Malmesbury
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About Malmesbury
Many guide books claim that Malmesbury is the oldest continually inhabited town in England. And, once you’ve seen the idyllic location — atop a flat hill, encircled by the Avon River, and overlooking rolling green countryside — you can begin to see why this claim makes a lot of sense. The town is also home to one of the hotels claiming to be England’s oldest, The Old Bell Hotel, which, arguably, has been one of the best places to stay in Malmesbury since 1220! Our other recommendations include a converted rectory, and a romantic, culinary retreat converted from a grand manor house.
In addition to the view, and the security of the location, the hill Malmesbury sits upon is dotted with natural springs. These were recognised as holy springs by the 7th century, and an abbey was built — a magical-looking survivor of the dissolution of the monasteries, and now a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Come the 10th century, Malmesbury was England’s capital, and its first every king, Athelstan, is buried in the abbey grounds. Today the springs keep everything lush and green, and the area is well known for its gardens. And the abbey provides a centre for Malmesbury’s old honey-coloured streets, lined with 17th and 18th century buildings, now pleasant boutiques, galleries, tea rooms and the like.
As well as visiting the abbey, there's the small Athelstan Museum, Westonbirt Arboretum, and the adorable village of Lacock (an often-used location for filming). It’s worth timing your trip to coincide with the local market too — this is still a market town, and has one of the best preserved traditional market crosses in England.
But don't forget that this is a popular little town. The best places to stay in Malmesbury fill up fast during peak season, so do your research and book well ahead.
The Best Places to Stay in Malmesbury
For a Country Escape
- The Old Bell Hotel dates back to 1220 and was originally part of Malmesbury Abbey. Many of the 34 rooms and suites feature exposed beams and stone windows with tiny panes of glass, but the colour schemes make it feel fresh and light, and the bathrooms are totally contemporary. The restaurant serves modern British cuisine. Dogs are welcome in all parts of the hotel except the restaurant, and they give you a bed, bowl and treats on arrival.
For Families
- Converted from a listed property, The Rectory Hotel’s transformation has been understandably sympathetic to the original building, and there are some gorgeous period features in the 12 rooms and suites, in the rather grand dining room, light and airy conservatory, and the beautiful gardens. The decor is sympathetic too, while also ticking the boxes for contemporary guests. The restaurant is part of the Slow Food Movement, and everything served is grown locally or responsibly sourced — as well as tasting divine. There’s a pool too, and both children and dogs are welcome.
For Romance
- Whatley Manor is a grand house set in 25 picturesque acres of Cotswolds greenery. Its rooms and suites, 23 of them, are simply, stylishly dressed, with excellent attention to detail that runs through to the excellent service too — from the complimentary homemade biscuits and elderflower cordial in all the rooms to the complimentary bike hire. The spa is really something, with a hydrotherapy pool, flotation pods, salt scrub showers and a thermal suite. And the Manor’s two restaurants are headed by a two Michelin-starred chef. Dogs are welcome to stay in some rooms. But no kids allowed.
Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?
- If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.
Travel Information
- Malmesbury’s closest airport is Bristol Airport, about 50 minutes away by car or taxi. London’s airports may well be more convenient, with Heathrow a pleasant hour and half drive through the North Wessex Downs, or between an hour and a half and two hours by public transport. If you’re coming via London, you can catch the train from Paddington, and get to Kemble or Chippenham in just over an hour, but then you’ll need to jump in a taxi from there to Malmesbury — which takes about 15 minutes.
- If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
- Malmesbury’s position, between Bath and the Cotswolds, makes this an excellent year round destination. Yes, some months will have more sunshine and warmer temperatures, and be better suited to walkers, or cyclists, but there are plenty of indoor activities to Malmesbury too, and there are good discounts to be had if you book outside the busiest spring and summer periods.
Still not sure where to stay?
- Expand your search to include all of the best places to stay in Wiltshire
- Consider Malmesbury’s neighbours: Chippenham is just 14miles away, and Bath and Cirencester are also close by.
- Expand further into the best places to stay in the Cotswolds
- Refine your search by the kind of holiday you’re planning and consider our Gurus’ recommendations for the best pubs-with-rooms in Wiltshire, the best pubs-with-rooms in the Cotswolds, Wiltshire's most romantic hotels or even the best country house hotels in the Cotswolds
- Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
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Best Hotels in Malmesbury
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The Rectory Hotel Malmesbury 12 rooms from AU$197
Foodies - The restaurant supports the Slow Food Movement, so all produce is locally and responsibly sourcedTotal relaxation - Curl up on the sofas with the papers, or move it to the bedroom for a movie fest and a massageRestaurant - A glamorous large windowed, wood panelled dining room. The food is organic, local and sometimes even foraged from the groundsGreat walks - The wellies lining the hall are testiment to the fantastic walks around here, ask your hosts for their favouriteRecommended by - Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape, Good Hotel Guide, SawdaysA stylish, yet informal, listed period house. Each of the 12 rooms is spacious, light and elegant with a blend of antique and contemporary and the best have in-room bathtubs. A relaxing retreat and a perfect base for exploring the Cotswolds with an excellent restaurant and a large pool. See More
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The Horse and Groom Inn Malmesbury (Wiltshire) 5 rooms from AU$209
Country Escape - The beautiful countryside is right on the doorstep with magnificent hills, bridleways and bywaysLocal exploring - Pretty villages, historic houses and glorious gardens abound in this scenic areaRestaurant - There's a restaurant serving seasonal local produce and hearty pub classicsSights nearby - Avebury, the largest stone circle in the world, is a 35-minute drive awayRecommended by - SawdaysA grade II-listed inn in the quaint village of Charlton. Charming rooms range from snug with sloping ceilings to the more spacious Signature Plus boasting fireplaces and exposed beams. There's a cosy and characterful restaurant serving pub classics with a modern twist. A picture postcard stay. See More
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The Old Bell Hotel Malmesbury 34 rooms from AU$278
Country Escape - With charming historic interiors, hearty cuisine, fireplaces, and good ale —this is the perfect spot for a country escapeHistoric - Dating back to 1220, this Grade I-listed is steeped in historySights nearby - Visit the neighbouring Malmesbury Abbey home to the tomb of King Athelstan, the first king of EnglandGreat walks - Set amidst the Cotswolds, there are miles of beautiful trails to be exploredA historic Grade I-listed inn dating back to 1220 set beside Malmesbury Abbey. Interiors have kept the building's original features (think exposed beams & stone, window seats, & traditional art) but the feeling is fresh. The restaurant serves modern British cuisine and local ales. A charming stay. See More
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Whatley Manor Malmesbury (Easton Grey) 23 rooms from AU$710
Foodies - Headed by famed chef Niall Keating, The Dining Room offers innovative fine dining while Grey’s Brasserie is a more casual affairSpa breaks - The Aquarias Spa is a full-service spa complete with a hydrotherapy pool, a floatation pod, salt scrub showers & a thermal suiteCountry Escape - A pretty Cotswold manor with manicured grounds, fine dining, and a spa. This is elevated country livingGreat walks - Get out and explore the countryside on long scenic walksRecommended by - Kiwi Collection, Relais & Chateaux, Michelin Travel, SawdaysA grand Cotswold manor set in 12 manicured acres. Beautiful rooms and suites are decorated with a fresh take on traditional design. Two restaurants (headed by a two-star Michelin chef) and a full-service spa with a hydrotherapy pool make this ideal for a couple's escape. See More