The Old Bell Hotel

Standing proudly beside the honey-hued ruins of Malmesbury Abbey, The Old Bell Hotel is a living landmark that officially stakes its claim as the oldest hotel in England, dating back to 1220. However, do not expect a dusty relic; under the inspired stewardship of owners Kim and Whit Hanks, the Grade I-listed building has been reimagined as a vibrant masterclass in Cotswold maximalism. The interiors are a cinematic collision of 800-year-old stone fireplaces and beamed ceilings with bold botanical wallpapers, jewel-toned velvets, and a curated collection of global curios - including the hotel's resident (faux) giraffes. It's a space where English eccentricity meets modern luxury, offering 34 uniquely styled rooms and newly launched self-catering Townhouse Suites that blend heritage charm with high-spec Smeg and Dyson amenities.

The heart of the hotel’s social scene is the Abbey Row restaurant, where guests dine beneath a celestial ceiling of 8,000 hand-painted gold stars on a menu of inventive, locally sourced British fare. For a more spirited atmosphere, the indoor-outdoor Tyger Bar serves botanical cocktails amidst whimsical, exotic decor, while the sun-drenched Garden Room provides a seamless transition to the lush grounds.

Whether you're hunkering down by a medieval hearth with a Wiltshire ale or exploring the nearby Westonbirt Arboretum, The Old Bell offers a sophisticated yet playful gateway to the South Cotswolds that feels entirely personal and profoundly historic.