Places To Visit

Westonbirt Arboretum

The Old Bell Hotel is close to Westonbirt, with its renowned Westonbirt National Arboretum. Its 600 acres nurture more than 18,000 trees and shrubs, as well as many woodland trails and activities. Westobirt Arboretum was founded in 1829 by Robert Stayner Holford and was later extended by his son. The Holford's family home, Westonbirt House, is now the site for Westonbirt Rose Hill School – an independent school for girls.

Widely recognised as the UK's finest collection of trees, and one of the world's most important arboreta, Westonbirt Arboretum plays host to many events throughout the year. The Festival of the Tree celebrates trees in all forms – as places to play, run and hide, to providers of wood for carving and cleansers of the air we breathe. Enchanted Christmas is an opportunity to see the trees as part of a breath-taking magical winter wonderland. Perfect for families, the event includes carols from local choirs and bands, roasted chestnuts and of course, mulled wine!

The Old Bell at Malmesbury is perfectly located for visits to Westonbirt Arboretum and Westonbirt School. For more details please contact us on 01666 822344 or email: info@oldbellhotel.com

Badminton Horse Trials

First held in 1949 by the Duke of Beaufort, Badminton Horse Trials have an important place as part of the Rolex Gramd Slam of Eventing. A three day event, it is held in spring each year and attracts thousands of visitors. Badminton House is the family seat of the Duke of Beaufort, a keen horseman.

Badminton Horse Trials 2010 will be held from Friday April 30th to Monday May 3rd at Badminton House. The Old Bell at Malmesbury is well placed for a visit to Badminton House and Badminton Horse Trials. For lunch, for a drink or for an overnight or weekend stay, please contact us on 01666 822344 or email: info@oldbellhotel.com

Highgrove House

Some 8 miles from The Old Bell at Malmesbury is Highgrove House – the Cotswolds home of HRH Prince Charles. The Highgrove Estate includes Highgrove House and Home Farm, which is farmed by The Duchy of Cornwall and produces organic vegetables, beef and other produce – all of which are available locally. HRH The Prince of Wales is a keen gardener and has devoted much time to planning and designing the gardens at Highgrove House, which are occasionally open to the public. The Highgrove Shop in Tetbury is open daily and sells produce from the farm, as well as china, clothing, garden paraphernalia and gifts.

The Old Bell is perfectly located for a visit to Tetbury and to The Highgrove Shop. For more details please contact us on 01666 822344 or email: info@oldbellhotel.com

Malmesbury Abbey

Standing proud in the centre of town, Malmesbury Abbey can be seen for many miles beyond this classic Cotswolds market town. A monastery was first established on the site in the seventh century, and the present building dates back to 1180 – only 40 years older than The Old Bell hotel! For many centuries Malmesbury Abbey fell into disrepair but today, thanks to an extensive restoration programme, part of the original building now holds regular services and acts as the local Parish church. The Abbey welcomed more than 50,000 visitors last year and is an important cornerstone of England's offering of historic buildings, as well as places of worship. Malmesbury Abbey is open most days, and is just a stone's throw from The Old Bell Hotel.

Abbey House Gardens and The Naked Gardeners

Abbey House Gardens plays host to one of the country's largest collections of roses, and is spectacular to visit at any time of the year. As host to the world famous 'Naked Gardeners', visitors to Abbey House Gardens might catch sight of a little more than they bargained for, as the talented and slightly eccentric owners lovingly tend their plants – although it is said that boots and gloves are often worn for protective reasons.....

Next door and around:

• Abbey House Gardens, in the Heart of Malmesbury! open daily 21 March - 21 October www.abbeyhousegardens.co.uk
• Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, only 15 minutes away near Tetbury! open all year round www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt
• Malmesbury Abbey, a true living parish... right next door to us! check out the service times and events www.malmesburyabbey.com
• Malmesbury River walks... this is perfect for a stroll after a hearty breakfast on a Sunday morning! www.davidforward.co.uk
• Athlestan Museum, Malmesbury, conveniently situated next door to Malmesbury Tourist Information www.athlestanmuseum.org.uk
   

National Trust Properties within the Area

• The Courts Gardens, Bradford upon Avon
• Avebury Stone Circle
• Prior Park, Bath
• Lacock Abbey and Village
• Stonehenge
• Dyrham Park, Bath
• Chedworth Roman Villa
• Newark Park, Wootton under Edge