Malvern Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, activities, and delicious dishes to try in Malvern, Pennsylvania, with this helpful travel guide. Learn everything from local culture to transportation options.


Malvern is a charming borough in Chester County, located in the Philadelphia Region, in Pennsylvania, part of Mid-Atlantic region of the United States of America, in North America. Its rich history, cultural landmarks, beautiful natural scenery, and exciting activities to indulge in make it an ideal destination for tourists seeking a relaxing and eventful vacation. In this comprehensive tour guide, you will learn everything about the best places to visit, local culture, transport, safety, and delicious food and drink to try in Malvern.

List of Places to Visit in Malvern

Malvern has a plethora of attractions to keep you busy, and you can easily spend a week exploring them. To simplify, we divided the places into two categories.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Wharton Esherick Museum: Located in the wooded hills of Malvern, this museum is dedicated to the life and work of Wharton Esherick, a renowned woodworker, sculptor, and artist. The museum hosts a vast collection of his work, including furniture, sculptures, prints, and paintings.

  • Historic Sugartown: Featuring 19th-century living history, historic Sugartown offers an intimate peek into early American life. You can tour the carefully restored historic buildings, participate in workshops or explore the old-fashioned general store.

  • The People’s Light and Theatre Company: Founded in 1974, The People’s Light and Theatre Company offers over 400 performances per year in its state-of-the-art theatre. It entertains with everything from comedic plays to musical performances.

Natural Attractions of Malvern: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Natural Lands Binky Lee Preserve: With more than three miles of hiking trails through a 112-acre area of woodlands and fields, this preserve offers a serene natural sanctuary. You can hike, bike or enjoy birdwatching in the pristine nature.

  • Paoli Battlefield Historical Park: This 40-acre park commemorates the 1777 Revolutionary War Battle of Paoli, where American troops led a surprise attack on the British army. You can explore the historical grounds, attend educational programs, or enjoy a picnic in the beautiful park.

  • Malvern Hills - This peaceful hiking area offers scenic views of Malvern and the surrounding areas, with trails of various difficulty levels.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Malvern

Malvern is also a popular destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts, and there are several trails to explore:

  • Chester Valley Trail - A 14-mile-long rail-trail extending from King of Prussia to Exton, this trail is perfect for a scenic bike ride or walk. It offers a beautiful view of the Chester Valley and Downingtown, and provides direct access to several parks throughout the area.

  • Valley Forge National Park Trail System - Featuring twenty-eight trails covering thirty miles, this National Park provides trails of various difficulty levels, from easy flat walks to steep hikes. The park also has historical significance to American history as the location of the 1777-78 winter encampment of George Washington’s Continental Army.

  • Horseshoe Trail - This trail covers over 140 miles, stretching from Valley Forge through several counties, including Chester County. The trail offers a mix of natural beauty and historic landmarks, making it a popular choice for hikers.

Best Things to Do in Malvern: Activities and Tours

  • Wine Tasting at Chaddsford Winery: Explore the local vineyards and enjoy a tasting session of some of the world’s finest wines.

  • Team Building at Chester Valley Golf Club: Play a relaxing game of golf or indulge in team building activities at the iconic Chester Valley Golf Club, with its lush greens and stunning views.

  • Balloon Ride Over Chester County: Admire the beautiful countryside from above in a hot air balloon ride, available year-round.

Week-Long Itinerary for Malvern

For your convenience, we’ve created a week-long itinerary for you to follow during your vacation to Malvern!

Day 1: Visit the Wharton Esherick Museum, explore the living history at historic Sugartown, and attend a live theatre performance at The People’s Light.

Day 2: Explore the unique shops and galleries on King Street in the charming borough of Malvern.

Day 3: Visit the sprawling Valley Forge National Park, with many trails to explore, taking in George Washington’s troops’ historic encampment during the Revolutionary War.

Day 4: Take a bike ride on the Chester Valley Trail, grab lunch at any of the local restaurants, then continue exploring the local vineyards.

Day 5: Visit the Paoli Battlefield Historical Park and take a leisurely walk on the Malvern Hills trails.

Day 6: Indulge in some team-building activities at Chester Valley Golf Club or enjoy a hot air balloon ride over Chester County.

Day 7: Relax and enjoy nature at the Natural Lands Binky Lee Preserve. Take a stroll along the trails or enjoy some bird watching before returning home.

Food and Drink Scene of Malvern

Philadelphia is famous for food, and Malvern is no exception. Some of the dishes and beverages to try include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cheesesteak: Philadelphians swear by their local version of this delicious sandwich, made with grilled beef and melted Cheese Wiz or provolone cheese, and served on a small roll.

  • Hoagies: This gigantic submarine sandwich comes with a variety of delicious toppings such as cold cuts, cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.

  • Philadelphia Soft Pretzels: A Philly classic, this doughy delight is freshly baked and served warm, with a side of mustard for dipping.

Local Beverages

  • Yuengling Beer: This is America’s oldest brewery, and it has been operating since 1829. Yuengling Beer is a must-try when in Philadelphia.

  • Reading Draft Soda: A local favorite, this soda is made from fresh natural ingredients with no high-fructose corn syrup.

  • Philadelphia Coffee: Philz Coffee, formerly known as La Colombe, is a coffee shop that has its origins in Philadelphia. La Colombe has recently changed its name to Philz Coffee and has expanded globally, including in Los Angeles.

Where to Stay in Malvern: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Malvern has an array of accommodation options to suit all budgets, preferences, and travel styles. Some of the popular options include:

  • The Desmond Malvern: This elegant hotel is situated in the heart of historic Malvern, with rooms featuring antique furniture, traditional architecture, and modern amenities.

  • The General Warren: Built-in 1745, this historic guesthouse located in the western suburbs of Philadelphia provides comfortable accommodations and excellent dining options.

  • The Courtyard by Marriott: Located in the vicinity of King of Prussia and Valley Forge Park, it has modern rooms and offers convenient access to the highway.

What to Buy in Malvern: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Malvern is a hub for local artists and designers, and you can find unique souvenir items that represent the area. Some great options include:

  • Handmade Artisanal Products: From handmade pottery to artisanal candles, Malvern has a thriving community of independent artists who offer high-quality and unique products.

  • Local Wines: Venture out to any of the local vineyards in Malvern, and bring home a bottle of some of Pennsylvania’s finest wines.

Local Culture and Customs of Malvern

The locals of Malvern are known for their friendly nature and love for their community. The area has a rich history, which is evident everywhere from the preserved historical buildings to the museums displaying artifacts from the past. The region also has a thriving art and music scene.

Best Time to Visit Malvern

The best time to visit Malvern is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild, and the area is bursting with colorful foliage. However, if you are interested in history, the best time to visit is in July when the historic Paoli Battlefield re-enactment takes place.

Do’s and Don’ts of Malvern

Do:

  • Respect the locals and their culture.
  • Explore the local vineyards and enjoy wine tasting.
  • Attend live theatre performances and cultural events.

Don’t:

  • Litter - respect the beauty and serenity of the natural scenery.
  • Break traffic laws - obey both traffic and pedestrian rules.
  • Damage historical landmarks - respect local history and its preservation.

Safety and Health

Safety in Malvern

Philadelphia, just like any other global destination, has its share of security problems. Take extra precautions when on the trails and when walking back to your hotel after a late night out. The area is relatively safe, but always be vigilant of your surroundings.

Health in Malvern

Malvern has many local hospitals and medical facilities that offer quality care and services. If you need health care while in the area, you can count on medical facilities such as Nemours/A.I. duPont Hospital for Children.

Getting to Malvern: Transportation Options and Logistics

Malvern is conveniently located near some major transportation routes. Some of the transportation options include:

Airports Near Malvern

  • Philadelphia International Airport - 38 miles from Malvern, offering direct and connecting flights across the world.

Bus Stations Near Malvern

  • Greyhound Bus Lines - With multiple pickups throughout the city, this is a popular option for travelers coming from other major cities in the region.

Other Options

  • Train/bus combination - Take a train to a nearby city and then hop on a local bus or taxi to Malvern.
  • Driving - If you plan to drive, Interstate 95 provides an easy connection between Malvern and other major cities and highways in the vicinity.

How to Get Around in Malvern

In Malvern, it is convenient to have a car to move around, although public transportation offers an alternative option.

  • Car Rental - A car rental is an excellent option for tourists, with well-known companies such as Hertz and Avis offering services at the Philadelphia Airport.

  • Taxi Services - Many taxi services in the city offer convenient travel options, and Uber and Lyft also operate here.

Where to Go Next from Malvern: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Malvern is conveniently located within proximity to other great destinations. Some of the popular day trips include:

  • Philadelphia - This vibrant city is the birthplace of the Constitution and Liberty Bell, and visitors can explore the many museums, landmarks, and entertainment options.

  • Valley Forge National Historical Park - Visitors can explore the park’s scenic trails, picnic areas, and historical sites.

  • Lancaster County - Visitors can explore Amish country with the buggy rides, visit historic sites or devour scrumptious Amish food.

Conclusion

Malvern, a hidden gem located in the Philadelphia region, offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, cultural enrichment, and delicious cuisine. This comprehensive tour guide has provided you with trends, itineraries, insider tips, and everything else you need to plan the perfect trip to this fantastic destination. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, Malvern has something for everyone. Visit Malvern today and experience all that this charming borough has to offer.