Early Afternoon - Check-in : Your Cotswolds Getaway begins with a warm welcome and a glass of fizz as you check in at The Old Bell Hotel, England’s oldest hotel. Our winding corridors, cosy lounges, and whimsical interiors (lovingly curated by Co-owner and Creative Director, Kim Hanks) immediately set the tone for your stay. Peek at our illustrated timeline - a glimpse into the hotel’s journey from the year 800 to today. 

Late Afternoon - Wander Through Time: After settling in, wander over to Malmesbury Abbey. Once one of England’s grandest religious buildings, it has stories carved into every stone. In the 11th century, a daring monk named Eilmer even attempted to fly from its tower! Although storm damage in the 1500s reduced its size, the remaining structure is awe-inspiring — a peaceful place to reflect and imagine lives long past.  

From the Abbey, make your way to the Athelstan Museum, where you’ll discover tales of King Athelstan, the first King of all England, a fine collection of Roman coins and local legends aplenty. Then, amble down the Malmesbury High Street, where traditional shopfronts house independent boutiques, bookshops, an art gallery and cafes.  

Evening – Dinner by Starlight: As evening draws in, return to the hotel for a delicious dinner beneath 8,000 hand-painted stars at Abbey Row restaurant. The menu features seasonal flavours and homegrown produce from our nearby cousin property Abbey House Manor Gardens.  

Morning- Secret Gardens and Riverside Walks: Start your day with an AA award winning full English Breakfast before joining our head gardener for an exclusive tour of the gardens at our cousin property, Abbey House Manor. The gardens, ever changing with the seasons, feature winding paths, old stone, and beautiful blooms. You'll even spot where vegetables are grown for Abbey Row restaurant. Next, grab an illustrated map from the hotel and take the scenic River Walk. Herons, willows, and a postcard-perfect view of the Abbey (once painted by J.M.W. Turner) make this a highlight of your stay — peaceful, picturesque, and unforgettable. 

Afternoon – A Taste of Tradition: No visit to Malmesbury is complete without Afternoon Tea at The Old Bell Hotel.

Served in our lounges, this cherished British ritual—dating back to the 1840s thanks to the Duchess of Bedford—features warm scones, delicious sweet and savoury bites, and your choice of ‘Old Bell Blend’ tea or a celebratory glass of fizz. A moment of indulgence to savour. 

Late Afternoon – Explore Beyond the Town
Feeling adventurous? Take a short drive through the rolling South Cotswold fields to Tetbury, famed for its antiques and royal neighbours, or to Lacock, a quintessential English village with a film career spanning Harry Potter and Downton Abbey. Both offer more of the South Cotswolds’ signature beauty — winding streets, stone cottages, and historic Old England charm. 

Evening – Return and Relax
Head back to The Old Bell Hotel for a final night of comfort. Whether it’s a relaxed meal in Abbey Row, a cocktail by the fireplace, or a quiet read under soft lamplight in our lounges, your last evening in Malmesbury is a chance to rest and recharge before returning to daily life.