Nine O’clock Cave

Scrambling up the Malvern Hills, you'll spot a dark opening in the rock face that's been drawing curious visitors for generations. Nine O'clock Cave sits partway up the hillside, offering a proper adventure for anyone willing to make the climb from Malvern town below.

The cave itself isn't enormous - don't expect cathedral-sized chambers - but it's large enough to explore and provides welcome shelter if the weather turns. Local legend has it that the cave got its name because shadows fall across the entrance at nine o'clock, though I'm not entirely convinced about the accuracy of that timing. What's certain is that the views from the cave mouth across the Severn Valley are absolutely cracking.

Families with older children will love the sense of discovery, though parents should know the path up isn't for pushchairs. It's a good hour's walk from the nearest car park, and the final approach requires a bit of scrambling over rocks. Walkers tackling the Malvern Ridge will find it makes a worthwhile detour.

For those staying at nearby holiday parks like Malvern Hills Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite or Blackmore Camping and Caravanning Club Site, this adds a proper dose of adventure to your Worcestershire break. Pack a torch and allow half a day for the round trip.