National Trust - The Firs: Elgar's Birthplace — Attraction in Malvern Hills

Visited The Firs in June 2025. The museum and coffage are delightfully laid out, and the staff and volunteer guides really bring it to life. I had no idea of the breadth and depth of Elgar’s incredible contribution to the world of music and the world itself. He was a founder of HMV (which stands for ‘His Master’s Voice’; literally termed for one of Elgar’s beloved dogs) and an absolute trailblazer: a musical genius, self-taught, without any formal music education! He was also a tortured soul, who refused to be bound by the musical etiquette of the time, who was adventurous and daring in his composition, simultaneously an assiduous seeker of approval whilst terrified of being judged harshly by the court of popular opinion. Always chasing his next masterpiece, his music never made him rich (he was massively exploited by publishers and others), but was a way in which he could freely express himself. We were lucky enough to choose a day when local historian and Elgar expert Andy was on hand to give an incredibly thought-provoking, insightful, compassionate talk on Elgar’s life and music, exposing a little-known side to the composer that is touching, awe-inspiring and incredibly sad. Andy really brought the man to life, using his music as a soundtrack to the biography, and a wonderfully demonstrative indicator of Elgar’s state of mind at different periods of his life. Andy’s moving tribute - and the music - left me in tears. It was the best talk I have heard in my life. Thank you Andy, for enriching our understanding of the incredible enigma that is Edward Elgar, possibly the greatest composer in British...

Elgar's Birthplace near Worcester is a quite small cottage with a very modern visitor's centre run by the National Trust. Has a sound garden with lots of garden games and wooden and metal instruments for children to play. Visitor's Centre has a good tea room with internal and outside seating. It is still being added to as NT only acquired the property late 2017. A very pleasant way to spend a morning or afternoon. Cottage itself is rather cramped inside so a timed ticket may be required. The displays will get better over time. This was the house that Elgar wanted preserved over all the others that he lived in despite the fact that he was only here 2 years. Exhibition and replica study in the centre round off the visit. Accessible centre and gardens. Cottage not wheelchair friendly and narrow stairs...

Had a Mothers Day cream tea which was a lovely treat. Big pots of tea, lots of sandwiches and probably the best crumbly melt-in-your-mouth scones I've ever had. The Firs, now run by National Trust, is a really interesting place to find out more about Edward Elgar and the cottage where he spent some of his childhood is small but is a fascinating museum of his life and works. Great rural location with view out to Malvern hills. The staff were enthusiastic and insightful which made the visit even better. I just wished i could have bought some of Elgars music but the shop had a limited selection. Definitely recommend a visit. We will go again and do the short walk in the beautiful Worcestershire countryside recommended...