James Besanvalle
Published November 23, 2025 12:00pm
Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook
Comment now
Comments
Hidden in the hills of the West Midlands is a cosy winter escape (Picture: Malvern Hills Lodge / Encore PR)
Metro Checks In to Malvern Hills Lodge, a luxury holiday cabin in Worcestershire that’s perfect for a romantic winter getaway.
Watching the rolling hills and meadows whizz past from the train to Great Malvern, I realise there are only two things I know about this West Midlands town.
The first is that it’s famous for its crystal-clear spring water that Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II reportedly wouldn’t travel without.
The second is that it is the birthplace of another British queen – X Factor star Cher Lloyd. I have Swagger Jagger playing through my headphones to psych me up for my stay at the secluded Malvern Hills Lodge.
As the train pulls into the quaint Victorian station complete with ironwork canopies and stained glass, I breathe in the crisp country air. It’s a welcome change from London, which is just two and a half hours away.
What’s the vibe? Paint us a picture
After a short 15-minute taxi from the station, my partner Matt and I are greeted at the property gate for check-in by Lois, who owns Malvern Hills Lodge with her husband, Rich.
@travelwithmetroRainy country getaway? Metro Checks In at Malvern Hills Lodge, Worcestershire, for a countryside getaway just two hours from London. #Worcestershire #metrochecksin #countryescape #uktravel
♬ original sound – Metro Travel – Metro Travel
Win a five day tour to Krakow, Poland
You could win a trip to explore Krakow's UNESCO-listed Old Town (Picture: Getty Images)
We’ve teamed up with Newmarket Holidays to offer one lucky Metro reader the opportunity to WIN an unforgettable escorted tour to Krakow.
Get ready for a five-day escape through Poland’s former royal capital, where history, culture, and striking architecture await at every turn. Explore the UNESCO-listed treasures of the enchanting Old Town, stroll along cobblestone streets, and soak in the city’s unique charm.
Competition closes November 30, T&Cs apply.
Enter now for your chance to win!
The taxi drives up a steep, rocky road to the top of a hill, where we’re ushered through a clearing of trees ringed by a wooden fence.
The lodge appears in the distance like a lighthouse shrouded in mist, at the end of a short cobbled path next to a paddock of grazing cows.
As we walk through the gate and down a winding staircase, we pass a giant swing-seat, a pizza oven, and the lodge’s two main attractions perched on an elevated deck – the wood-fired hot tub and sauna.
After getting settled in, we pour a couple of glasses of red wine and whip out a board game to play in the living room by a cosy fire. At bedtime, I’m eager to get a glimpse of an unpolluted starry sky.
Perfect for stargazing (Picture: Malvern Hills Lodge / Encore PR)
I open the room’s skylight by turning a cog above the bed. I can’t think of anything more peaceful than watching the constellations as I drift off to sleep.
What about the facilities?
After a wash in our enormous rainfall shower, I beeline to the aforementioned hot tub and sauna, which require a bit of work to get going.
You need to fill up the tub, light both fires (which come stacked with wood and kindling), and then top up the logs every half an hour.
In between setting this up, we take advantage of the fully-fitted kitchen – complete with a kettle, toaster, gas hob stove top, and coffee machine – to fry a full English breakfast with the eggs and bread provided (plus bacon I bought on the way).
The cabin comes with all you need to hole up for the weekend (Picture: Malvern Hills Lodge / Encore PR)
Metro's latest hotel reviews
- This is what it’s really like to sleep in a snow hotel
- Dishoom’s Permit Room: London’s most exciting hotel spin-off in years
- The ‘decadent’ all-inclusive Turkish hotel that’s fit for royalty
- Oxford’s new hotel in one of the world’s oldest department stores
Once the food is settled and both the sauna and hot tub are properly heated (don’t worry if it sounds daunting, there are full instructions both during check-in and in an extensive guest information book), it’s time to get in. Starting with the sauna, I pour pine-scented water over hot coals and soak in the steam.
We manage about 15 minutes before diving under a quick cold shower and running to the hot tub. With a glass of wine pre-poured and waiting, I submerge myself and take a deep breath out. Bliss.
I wish I could stay in the hot tub forever, but it ends up being a balancing act to keep the water temperature where we want it, so it’s time to drain the tub and retreat inside. After another quick shower, I find a reading nook in the bedroom and curl up with a book.
In summer, the terrace would be lovely for sundowners (Picture: Malvern Hills Lodge / Encore PR)
Other on-site facilities include full central heating, broadband, a music system, portable speakers, and a radio. A travel cot and high chair are available upon request.
Can you eat and drink at the lodge?
Guests receive a welcome hamper of fresh bread, eggs, milk, and juice, alongside essentials such as sugar, tea, coffee pods, oils, seasonings, flour, and yeast.
There’s also a cloche-like ceramic container with a homemade lemon and aubergine cake, which is surprisingly delicious for a combination I would never have thought of.
As for groceries, guests are encouraged to stock up with food supplies for their stay, as the nearest shop is a five-minute drive (or an hour-long walk). If you’re in need, you can make for the nearby town of Ledbury, which has a selection of supermarkets and a 24-hour petrol station.
Expect some visitors (Picture: Malvern Hills Lodge / Encore PR)
For dinner, we try Faun in Malvern, which is a newly opened wine bar in the middle of town.
Sharing a bottle of Cheverny Rouge 2023 in the cosy candle-lit bar, we order a charcuterie board, burrata, mackerel paté, and the standout – Gordal olives, which are large and green with a slight kick.
We can’t pass up dessert, and it doesn’t disappoint, particularly the Basque cheesecake with blueberries, which I’m told is a favourite at Faun’s bakery and cafe just up the road.
How much does it cost?
Malvern Hills Lodge has a minimum two-night stay midweek and three nights over a weekend.
A secluded spot to escape the world (Picture: Malvern Hills Lodge / Encore PR)
A two-night midweek stay during low season starts at £420, and a three-night weekend stay rises to £785 in high season. Five-day and week-long stays are also available on request.
More Trending
-
easyJet adds new flight to ‘sublime’ island with 24°C December heat
Channel: Travel Travel 2 days ago By Alice Murphy - My honest review of the $1,000,000,000 Grand Egyptian Museum that took 20 years to build
- 'Simply spectacular' country named the world's top destination to visit in 2026
- Major Christmas rail strikes announced - will your train be affected?
As for trains, it’s £70 return from Paddington to Great Malvern with GWR or first-class for £110.
Everything you need to know: at a glance
Check in/check out: 2:30pm/9:30am
Standout feature: The wood-fired hot tub is undeniably the main attraction, but the skylight in the bedroom is a lovely touch.
Perfect for: Couples or small families.
Not right for: Groups of more than four or rowdy parties.
Our Top Shopping Picks
The sell-out suitcase that means you'll never be left with stale clothes again
Breakdown drama? There’s an app for that – and it gets you help in minutes
Pack 60% more with these cubes that sell every 2 mins – and travel smarter, not heavier
Shoppers say 'after 1 week, skin looks brighter, hydrated and glowy' as moisturiser works
Sick of shaving? This at-home device will save you hundreds on hair removal
James Besanvalle was a guest of Malvern Hills Lodge.
Arrow MORE: ‘Simply spectacular’ country named the world’s top destination to visit in 2026
Arrow MORE: Major Christmas rail strikes announced – will your train be affected?
Arrow MORE: I despised camping but a night in the desert changed my mind
Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source The GetawayFuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration.
Email I agree to receive newsletters from Metro I agree to receive newsletters from Metro Sign UpSign UpThis site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy
