Old Bell Hotel

For a hotel that’s rumoured to be one of England’s oldest, The Old Bell does a good job of catering to modern tastes. It’s got a coffee bar in reception, a refined restaurant, and 34 individually designed guest rooms – all with WiFi and Smart TVs. But don’t let the amenities fool you into thinking this place has lost its historic charm. That’s still here in spades. You’ll see it in the Grade I-listed walls, the 13th-century fireplace in the bar and the exposed beams of some of the bedrooms. A full-scale design-led renovation may have introduced quirks, colour and bold patterns, but all are somehow at ease with the 800 years of hospitality that came before. And that’s really saying something, when a giraffe in the entrance hall is one of the first things you see when you get here.

All the communal spaces and bedrooms at The Old Bell are designed and dressed with similar confidence and flair. Characterful heritage features sit alongside a mixture of antiques, modern pieces and designer wallpaper, with warm lighting that sets it all aglow. Everywhere is inviting and interesting, from the three cosy guest lounges to your private en-suite room.

As might be expected from a building that's evolved over centuries, there’s no standard size or shape to the bedrooms. Instead, you have a wide choice, from the spacious Junior Master Suites overlooking neighbouring Malmesbury Abbey to the Cosy Rooms of the Coach House. There are even four Townhouse Suites – self-catering cottages a few minutes' walk down the road sleeping two to five guests. Back in the main hotel, there are single rooms, family rooms and dogs are welcome in many rooms – and receive a luxury fur bed, bowls and treats. Whichever you choose, you’ll find British-made Bramley toiletries, Wiltshire-roasted coffee for your cafetiere and a Dyson hairdryer – which incidentally, is based right here in Malmesbury.

This commitment to quality and community continues in the hotel’s Abbey Row Restaurant, which serves a tasty breakfast and has menus featuring local produce for lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. If you’re here for a night, there’s no need to go anywhere else. Stay for longer, and you may want to try elsewhere in town. That won’t take long, because you’re in the heart of it. The hotel was originally built for visitors to Malmesbury Abbey, which stands next door and houses the tomb of England’s first king, Athelstan. That’s got to be worth a look. Likewise, the small Athelstan Museum reveals more of Malmesbury’s past. Nowadays, this place is just as likely to be used as a base from which to explore the Cotswolds, with Highgrove Gardens, Westonbirt Arboretum and the Cotswolds Water Park all within 10 miles.