Malvern Hills GeoCentre
Malvern Hills GeoCentre
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The Malvern Hills GeoCentre is a technology based visitor information centre situated with stunning views on the western slopes of the Malvern Hills. Use the interactive ipads, large video wall and wall maps to find out about the archeology, geology, water, nature, walks and history of the Malvern Hills. Cafe H2O within the Centre serves a range of locally sourced or homemade refreshments and sells maps & souvenirs. Free wifi.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
57 reviews
Excellent
28
Very good
22
Average
2
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Francis C
Lymington, UK739 contributions
Mar 2018 • Friends
We came upon this facility quite by accident. We had spent a delightful morning walking The Malvern Hills, and weary, and in need of some refreshments, we took to the car and drove along to see what we could find.
We hadn't gone far when we saw the sign for this place. From the outside it looks a little uninviting, but by peering through a small window I could see cakes and tea pots, and so in we went.
It's an interesting centre, well equipped to the needs of walkers, with lots of information on large coloured wall maps, and the most delightful video wall which projects some amazing local photographs.
I'm not sure of the ownership of this facility, but I imagine it's run and staffed by a local charity, and it clearly offers brilliant opportunities to young people with learning difficulties. But what a cheerful and wonderfully friendly bunch they are.
The food was excellent. delicious home made soup, lovely sandwiches and excellent cake.
Worth a visit, and worthy of your support for any number of reasons.
Give it a try.
We hadn't gone far when we saw the sign for this place. From the outside it looks a little uninviting, but by peering through a small window I could see cakes and tea pots, and so in we went.
It's an interesting centre, well equipped to the needs of walkers, with lots of information on large coloured wall maps, and the most delightful video wall which projects some amazing local photographs.
I'm not sure of the ownership of this facility, but I imagine it's run and staffed by a local charity, and it clearly offers brilliant opportunities to young people with learning difficulties. But what a cheerful and wonderfully friendly bunch they are.
The food was excellent. delicious home made soup, lovely sandwiches and excellent cake.
Worth a visit, and worthy of your support for any number of reasons.
Give it a try.
Written March 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your lovely review and comments about our Centre. Indeed, Cafe H2O within the GeoCentre is operated by team Jamboree, a co-operative of adult members each of whom have a learning disability. They really enjoy the experience of preparing and serving refreshments, and so they will be delighted to read your kind review.
Written March 16, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jerry b
Great Malvern, UK164 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
Stopping at the Wyche Innovation Centre and the Cafe H2O at the Center. We recharged our batteries after walking from British Camp over the hills, before continuing the journey. I was a fabulous place to stop for that well deserved cup and very tasty treat, some visitors had stopped for a meal but light refreshments were just the biscuit for us. The Geo Center was very interesting and I downloaded the Geopark Way App and updated Face Book using their free Wi-Fi.
Written October 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks very much for your review. We are also very pleased to hear you downloaded the Geopark Way App - I hope you found it useful!
Written March 8, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
waynegammon
Broughton, UK13 contributions
Sep 2014 • Family
Lovely place as we were walking The Malverns from end to end and back again this lovely center is as you come off the hills where the road dividends them at Wyche the staff and there helpers are all so friendly and helpful ,the food is delicious and the cakes are all cooked on site nice stop off on the walk we also popped in when we cycled round the hills .
Written September 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks very much for your great review! We are glad you like the cakes and look forward to seeing you again.
Written March 8, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Darren C
Redditch, UK365 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
A afternoon out walking on the Malvern Hills, decided to stop off at our usual pit stop for some light refreshment. Unfortunately on this occasion not the usual level of service, accepting the current position and the fact that it may have been a busy day... it's no excuse for poor customer service. Service with a smile NOT!
Parted with £13.20 for two T's and two rounds of sani's, wow! It must have been for the tub of butter on them.
We sat outside, litter bins over flowing and the dog's water normally a nice touch looked disgusting...
Maybe just an off day....
Parted with £13.20 for two T's and two rounds of sani's, wow! It must have been for the tub of butter on them.
We sat outside, litter bins over flowing and the dog's water normally a nice touch looked disgusting...
Maybe just an off day....
Written August 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
FDR47
Nottingham, UK163 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
Disappointed with our visit here. We'd read about it in a leaflet and perhaps built it up in our mind comparing it to something visited elsewhere. If you are expecting an interactive experience to take kids to to enthuse them about the areas amazing geological heritage... Maybe not here!
Plus points were free parking, loos and what looked like a pleasant cafe.... Which is mostly what this seemed to function as when we visited at least.
There were about four large geological maps which were informative but did rely on some experience so possibly intended for older kids into adults. Great for walkers as they explain about the geo trail which is more about what the centre represents I think. It was supposed to be interactive with attempts to engage folk with ipad stands... Three of em.... Only one was plugged in and working. Though.
There were indeed Fossils to see and some to touch but they were poorly labelled and in what looked like ikea trophy stands for some. To be honest they came across as a bit random as if to say.... And here's some Fossils. I'd have loved to see something about the environment they came from then and now which especially with ammonites and so could have been fab. There was a video wall.... Obviously expense had been thrown at it.... But it failed to engage us as there was little interpretive stuff. Really was interested in finding out more about the geology of the area and maybe I'm being a bit unfair if the geo centre is about the geo trail more than a general geology fix for the faithful. Maybe they're missing a trick!
Anyway fi ding it was tricky and it was poorly signed and when we did it was more of a theme cafe for walkers not a geo centre to discover local geology. If you want a cafe OK... But tbh there's even better cafes with warmer and more interested staff who looked bored and not really bothered.
Plus points were free parking, loos and what looked like a pleasant cafe.... Which is mostly what this seemed to function as when we visited at least.
There were about four large geological maps which were informative but did rely on some experience so possibly intended for older kids into adults. Great for walkers as they explain about the geo trail which is more about what the centre represents I think. It was supposed to be interactive with attempts to engage folk with ipad stands... Three of em.... Only one was plugged in and working. Though.
There were indeed Fossils to see and some to touch but they were poorly labelled and in what looked like ikea trophy stands for some. To be honest they came across as a bit random as if to say.... And here's some Fossils. I'd have loved to see something about the environment they came from then and now which especially with ammonites and so could have been fab. There was a video wall.... Obviously expense had been thrown at it.... But it failed to engage us as there was little interpretive stuff. Really was interested in finding out more about the geology of the area and maybe I'm being a bit unfair if the geo centre is about the geo trail more than a general geology fix for the faithful. Maybe they're missing a trick!
Anyway fi ding it was tricky and it was poorly signed and when we did it was more of a theme cafe for walkers not a geo centre to discover local geology. If you want a cafe OK... But tbh there's even better cafes with warmer and more interested staff who looked bored and not really bothered.
Written June 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for taking the time to write this review, and sorry that the Malvern Hills GeoCentre didn't live up to your expectations. Sometimes the iPads do become unplugged or discharged, but our staff will be happy to investigate and get them working again if alerted to the problem. Unfortunately both space and budget limits how much we can have on display, and it is the cafe that makes the initiative sustainable and allows us to provide the information and resources for free to all visitors. The rocks, fossils, maps, photographs, and in depth resources on the iPads (both near the wall maps and at the breakfast bar) provide much detail about the flora, fauna, geology and history of the Geopark and the associated trail. But we are always interested to hear visitor's comments and to improve things where we can. We're surprised to hear about the cafe staff, as usually they are fantastic, enthusiastic and much praised.
Written June 2, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alix H
Northamptonshire, UK25 contributions
Sep 2014 • Family
A simple cafe with really great homemade cake. Don't expect a list of 30 kinds of coffees. Very generous sized teapot and friendly service.
Written September 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for your review! We are delighted that you enjoyed your visit and look forward to seeing you again!
Written March 8, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sophielouiseemily
Stratford-upon-Avon, UK181 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
To be fair we came across this place by accident! We've been walking the Malverns for several years now and only stumbled on the GeoCentre a few weeks ago. I think it needs more signage so that other walkers and cyclists can find it more easily. We had a lovely cuppa and a superb bit of cake. The loos are tidy as well! There's all sorts of information available to help you explore Malvern AND the wider area. For example, we've now made use of the cycling and walking maps we picked up there. We found the staff to be very helpful. We shall certainly call again : ))
Written September 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so much for such a great review! You make a good point about lack of signage - we will soon be putting up some more signs in partnership with the excellent nearby Wyche Inn. We look forward to seeing you again!
Written March 8, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Skynet45
Great Malvern, UK238 contributions
Jun 2013 • Family
This is a must for anyone visiting the Malvern Hills. This newly opened centre explains the geography and unique geology of the Malvern Hills which gives a perfect introduction to one's visit.
Written July 22, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for your review and we are glad you found the information useful. We are constantly adding to it so hopefully there will be more to learn when you next visit!
Written August 4, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jimmurphy
Great Malvern, UK57 contributions
Jul 2013 • Couples
Fantastic service from the disabled workers on weekdays.
Great technology to learn about the area
superb coffee at weekends
Great technology to learn about the area
superb coffee at weekends
Written July 8, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks so much for such a positive review - really glad you enjoyed your visit!
Written July 10, 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Darren L
Wareham, UK147 contributions
Jul 2019 • Solo
Arrived on a Wednesday early but the cafe was closed. The have a car charging point which I plugged into and went for a walk. Left my number in the car in case it was a problem. Had a call from a lady who wanted me to remove my car so I walked back to pick up the car. I don't think the centre manager was overly impressed with me using the charger, which you could argue was a bit cheeky. As a driver of a Electric only vehicle and the fact this is a technology centre with a slant toward the ecology, I wrongly assumed I would be OK to charge, it is a pity I wasn't able to reciprocate with a coffee although the manager was dubious to this (I actually really did fancy a coffee). Anyway, just a note of thanks for the charge I did get, I apologise for parking like a bit of a idiot and sorry I misunderstood the facility. Could I ask on behalf of other EV drivers, that you turn off the charger if you don't want us to use it. No one like an altercation, regardless how calm and friendly is was.
I look forward to coming back and enjoying some carrot cake! I have put a not on ZapMap to warn other drivers to the policy.
I look forward to coming back and enjoying some carrot cake! I have put a not on ZapMap to warn other drivers to the policy.
Written July 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ShropshireHelly
Cleobury Mortimer, UK24 contributions
Do you allow well behaved dogs on leads? Thank you.
Adrian B
Great Malvern, UK
Thank you for query. Unfortunately we do not allow dogs inside the Cafe / GeoCentre, unless they are assistance dogs, but we do have a tie point just outside with water bowl and external seating.
Malvern Hills GeoCentre (Colwall) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Malvern Hills GeoCentre
- Malvern Hills GeoCentre is open:
- Thu - Tue 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Malvern Hills GeoCentre:
- (0.03 mi) TOR COTTAGE, family friendly in Colwall, Herefordshire
- (0.03 mi) Tor Cottage, Colwall, Herefordshire
- (0.16 mi) The Wyche Inn
- (0.30 mi) Railway Inn
- (0.60 mi) The Cottage in the Wood Hotel and Restaurant
- Restaurants near Malvern Hills GeoCentre:
- (0.00 mi) Cafe H2O
- (0.14 mi) The Wyche Inn
- (0.36 mi) The Chase Inn
- (0.32 mi) The Railway Inn
- (0.60 mi) 1919 Restaurant