The Malvern Hills themselves form the border between, and offer scenic views over, the counties of
Herefordshire and
Worcestershire. The district includes approximately half of the
Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (prior to the 1998 alterations to its boundary, it covered most of the AONB). The district bounds onto the counties of
Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and
Shropshire, as well as the Worcestershire districts of Wychavon,
Worcester and
Wyre Forest. The
River Teme is famous for its
fishing and runs across the northern half of the district, from
Tenbury Wells, to its confluence with the
River Severn near
Worcester, close to the site of the
Battle of Worcester. Historically, the Teme Valley was famous for its
orchards and
hop yards, though these declined during the second half of the 20th century, with some revival since . The River Severn forms the eastern boundary of the district (with
Wychavon) between
Stourport and Worcester, whilst to the south of Worcester the district includes parishes to the east of the Severn; the river is also popular with
anglers and has public navigation rights. The area has a significant
spa heritage and
Malvern water is bottled and distributed commercially worldwide. The spa buildings (
The Pump Rooms) survive at
Tenbury Wells and many free
spring water sources are available to the public in and around
Malvern. In the east of the district is
Croome Court, a significant
National Trust property. ==Towns and parishes==