Last Updated on May 4, 2026 by dancinginhighheelsft
Widely regarded as England’s oldest hotel, The Old Bell Hotel dates back to 1220. Set in the historic hilltop town of Malmesbury — often described as the gateway to the southern Cotswolds — the hotel was originally established as a guesthouse for visitors to Malmesbury Abbey, once a major centre of learning.
Today, the Grade I listed building carries traces of nearly every century since, from its early medieval origins to more recent additions. Among its most notable features is an ashlar stone fireplace in the bar, believed to date from the 13th century and considered one of the earliest domestic-style fireplaces in England.
Following a full refurbishment in 2021 by owners Kim Hanks and Whit Hanks, the hotel has been reimagined with a distinctly eclectic and design-led approach — one that balances heritage with personality.
The interiors are richly layered, filled with antiques and curiosities sourced from the owners’ travels. Wallpapers by Lewis & Wood, Melissa White, Thibaut, and Zardi & Zardi add depth and character, creating spaces that feel both theatrical and inviting.
There are three main lounges, each centred around a fireplace and furnished with deep sofas and armchairs — ideal for slower moments, particularly in colder months. A practical but charming addition is the hotel’s “welly wall”, complete with umbrellas for exploring the surrounding countryside.
The Old Bell’s history extends far beyond what’s immediately visible. During renovation works, archaeological discoveries uncovered skeletal remains dating back to between the 7th and 10th centuries — a reminder of just how deeply rooted the site is within England’s past.
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The Room
The hotel offers 34 individually designed bedrooms, each named after figures connected to the building’s long history.
We stayed in the Athelstan Suite, one of the two Master Suites. Spacious and full of character, it featured a superking bed, an original stone fireplace, and views across the gardens and the rooftops of Malmesbury.
The interiors struck a balance between historic and playful, with whimsical wallpaper inspired by American folk art. A vintage dressing table sat alongside modern comforts, including a Dyson hairdryer, flatscreen TV, and well-stocked in-room refreshments with Teapigs teas, locally roasted coffee, and homemade biscuits.
The bathroom was equally well appointed, with both a bathtub and shower, and Bramley toiletries — a natural, countryside-inspired brand that complemented the setting.
For those travelling with pets, The Old Bell Hotel is genuinely dog-friendly.
Charlotte was welcomed with her own four-poster dog bed, bowls, and treats — a playful but thoughtful detail that reflected the hotel’s personality. Dogs are welcome in selected areas, making it an easy and relaxed stay for those exploring the Cotswolds with a pet.
The Food
Shortly after arrival, we settled into one of the lounges with a glass of prosecco before enjoying afternoon tea.
The offering was generous and traditional in style, with a selection of sandwiches, pastries, and freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and seasonal jam. It felt unhurried and comfortable — well suited to the surroundings.
Dinner was served at Abbey Row, the hotel’s two AA Rosette restaurant led by Executive Chef Leigh Evans.
The menu is driven by seasonality and local sourcing, with much of the produce coming directly from the hotel’s kitchen garden at Abbey House Manor. We visited on a tasting menu evening, which offered a well-paced and thoughtful progression of dishes.
Highlights included seared Scottish scallop with smoked ham hock, plaice with Thai green sauce and coconut rice, and a refined take on strawberries and cream to finish. The cooking felt confident and ingredient-led, without unnecessary complexity.
Breakfast the following morning lived up to its AA Breakfast Award recognition.
A continental selection was complemented by cooked dishes such as Turkish eggs and poached Clarence Court eggs on a toasted bagel. The quality of ingredients and attention to detail made it a particularly memorable end to the stay.
Reaching The Old Bell Hotel is easiest by car, particularly if you’re planning to explore the surrounding Cotswolds.
The nearest train station is Chippenham railway station, approximately a 20-minute drive away, with direct services from London Paddington in just over an hour. From there, taxis are readily available for the short onward journey to Malmesbury.
On-site parking is available, making it a convenient base for a countryside escape.
Overall, The Old Bell Hotel offers a stay that is as much about history as it is about comfort.
Its layered past, characterful interiors, and thoughtful hospitality create something that feels genuinely distinct from more polished country house hotels. For those seeking a boutique stay in the Cotswolds with personality — and a strong sense of place — it remains one of the most memorable options in the region.
With thanks to The Old Bell Hotel for hosting us over the weekend.
If you’re planning a wider UK stay with your dog, I’ve also rounded up my favourite stays in this guide to the best dog-friendly hotels across the UK.
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- My stay at The Old Bell was complimentary; however, all views and photographs are entirely my own. This article may contain affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
