills, it is a beloved choice amongst all ages and covers a mile-long circular route. Park in Nimmings Wood car park to begin your foray and take the footpath through a corridor of trees. Arriving at the top of the hill, uninterrupted views unravel towards Wenlock Edge in the west and the Malvern Hills in the south. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Wales in the distance. Residing at the top, you can find the site of four unusual standing stones, erected on the top of Clent Hill in 1763 at the order of Lord Lyttleton of Hagley Hall. Upon your return to the car park, indulge in something delectable from Nimmings Wood Café.
Bodenham Arboretum
Adored as “Worcestershire’s Hidden Garden”, the Eden-esque sanctuary of Bodenham Arboretum near Wolverley creates a beautiful backdrop for sylvan escapes. Within this oasis, landscaped avenues, glassy pools, and mixed woodland interlace with more than 3,000 tree and shrub species. Uncover the verdant valley setting and follow picturesque pathways through some of its 170 acres. For a particularly magical introduction to the arboretum, pick up the Five Pool Walk and Bodenham Brook, meandering along the banks of a gently flowing stream and The Ridge. This route proposes some challenging hilly ascents that can be muddy in winter and rewards with far-reaching views. For further inspiration, you can combine this walk with wider trails around the arboretum.
Croome Court
The National Trust-run Croome Court awaits for promenades through period splendour. With a magnificent manor at the heart of sweeping parkland, the estate presents a collection of historic buildings and green spaces that are perfect for exploration. For the pursuers of alfresco reveries, the grounds are especially enthralling, having been designed by legendary landscape architect ‘Capability’ Brown. One of the best walks in Worcestershire, the 4-mile Conservation Walk at Croome takes in the glory of the parkland and the restoration work that has been achieved since 1996. You can also follow the 2.5-mile Park Seat circular which showcases the breathtaking landscapes brought to life by ‘Capability’. This estate is also dog-friendly and a lovely place to roam with canine companions.
Hanbury Circular
One of the best places to visit in Worcestershire, the 18th-century Hanbury Hall is a treasure trove of sunlit spaces and quiet corners framed with lush greenery. To bask in the resplendent atmosphere and venture to nearby beauty spots, trace the circular trail around Hanbury Hall and the surrounding parish. Commencing in Gateway Park beside Droitwich Canal, it extends for nearly 7 miles and intertwines waterside paths, pastoral panoramas and rich history for a fascinating journey through land and time. Don your cosiest walking attire and tread footsteps through storybook scenes, skirting Piper’s Hills, Hanbury Church and Summer Hill. To continue your adventures, you can also take a detour to explore Hanbury Hall itself, strolling along topiary-lined pathways and relaxing in the orangery, orchards and suntrap walled garden. To satiate appetites, the on-site Courtyard Kitchen and Stables Café offer a selection of food and beverages.
Pershore Bridges
Embark on a heavenly voyage through some of Worcestershire’s lesser-known landscapes with the 5-mile loop to Pershore Bridges - a Scheduled Ancient Monument dating back to the 1400s. Following a waymarked riverside path, it reveals an idyllic stretch of the River Avon and promises a mixture of wild flora, fauna, and history. Embrace a relaxed pace as you follow the course, looking out for traditional narrowboats and a wealth of wildlife on the river. Kingfishers are a particular treat to see on the banks, endlessly elegant with their iridescent blue feathers and orange chests. Further sights include Tiddesley Wood, where coniferous and native broadleaved woodland shelter a miniature ecosystem and await with sun-dappled moments. To conclude your walk in style, enjoy a walk around the Georgian market town of Pershore and replenish with a delicious repast in one of the selection of pubs and cafés.
Feeling inspired for soul-stirring adventures? Take a look at our luxury cottages in Worcestershire.
