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.