Local Interest

Local Interest: The Hanleys make a great base for visitors, whether going to one of the Three Counties shows, taking a tour of the Morgan factory, or walking the Malvern Hills.

Hanley Swan Oaks: The large oak on the village green was planted in 1863 to commemorate the marriage of the Prince of Wales. According to village legend, a circus elephant bit the top off the tree, and after that it flourished. A second oak was planted in 1981 for the marriage of Prince Charles to Lady Diana Spencer.

Hanley Swan Village Pond: Before the 1797 Enclosure Act, there used to be a pound behind the pond for stray animals. In 1900 it was so polluted that the parish council asked cottage owners to disconnect cesspits. In the cold winters of 1940 and 1947, people skated on it. In 1990 a major restoration took place. In 2009 volunteer Neil Verlander became pond warden. In 2019 Nick Harper took over.

National Fencing Museum: Hanley Swan is home to Britain’s National Fencing Museum, tracing the history of fencing over 450 years, with over 300 books, 250 paintings and prints, 200 weapons.

Sue and Bill’s Garden at the Rhydd: Two walled gardens and a 60 foot greenhouse from the early 1800s set in 6 acres. Open by arrangement through the National Garden Scheme.