THE picturesque Malvern Hills and the magnificent Eastnor Castle are among a host of attractions featured in a new book aiming to brighten up motorway trips.

The Pocket Guide to Motorway Breaks has been published this month and features nearly 700 places to eat, visit and stay across the country, split into sub-sections for each road route they are off.

And a whole host of attractions in the Worcestershire and Herefordshire area are given a good showing, with the West Midland Safari Park in Bewdley and Hartlebury Castle - the official home of the Bishop of Worcester - getting a mention.

Also noted are the Malvern Hills, described as forming a 'grand backdrop' to the Vale of Evesham and Eastnor Castle's 'stirring battlements and exaggerated towers'.

A scattering of the area's pubs and hotels also feature in the guide, including Cowleigh Park Farm, on the B4219 on the outskirts of Malvern.

The carefully-restored 17th Century farmhouse is noted in the publication for its pleasant surroundings, good breakfasts and light suppers. Proprietor Chris Stringer said he was delighted it had been featured. "It's quite a surprise - funnily enough I was looking at one of those publications in a newsagents recently but never thought of looking for us.

"We have a lot of repeated business and have been here for 19 years so I think we must be doing something right."

Elsewhere, Evesham Hotel, with its 40 spacious rooms, and the 17th Century pub The Anchor in Wyre Piddle, also feature.

And the Walter de Cantelupe pub in Kempsey is noted for its hard-working landlord, relaxed bar and interesting food.

John Jenkinson, proprietor of Evesham Hotel in the town's Coopers lane, said he believed it was mentioned because of its reputation.

"We've been listed as one of the 10 best places in the British isles in the Good Hotel Guide as well as all the serious papers so we're a highly-rated place," he said.

"By definition it's flattering to be mentioned again though.