The Old Bell Hotel Malmesbury Exterior photoThe Old Bell Hotel Malmesbury Exterior photoThe Old Bell Hotel Malmesbury Exterior photo

The Old Bell Hotel, Malmesbury

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From$169 /night
Check-in
04Sept
Check-out
05Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Abbey Row, Malmesbury, Malmesbury, SN16 0BW
-
Next to Malmesbury Abbey
Great
8.8
9.8
/10
4.5
4.4
/5

4-star Historic Hotel in Malmesbury

Rooms

The Old Bell Hotel offers 34 distinctively decorated guest rooms, showcasing a blend of historic charm and contemporary design. The Character rooms feature original beams and unique wallpapers, providing an immersive historical experience. Townhouse Suites offer a private feel, complete with modern amenities for self-catering stays.

Dining

Abbey Row Restaurant serves a diverse menu curated from locally sourced ingredients, ensuring fresh and seasonal flavors. Private dining options cater to groups from 10 to 60 guests, accommodating various event types with a unique culinary experience. Guests can also enjoy afternoon tea in the warm ambience of the lounges or on the outdoor terrace.

Pet-Friendly Amenities

Many rooms are dog-friendly, allowing pets to stay comfortably alongside their owners. Special accommodation includes luxury fur beds, bowls, and treats to ensure a pleasant stay for canine guests. Outdoor walks begin right outside the hotel, providing excellent options for exploring the surrounding countryside.

Event Spaces

The hotel offers versatile event spaces, including the intimate library and bright Garden Room, accommodating weddings and corporate events. Up to 100 day guests can be hosted in the Cotswold stone garden room, providing a picturesque backdrop. The gardens are available for canapés and drinks, enhancing outdoor celebrations.

Historic Location

Situated beside the stunning 12th Century Malmesbury Abbey, the hotel represents the oldest continuously operating inn in England since 1220. The town offers a range of historic spots, from the Athelstan Museum showcasing local art to charming independent shops along the High Street. Visitors can enjoy walks along the River Avon, which are easily accessible from the hotel.

Highlights

Location: Next to 12th Century Malmesbury Abbey

Rooms: 34 distinctively decorated guest rooms

Dog-Friendly: Many rooms with luxury fur beds

Dining: Abbey Row Restaurant with seasonal menus

Events: Unique spaces for up to 100 guests

Private Dining: Accommodations for 10 to 60 guests

“The Old Bell Hotel, claiming the title of England's oldest, certainly feels steeped in history, its characterful rooms a refreshing departure from the predictable. I appreciate that its sophisticated dining leans into local sourcing, and it strikes me as a prime spot for events-from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations, a versatile spot in the Cotswolds.”
Hotel logo
Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Select your room type

The Old Bell Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
  • Single Room
    2 persons
    16 sq. feet
    1 Single bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Character Double Room
    2 persons
    18 sq. feet
    1 Double bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
  • Junior Master Suite
    2 persons
    21 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Bathtub
    Heating
Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!
September 2026 - September 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

The Old Bell Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.9/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Internet access
  • Free parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Pets allowed
  • Security
  • Coffee shop

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Services

  • Pet amenities available
  • Room service
  • Laundry
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Packed lunches

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots

Spa & Leisure

  • Garden area

Room features

  • Heating
  • Terrace
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Dining table
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Washing machine
  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle
  • Cookware/ Kitchen utensils

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
Show more

Dining Onsite

Experience a delightful selection of dining options at the Old Bell Hotel, where culinary tradition meets modern sensibility. Abbey Row offers locally inspired British dishes, crafted with care by Executive Chef Leigh Evans, complemented by an exquisite beverage selection, from local wines to signature cocktails.
  • Abbey Row

    British, Local
    Ambiance
    Traditional and romantic, with warm lighting and an inviting atmosphere.
    Key Offerings
    A menu featuring vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, alongside locally sourced drinks and a selection of signature cocktails. Private dining spaces accommodate small gatherings or larger celebrations for up to 50 guests, while stylish picnic hampers from Fortnum and Mason provide a charming outdoor dining experience.
    Reservation
    Reservations recommended for dining and private spaces.
    Monday to Friday: 07:00 - 21:00; Saturday and Sunday: 07:30 - 22:00

The Old Bell Hotel Location

Abbey Row, Malmesbury, Malmesbury, SN16 0BW
Explore Malmesbury
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Malmesbury Abbey
Malmesbury Abbey
1 minute walking
A stunning 12th-century abbey with remarkable architecture and rich history, featuring beautiful stained glass windows.
The Abbey House Gardens
The Abbey House Gardens
3 minutes walking
Beautiful gardens showcasing diverse plant life, perfect for leisurely strolls and peaceful afternoons.
Malmesbury Market Cross
Malmesbury Market Cross
4 minutes walking
Historic market cross dating back to the 15th century, a symbol of Malmesbury's rich trading history.
Athelstan Museum
Athelstan Museum
5 minutes walking
Local history museum featuring exhibits on Malmesbury's past, including Athelstan's legacy and artifacts.
Nature Trails
9 minutes' drive
Scenic hiking trails in the surrounding Cotswolds offering breathtaking views and varied difficulty for all levels.
Yoga Classes
5 minutes walking
Relaxing yoga sessions accessible nearby, perfect for recharging your mind and body after a busy day.
Cycling Tours
10 minutes' drive
Guided cycling tours exploring the Cotswolds, suitable for thrill-seekers, with bike rentals available.
The Refectory
1 minute walking
Cozy atmosphere serving British classics, including their famous Sunday roast and seasonal ingredients.
La Campagna Bar & Restaurant
3 minutes walking
Charming Italian dining with homemade pasta and fresh seafood, ideal for romantic dinners.
Michael's Butchers
3 minutes walking
Local butcher offering gourmet meats and ready-to-eat dishes, perfect for casual meals or picnics.
The Whole Hog
4 minutes walking
Sustainable dining with a focus on local produce, featuring a menu that caters to various dietary needs.
The King's Arms Pub
4 minutes walking
Lively pub atmosphere with regular live music events and quiz nights, perfect for casual evenings out.
Malmesbury Town Hall
3 minutes walking
Hosts various events and performances including plays and concerts, family-friendly entertainment opportunities.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Malmesbury 2 min  ·  400 ft
  • Airports
    Gloucestershire (GLO) 80 min  ·  33.1 mi
    Bristol (BRS) 91 min  ·  37.4 mi
  • Bus
    Bus stop 22 min  ·  8.9 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
High-speed internet access is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs GBP 20.0 per person.
Children & extra beds
There are no extra beds provided in a room.  There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Languages
English, Spanish, Romanian
Year renovated:
2012
Number of rooms:
40

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Old Bell Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Guests consistently praise the Old Bell Hotel's charming and beautiful architecture, often describing it as something out of a fairytale and a truly lovely place to stay. The hotel's location next to Malmesbury Abbey provides a magical touch and makes it ideal for exploring the Cotswolds. The home-made, creative food, particularly the carefully crafted sourdough buns and the chef's passion for flavour combinations have also been highlighted, though some have found the bar prices quite expensive. Many appreciate the spaciousness and great amenities of rooms such as Townhouse 35.
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Review score
Based on 517 verified reviews
8.9 /10
Great
90 %
Recommend
Location
9.5/10
Staff
9.3/10
Breakfast
8.0/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.0/10
Pros
Comfortable bed
Excellent breakfast
Friendly staff
Cons
Slow service
Guest reviews
based on 517 reviews
8.9/10
based on 838 reviews
8.8/10
Elijah from Israel
Couple
Classic Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 31, 2026
7/10
helpful staff welcome drink nice parlours chewy bread dirty tissue toilet hairs
The staff was helpful. I received a welcome drink upon arrival! The parlours were nice. I mostly spent my time in the hotel.
The chef tried to make his own bread. This bread was tough and chewy! I found a dirty tissue under the bedside table. There were dark hairs on the toilet.
0 Helpful
Hannah from United Kingdom
Couple
Classic Double Room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 15, 2026
9/10
amazing furnishings welcome prosecco
the furnishings are amazing. a welcome prosecco arrived quickly. it made me feel so special
i noticed the bedside lamp had a loose connection.
0 Helpful
Edgar from United Kingdom
Single
Cosy Double Room Coach House
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: October 22, 2025
6/10
cramped bathroom breakfast variety
i stayed in a cosy double room coach house and i am sad to say i found a couple things not so great. the bathroom seemed a little cramped. it was difficult to move around freely. also, the breakfast lacked variety. there were not many options available, and it became repetitive after a few days.
0 Helpful
Questions of the users
About The Old Bell Hotel
Are there options for rooms with twin beds available?
10 December 2024
Certain room types such as Classic, Junior Master, and Master rooms can be set up with twin beds. It's advisable to reach out directly for assistance with your preferences.
Can I bring my dog along if I decide to book a stay?
20 January 2025
Yes, dogs are welcome to stay at the hotel. There is a small additional fee of £25 per night for canine guests, and they will receive a special fur bed and bowls.
Is breakfast served with gluten-free options?
15 March 2025
Yes, gluten-free options are available for both breakfast and dinner to accommodate a variety of dietary needs.
What are the parking arrangements at the hotel?
25 February 2025
Limited parking is available, accommodating around 30 vehicles, but there is also a long-stay car park nearby along the river.
Can a travel cot be accommodated in a double room for my infant?
5 April 2025
Absolutely, bringing a travel cot for your baby is permitted when booking a double room.
Are there dining options nearby that cater to various dietary preferences?
12 June 2025
The hotel offers a restaurant with menus that include a range of dietary options, and local establishments in Malmesbury also provide various cuisines to explore.
What are the dimensions of the double beds in the rooms?
18 September 2024
Double beds measure 4 feet 6 inches (137 cm).
Can arrangements be made for early check-in?
26 October 2024
Early check-in might be possible depending on availability. It's best to request this in advance to see if it can be accommodated.
What leisure activities are there in the area surrounding the hotel?
3 August 2025
Guests can enjoy activities such as scenic walks, cycling routes, and visiting local historical attractions like the Malmesbury Abbey.
Does the hotel offer any special arrangements for anniversary celebrations?
14 November 2024
Yes, special arrangements can be made to enhance the celebration experience, including room upgrades and additional personalized services.

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