If, when picturing England’s oldest hotel, you think of a dusty, drafty barn, half-fallen down, and overdue for a bulldozing, you’d be wrong. The Old Bell Hotel in Wiltshire may wear its 800-year history on its sleeve, but it balances traditional charm with unique, stylish interiors and all the modern comforts you can’t live without. And the best part? This luxury getaway that doesn’t take hours to get to!
Slightly on the outskirts of the Cotswolds in Malmesbury, The Old Bell Hotel is roughly a 45-minute drive from Bristol. It opened its doors way back in 1220—about the same time as King Henry III’s coronation and when Genghis Khan was uniting feuding Mongol clans under his leadership. Back then, it was mostly used as a guest house for visiting monks to the neighbouring Malmesbury Abbey.
Today, the hotel is as strong as ever, maybe even stronger. In 2021, owners Kim Hanks and her husband, renowned antiques dealer and collector Whit Hanks, gave it a top-to-toe refurbishment—and quirky antiques and treasures, from the owners’ travels around the globe, now flood the hotel. Yet, despite its eccentric interiors, The Old Bell Hotel retains much of its original charm.
The hotel boasts 34 individually designed bedrooms, as well as two bar concepts – the 1220 bar and the terraced aviary-like Tyger Bar. There is also the brand new Garden Room and courtyard, which is described as “perfect for private parties, weddings and events.” You can also dine at the onsite restaurant, Abbey Row—keeping with the quirky design, the ceiling features 8,000 hand-painted gold stars!
In this intimate restaurant, Abbey Row boasts a hyper-seasonal menu that relies heavily on local ingredients. The hotel’s gardeners even grow much of the kitchen’s produce from their sister property, the stunning kitchen garden at Abbey House Manor—and I recommend keeping an eye out for open days for the five-acre garden.
A single room at The Old Bell Hotel will set you back £190 for a single night, while two of you can sleep in a ‘cosy room’ for £216 – there are package deals that include breakfast and dinner too. For families, book a Townhouse Suite starting from £450. To visit the restaurant or book a stay at England’s oldest hotel, head to The Old Bell Hotel here.
📍 You can find The Old Bell Hotel at Abbey Row, Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 0BW