Emma Luxury Countryside Escape: Cottage in the Wood Malvern Review
Looking for a relaxing countryside escape with incredible views and standout dining? In this review, we share our experience staying at Cottage in the Wood Malvern, a boutique hotel tucked away in the stunning Malvern Hills.
Known for its peaceful setting, cosy rooms, and award-winning restaurant, this Worcestershire hideaway is a popular choice for romantic getaways and foodie breaks. But is it really worth the price—and does it live up to the hype?
From first impressions to room comfort, dinner and local attractions/exploring the surrounding hills, here’s everything you need to know before booking your stay at The Cottage in the Wood Malvern.
First Impressions of The Cottage in the Wood
Perched high above the rolling landscape of the Malvern Hills, The Cottage in the Wood is a boutique countryside hotel offering panoramic views of the Severn Valley, Vale of Evesham and the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, offering a peaceful retreat from everyday life with award-winning dining. If you’re searching for a luxury hotel within easy reach of London, Bristol or Birmingham with views and good food then this could be for you. It’s a popular choice for couples, walkers, and food lovers looking for a relaxing UK countryside escape.
Location: A Hotel with some of the best views in the Malvern Hills
Our taxi from the railway station drove through a winding woodland (uphill!) drive, which added to the sense of escape, making it feel like a hidden gem. Despite its secluded feel, it’s just a short distance from the town of Great Malvern, making it an ideal base for exploring (walkable and you can always get a taxi back!).
For travellers searching for where to stay in the Malvern Hills, UK, this location offers both convenience and tranquillity.
How to get to The Cottage in the Wood
Easily reachable by railway. There are direct trains from London Paddington, Birmingham New Street, Bristol Temple Meads and Hereford to Great Malvern railway station. If driving, there is access from the M5 motorway and a sufficient parking area.
Rooms: Boutique Comfort in the Worcestershire Countryside
Rooms at this boutique hotel in Worcestershire countryside are designed with comfort and style in mind. Theres a blend of modern finishes and cosy touches which creates a relaxing space after a day exploring the hills.
There are 32 bedrooms available, each decorated with their own individual charm and character. As the hotel is spread over three separate buildings there are umbrellas positioned beside the doors for guest use in the event of rain.
The Main House has nine bespoke bedrooms in the original manor house with a mix of modern and antique furniture and many rooms with stunning views of the Severn Valley.
Beech Cottage is their oldest building full of historic charm with exposed beams, quaint windows and cottage vibes. Each of the four beautifully designed rooms are decorated with striking wallpapers and soft furnishings.
The Coach House has spacious, bright and stylish rooms. Many rooms open up to private terraces with sweeping views of the countryside beyond.
Comfortable beds, high-quality linens, and tea and coffee facilities ensure a restful stay. Bathrooms include rainfall showers or deep baths, perfect for unwinding.
While not oversized, the rooms are well-designed and ideal for couples looking for a romantic countryside hotel in the UK.
We stayed in the Coach House in a ‘Great Room’. Great Rooms are big, bright and have views of the Severn Valley. This was the view from our bedroom window. 🙂
Our first floor room had a dreamy king size bed with two chairs and a table positioned for taking in the view, a small TV, fridge, tea (Taylor’s English Breakfast, Earl Grey and Peppermint) and coffee making facilities (a Nespresso machine would have been an added bonus) with a small flapjack, desk and an en-suite with a walk-in shower but no bath sadly. Some ground floor rooms have patios with outside seating or a small balcony.
At night we could hear owls in the trees outside.
Dining: A Destination Restaurant in the Malvern Hills
Dining is a highlight and a key reason why this is considered one of the best hotels in the Malvern Hills.
The Cottage in the Wood is home to two distinctive dining experiences: the relaxed and welcoming Brasserie, and 1919, Malvern’s only 3 AA Rosette restaurant. Both restaurants focus on locally sourced produce.
Dining in the Bistro
If you are looking for a relaxed dining experience then the Bistro is for you. You can mix and match from a selection of small plates, or choose to go for some cottage classics such as cider braised pork belly.
We returned to the bistro for lunch before our journey home.
Dining at 1919
The 1919 Restaurant is the fine dining restaurant at The Cottage in the Wood. With a 7-course tasting menu. Awarded three AA-Rosettes as well as being Michelin listed.
Breakfast
Breakfast continues the high standard and it’s an ideal way to fuel up before heading out to explore.
Service & Atmosphere
The atmosphere at The Cottage in the Wood is relaxed and welcoming, making it ideal for those looking for a peaceful countryside hotel in Worcestershire. The albums on the wall in the bar highlight some of the musicians who have stayed here over the years. Local beer, the 1985 lager from the Wye Valley brewery was on draught, with a selection of their other beers by the bottle. There was also local cider in bottles from Oldfields.
Image Foodie Explorers
Service is attentive without being overly formal, striking a balance that suits both short breaks and longer stays. Staff are knowledgeable about the local area and happy to provide recommendations, which adds to the overall experience.
More travel inspo with our Bath Travel Guide.
Things to Do Near Cottage in the Wood Malvern
If you’re planning a Malvern Hills walking holiday, this hotel is perfectly positioned. Walking trails are accessible from a gate behind the hotel offering easy access to some of the best hikes in the region (staff can advise on routes).
Popular activities nearby include:
- Walking the Malvern Hills ridge
- Exploring local food and drink producers in Worcestershire and Herefordshire
- Visiting Great Malvern for independent shops and cafés
- Enjoying scenic drives through the surrounding countryside
This makes it an excellent base for anyone searching for hotels near Malvern Hills walking routes.
Is Cottage in the Wood Malvern Worth It?
For travellers searching for a luxury boutique hotel in the Malvern Hills with a restaurant and views, The Cottage in the Wood delivers on all fronts. It combines a standout hillside location; comfortable, stylish rooms; high-quality dining and easy access to walking routes While it may not offer spa facilities or nightlife, that’s part of its charm. This is a place to switch off, enjoy the scenery, and indulge in great food.
Foodie Explorers Verdict
If you’re researching the best places to stay in Great Malvern or the wider Malvern Hills area, The Cottage in the Wood should be high on your list. It’s particularly suited to couples, walkers, and food lovers looking for a romantic countryside hotel break in the UK.
If you’re planning a Malvern Hills getaway, this hotel offers not just accommodation, but a complete countryside experience—making it a top choice for a relaxing UK escape.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Stunning Malvern Hills views
- High-quality dining
- Peaceful location
- Local beer and cider in bar
Cons
- Some attention to maintenance needed.
- Some more tweaks e.g Nespresso and the offer of fresh milk, which is often expected at hotels of this standard
