Some places you have to seek out. The Malverns are one of them: an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that rises, quite suddenly, from the flat of the Severn Valley: nine miles of ridge, endless walking, springs and gas lamps, and pretty towns tucked into the folds of the hills. One of Britain's best-kept secrets, and all the better for being off the beaten track.

The Cottage in the Wood sits high on the hillside in the middle of it all, the ridge rising behind and the valley sweeping down to the Cotswolds in front. This is the ideal base from which to discover the region, and an easy place to come back to at the end of the day. Walk from the door or venture out; either way, the best of The Malverns starts here.