Great Malvern Railway Station, Worcestershire: Victorian Gem

Great Malvern Railway Station in Worcestershire is incredibly well-preserved.

The station retains most of its original Victorian station design by the architect Edmund Wallace Elmslie and is a Grade II listed building.

Great Malvern station was opened by the Worcester and Hereford Railway in 1860 and the present buildings, by architect Edmund Wallace Elmslie, were completed in 1862.

One notable aspect of the station is its distinctive deep canopies, upheld by intricate cast-iron girders resting upon columns adorned with elaborate capitals.

These capitals are adorned with intricate high relief mouldings, showcasing various floral and foliage arrangements.

Renowned sculptor William Forsyth was commissioned to contribute to the station's aesthetic, particularly designing the metal capitals supporting the canopies over both platforms.

At the end of Platform 2 is the entrance to the Worm, an enclosed passageway which leads under Avenue Road into the former Imperial Hotel (now Malvern St James).

It formed a private pedestrian access and is believed to be the only structure of its kind in the country.

Although in need of extensive restoration and generally not open to the public, the Worm is itself Grade II listed.

In 2022, Network Rail allocated £8 million toward the comprehensive restoration of the platform canopies, sculptures, overhead glazing, and ironwork at the station.

Furthermore, the Victorian station clock, which had remained motionless for over three years, has been restored to working order following an £8,000 renovation in 2021.

This endeavour encompassed the replacement of all the glass within the station canopies.

Victorian architects and designers were driven by a variety of factors that led to the creation of the remarkable and often elaborate structures we associate with the era.

The Victorian period witnessed significant advancements in engineering and construction techniques, such as the widespread use of iron and steel frameworks, which enabled architects to design buildings with larger spans and greater heights.

This technological progress allowed for more daring and innovative architectural designs.

The rapid urbanisation of Victorian cities necessitated the construction of new infrastructure, public buildings, and housing to accommodate the growing population.

Architects seized the opportunity to leave their mark on the urban landscape, creating iconic landmarks and civic spaces - such as this historic train station in Malvern.

Malvern itself is nestled at the foot of the Malvern Hills, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Malvern is an elegant Victorian town, with roots going back to the bronze age.

Modernised in the 1800’s as a popular destination for ‘taking the water’ travellers came from around the world to heal, relax and rejuvenate.

Today, visitors come to take in the natural beauty of the hills, experience the rich history & culture of the town, relax in the excellent hotels and spas and treat themselves at our independent cafés and restaurants.

There are three town centres in Malvern – Great Malvern, Barnards Green and Malvern Link, making Malvern an impressive shopping destination.

There are independent retailers a-plenty including arts and craft shops, galleries, boutiques and more. Browse bookshops, both new and second-hand, as well as quality furniture, fashion and food.

The local lifestyle attracts artists and craftspeople, so you will find some delightful works on show and in shops and galleries.

Someone who recently visited the train station said: “This is a beautiful small station and one of the cleanest, tidiest stations in the country.

”The Lady Foley Tea Room (Platform 1 Northbound) is well worth a visit. The Worm is historic though closed may be reopened in future.”

Another person added: “This Gothic styled building is well worth a visit, not least to see the ornamented cast iron pillars depicting different arrangements of foliage and flowers.

”The former first class waiting room is now a pleasant tea room. On platform one there are several Great Western seats, still in use, and a weighbridge.”

If you’d like to visit, the address is: Malvern WR14 3AU.

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