What to wear at Badminton
Badminton Styled by The Old Bell Hotel x The Curatory
There are few events in the British social calendar that capture the spirit of the countryside quite like the Badminton Horse Trials. Set within the sweeping parkland of the Duke of Beaufort’s estate, this iconic event returns 7th–11th May 2026, bringing together world-class equestrian sport, heritage, and a quietly confident approach to style.
Just a short drive from Badminton, The Old Bell Hotel (England’s oldest hotel) has long been a place where guests return year after year.
This season, we’ve partnered with The Curatory, founded by Jenny Sue Garcia, former Head of Buying at Topshop. With over 25 years in the fashion industry, Jenny’s approach has always been considered and thoughtful, with an eye for the detail.
It is this mindset that defines The Curatory: a hand picked edit of preloved and vintage pieces, chosen not for trends or eras, but for their individuality and relevance today.
Using our stunning decor as a backdrop Jenny has styled a series of looks for The Old Bell Hotel x Badminton collection.
Look One: Spotted at Badminton
A playful yet composed take on race-day dressing. A softly structured blouse is grounded by warm tan boots, while a Moncler real down padded zip-front gilet introduces warmth, texture, and a touch of fun!
It’s a look that feels equally at home in the hotel’s lounge as it does stepping out onto the race courses, relaxed, but with intention.
Look Two: The Cotswold Classic
A WYSE London cotton printed dress layered beneath a soft yellow blazer offers a modern interpretation of traditional race-day style. Finished with a structured hat and a Gucci Horsebit 1955 bag, its signature hardware offering a subtle nod to the equestrian setting
Look Three: The Layered Lunch
An effortless approach to dressing across the day. A crisp white shirt is softened with the ALEX MILL Becca vest, a cotton-linen blend with an embroidered floral design and contrast ladder stitching down the centre back. Layering plays a key role in The Curatory’s styling approach, allowing pieces to shift with the day, adapting from morning to afternoon without feeling overworked or overstyled.
Look Four: The Grandstand Edit
Confident, structured, and unmistakably British.
An & Other Stories check double-breasted blazer is layered over a soft ruffled blouse, paired with vintage Jaeger corduroy culottes finished with tan leather boots and a classic pillbox hat. Against our historic stone walls, the look feels both grounded in heritage and entirely current, a fabulous interpretation of traditional race-day dressing.
Look Five: The Country Wrap
A rich chocolate base is layered with a MARC CAIN scarf in a soft pink check, finished with a wide-brimmed wax hat that adds structure and presence. It’s a look that balances practicality with personality, designed for shifting weather and long days outdoors, while still feeling considered and refined.
“There’s a natural alignment between The Old Bell Hotel and The Curatory as both are rooted in slowing down and choosing with intention”
Jenny Sue Garcia
At The Old Bell Hotel, classic design is thoughtfully layered with vibrant modern touches, and every detail has a sense of purpose. That same philosophy defines The Curatory: pieces chosen not for a moment, but for their longevity.
Staying for the Season
With Malmesbury just moments from Badminton, The Old Bell Hotel offers a perfect place to visit after a day at the trials. Because the best part of events like this is never just the event itself, it’s the whole experience!
More
Love in the Cotswolds
Over more than eight centuries, its walls have witnessed countless stories of love, friendship and celebration. Hosting a weekend dedicated to renewing wedding vows in the Cotswolds felt like the perfect way to honour that incredible history.
Five Fascinating Room Names at The Old Bell Hotel
From medieval abbots and English kings to architects and innkeepers, the people behind the room names reveal the extraordinary story of The Old Bell Hotel in Malmesbury.
Love in The Cotswolds, the next step
Love In The Cotswolds, The Next Step... This January, we launched ‘Love in the Cotswolds’, our community focused vow renewal competition, created to celebrate real love stories, not just the beginnings, but the journeys that follow. We invited local couples to share their love stories with us, and what came back was so special. At …
