Exploring quintessential England has never been easier than on the Cotswolds and Malverns Line. This is travel and tourism at its leisurely best. The line that links gems such as Oxford, Evesham, Worcester, Malvern, Ledbury and Hereford gets right to the heart of historic towns and cities of distinction, superb countryside of outstanding natural beauty and idyllic, old-English village scenes.

For walkers, stations along the line give instant access to some stunning scenery. Paths leading from platforms and forecourts mark the start of routes that weave their way through such memorable landscapes as the gentle, golden Cotswolds, the fruitful Vale of Evesham or the dramatic ridge of the Malvern Hills.

Though travel is easy, there’s every inducement to stay. Trains set down passengers just a short stroll from graceful cathedrals, medieval half-timbered buildings, elegant colleges and dreaming spires. Shops, special events, theatres and an impressive range of pubs, tea rooms, café and restaurants add extra temptation to linger. For a long weekend or overnight stay, accommodation comes in every guise. Between them, the destinations featured in the downloadable guide at Cotswolds & Malverns Line Guide all offer traditional hotels or friendly B&Bs, city centre urban chic or rural inns with home-cooked dishes of local produce ,fine wines, real ales and walkers’ boots lined up in the porch.