Set within one of the South Cotswolds’ most picturesque hilltop towns, The Old Bell Hotel, Malmesbury offers a distinctive escape where history, design, and modern comfort are beautifully entwined. The Grade I listed property is one of England’s oldest hotels, surrounded by honey-coloured stone buildings and the rolling countryside of Malmesbury.
The hotel’s 34 rooms and suites are individually designed, blending historic charm with contemporary design. A quintessentially English style is paired with an eccentric, whimsical spirit. Interiors are thoughtfully curated, featuring an eclectic mix of antiques and collected treasures. Vibrant colours create a feeling of richness, luxury and warmth, and walls are adorned with bold printed wallpapers, playful details, and unexpected touches, from statement décor to intriguing curiosities, such as the faux giraffe’s heads, creating a sense of charm and wonder throughout.
From quirky and cosy singles to more spacious master suites, every room is designed for a truly relaxing and comfortable stay. Historic suites are generous and atmospheric, where original features meet textured fabrics with a confident mix of pattern and print. The townhouse suites are perfectly suited to families and friends and offer a stylish self-catering option just a short walk from the main hotel. Blending high-end interior design with a warm, homely feel, these spaces provide guests with the best of both worlds: privacy while still being connected, with full access to the hotel’s amenities. Each room at The Old Bell tells a story, one that you will want to become part of. All rooms offer views of the hotel gardens, the historic Malmesbury Abbey or across the beautiful Wiltshire countryside.
Abbey Row is the hotel’s signature restaurant, designed for either leisurely lunches or more formal celebrations. Recognised with 2 AA Rosettes and an AA Breakfast Award, it has earned an array of accolades for its thoughtful approach to modern British dining. The menu is rooted in seasonality, showcasing the best of British produce, and where possible, produce is grown at the cousin property – Abbey House Manor Gardens, just a five-minute walk from the hotel. Succulent steaks, richly flavoured aged duck breast, and comforting seasonal pies, alongside market fish are on the menu amongst other delights. Traditional Sunday lunches are served with a relaxed and comforting familiarity. Dishes are paired with locally sourced drinks and a confident selection of signature cocktails, while afternoon tea is served daily either in the cosy lounge spaces, Abbey Row Restaurant or the decorative folly known as The Belvedere, set within the hotel’s private garden. The Tyger Bar is a light filled space that carries guests seamlessly from day to night. The name gives a nod to Malmsbury’s past, a rumoured tiger attack on the barmaid Hannah Twynnoy from a travelling circus in 1907. The hotels spaces offer tranquil and elegant settings for comfort and relaxation for the perfect springtime escape.
The Old Bell Hotel lends itself effortlessly to solo travellers, couples and families seeking weekend breaks or midweek escapes, and with longer and lighter days, it is the perfect spring setting. Four-legged friends are warmly welcomed, with dedicated dog-friendly rooms ensuring seamless stays for guests travelling with their companions.
Regarded as England’s oldest borough, Malmesbury is layered with history, character and architectural heritage. The town offers scenic strolls along the river and walking routes that weave through the countryside. A thriving collection of independent businesses lines the town’s streets, from characterful local shops with Cotswolds crafts and artisanal cafés to restaurants and traditional pubs.
Recently named the Best Place to Live in the Southwest, Malmesbury is now preparing to launch a bid to become the UK’s first Town of Culture by 2028. Offering a more considered alternative to busier, better-known destinations, it provides an atmospheric base from which to explore the Cotswold countryside.
 | To find out more about The Old Bell Hotel, visit https://www.oldbellhotel.co.uk/ |
