10 Things to Do in Upton-upon-Severn
- Aug 28
- 5 min read
Upton-upon-Severn is one of those towns that rewards a proper look. Tucked along the banks of the River Severn and framed by the Malvern Hills, it's easy to treat as a quick stop on the way somewhere else, but there's genuinely enough here to fill a full day, or a full weekend, without ever feeling rushed.
Whether you're visiting for an afternoon or thinking about spending a lot more time here, here are ten things worth doing while you're in Upton-upon-Severn.
Things to Do in Upton-upon-Severn
1. Walk the Malvern Hills
The Malvern Hills are only a short drive from the town centre, and they're one of the best reasons to visit this part of Worcestershire at all. The Malvern Hills AONB has waymarked routes for every ability, from gentle riverside strolls to a full ridge walk along the top of the hills, and the views back down over the Severn Valley are worth the climb on their own.
If you're new to the area, the official AONB walking pages are a good place to start, they list routes by difficulty and length, along with guidance on dog walking and accessible paths.
2. Take a Boat Out on the River Severn
Upton sits directly on the River Severn, and the town's relationship with the water is central to its character. Upton Marina offers direct access for boat owners, and there are options locally for hiring a boat or joining a river cruise if you don't have your own.
Even if you're not on the water yourself, a walk along the riverside path gives you a proper sense of why so many people are drawn to this stretch of the Severn.
3. Visit the Pepperpot
You can't really miss the Pepperpot, it's the distinctive hexagonal-topped tower standing at the entrance to the town, and it's one of Upton's oldest structures. The main body of the tower is believed to date back to the fourteenth century, with its base possibly even older, and it's all that remains of the town's original parish church, demolished in 1937.
Today it houses a small heritage display and the town's Tourist Information Centre, and it's a genuinely good starting point if you want some context on Upton's history before exploring further.
4. Explore the Tudor House Museum
A short walk from the Pepperpot, the Tudor House Museum is spread across three floors of a historic building on Church Street, with a garden attached. Inside, you'll find collections covering Upton's past and present, including local pottery, photographs of the town through the decades, and displays on its wartime history.
Entry is free, with donations welcomed, and it's open Thursday to Sunday afternoons (plus bank holiday Mondays), so it's worth checking opening times before you plan your visit around it.
5. Wander the Historic Streets
Upton's town centre rewards slow exploration. The streets around the riverside are lined with independent shops, cafés, and pubs, many housed in genuinely old buildings, and there's a strong sense of community that's harder to find in larger towns nearby.
Grab a coffee, browse the independent shops, and take your time. This is the kind of place where the appeal is in the details, not a single big attraction.
6. Catch a Festival, If the Timing Works Out
Upton has an outsized reputation for its music festivals given its size. The Upton Jazz Festival takes place annually in late June, spreading across pub venues, cafés, and ticketed concerts throughout the town, and it's grown into one of the more respected events on the UK jazz calendar. The Upton Blues Festival follows a similar format in July, and has been running since 2001.
If your visit happens to line up with one of these, it's well worth staying for. If not, it's a good reason to plan a return trip.
7. Enjoy a Riverside Meal or Drink
With the river running straight through town, there's no shortage of places to eat or drink with a water view. We've covered our favourites in more detail in 8 Places to Eat in Upton-upon-Severn, but the short version is: pick anywhere along the riverside, and you're unlikely to be disappointed.
8. Spend Time at the Heritage Centre
Alongside the Pepperpot, Upton's Heritage Centre gives a deeper look at the town's history, including its role during the Civil War in 1651. It's housed in one of the oldest surviving buildings in the town, and the displays cover how Upton has grown and changed over the centuries.
It's a small, unhurried kind of attraction, exactly the sort of thing that rewards a visit when you're not in a rush to be anywhere else.
9. Watch the World Go By on the Water
Some of the best time you can spend in Upton doesn't involve doing anything in particular. Find a spot along the riverside, or out on the water itself, and simply watch the boats, the birdlife, and the town go about its day. Swans are a common sight along this stretch of the Severn, and there's a genuine, unhurried quality to an afternoon spent this way that's hard to describe until you've done it.
10. See Life on the Water for Yourself
Just outside the town, Upton Lake is home to a small, growing community of floating homes, contemporary properties built to sit permanently on the water, with views across the lake and the Malvern Hills beyond. It's a genuinely different way of living, and one that's fairly unique to this part of the country.
Whether you're simply curious about what floating homes actually look like day to day, or thinking about what waterside living could mean for your own next move, it's worth a look. You can find out more about the homes, the setting, and life at Upton Lake at Waterfront Living.
Upton-upon-Severn is a small town, but it doesn't feel like one once you've spent a proper day here. Between the hills, the river, the history, and the community, there's a genuine reason people keep coming back, and, for some, a reason they end up staying for good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Upton-upon-Severn worth visiting?
Yes. Between the Malvern Hills, the riverside setting, its historic streets, and a genuinely lively festival calendar for its size, it offers far more than a typical small market town.
What is Upton-upon-Severn known for?
Its riverside location on the Severn, its historic Pepperpot landmark, and its jazz and blues festivals, which draw visitors from well beyond Worcestershire each year.
How long should I spend in Upton-upon-Severn?
A half day is enough to see the main sights, but a full day, or a weekend if you want to include a walk in the Malvern Hills, lets you actually settle into the pace of the place.
Is Upton-upon-Severn good for families?
Yes, the riverside walks, open spaces, and low-key pace make it an easy, relaxed place to bring children, particularly outside of the busiest festival weekends.
Can you walk to the Malvern Hills from Upton-upon-Severn?
The hills are a short drive away rather than a direct walk from the town centre, but they're close enough to combine easily with a visit to Upton itself.
Disclaimer: Businesses featured are included for informational purposes only. Waterfront Living at Upton Lake is not affiliated with or responsible for any third-party venues, services, or visitor experiences.
