Malmesbury is an ancient Market town in the county of Wiltshire.

It is famously known as the southern entrance to the Cotswolds and is said to be the ‘oldest continually inhabited town in England’. With its cobbled streets and crooked cottages, Malmesbury is filled with history as its located in the oldest borough and in one of the best hilltop towns in the Cotswolds. Unlike other places in the Cotswolds, Malmesbury isn’t overly touristic and is uniquely beautiful.

Malmesbury was the perfect town to spend a quiet birthday particularly as England’s oldest hotel, the Old Bell were my hosts.

The Old Bell Hotel has been around since 1220.

As part of a grade I listed building, the hotel is next to a 12th Century abbey. A member of staff explained to us that the hotel’s initial purpose was to provide a place for monks to stay, during their pilgrimages to the abbey. Every part of the venue is full of charm, character, and warmth.

The Old Bell Hotel takes a modern approach to historical British charm. Our hotel room felt a bit like a fairytale. With three lounges in total, you will be able to find many places to relax with a book, a pastry, cuppa tea or a board game.