VISITORS to Great Malvern are being urged to dump their cars and take in the historic town on foot before heading for the hills, thanks to a new town walk.

The first phase of Great Malvern: Route to The Hills - a self-guided, mile-long walk, which begins at the town’s Victorian railway station – officially goes live this June and brings to life the town’s past, through specially-commissioned artworks.

These include interpretation panels, gas lamps, metal pavement studs and even a bench featuring the legs of Mr Tumnus from C S Lewis's The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The walk will evolve as more elements are added over the coming year.

Project partner David Armitage of Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, said: “This is a really innovative way for people to appreciate our beautiful town and its fascinating history that spans centuries.

"We’re delighted to spearhead this interactive approach to discovery and underline the fact there’s more to Malvern than the hills.”

During the walk, people can learn about the Victorian water cure, which attracted the likes of Charles Dickens, Florence Nightingale, Charles Darwin and Alfred Lord Tennyson to the town. A well offering filtered spring water also features.

Scientific breakthroughs, Morgan cars, Edward Elgar and theatrical firsts are also covered by the walk, as well as Great Malvern’s historic buildings.

Free guides are available for the walk along with an activity pack for children. Although the walk is steep in places, lots of resting places are provided, offering great views. The walk also features flights of stairs, but there are ways around for wheelchair and pushchair users.

Find out more at routetothehills.co.uk.