Wiltshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>Malmesbury may be famous for its perfectly preserved historic buildings and rich history, but it’s also a buzzing market town with a packed music and arts calendar. Bath, Bristol and Swindon are all within easy reach, but there’s tons to do on your doorstep. The spectacular 12th Century abbey dominates the horizon, while the Avon winds its way around the town, lending itself to gorgeous river walks. There’s also a great array of indie shops, weekly artisan farmers’ market and England’s oldest hotel, The Old Bell.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2022/12/The-Old-Bell-ext.jpg" alt="The Old Bell Malmesbury" class="wp-image-32786" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2022/12/The-Old-Bell-ext.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2022/12/The-Old-Bell-ext-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2022/12/The-Old-Bell-ext-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Old Bell</figcaption></figure>



<p>Malmesbury punches above its weight when it comes to scoff and quaff.&nbsp; We recommend <a href="https://birdcagemalmesbury.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Birdcage</a>, which does fab pizzas in a buzzy yet relaxed setting. For posh nosh, cocktails and a healthy dollop of high design, head to Abbey Row restaurant, at <a href="https://www.oldbellhotel.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Old Bell</a>. From the brazen wallpapers to the velvety sofas, it’s lavish yet light hearted, plus they’ll cook up a feast. Brunch fiends will love <a href="http://www.michaelsbbd.co.uk/malmesbury-bistro-and-deli-cafe.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael’s</a>, a butcher-come-café that’s renowned for its fabulous full English. Make sure you try their Malmesbury King sizzler, which earnt the gong of Britain’s best sausage. A short skip out of town takes you to the gorgeous Whatley Manor Hotel, where you’ll find Michelin starred restaurant, The Dining Room.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<p>For interiors finds, head to <a href="https://www.frenchgrey.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">French Grey</a>, which offers great gifts, homewares and clothing, plus divinely scented candles, hand-poured in Wiltshire. You’ll also find gifts galore, plus interiors inspo, at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bertiebs_home_and_lifestyle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bertie B’s</a>, a relative newcomer to town. For clothes, the delightful <a href="https://www.luellafashion.com/sassy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sassy and Boo</a> sells everything from the softest cashmere knits to sparkly skirts. <a href="https://www.perfectionspa.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Perfection Health and Beauty</a>&nbsp;is a cool beauty salon just out of town, plus there’s an excellent Waitrose too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="720" height="480" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2018/02/Hydrotherapy-Pool-at-Aquarias-Spa2c-Whatley-Manor-1-720x480.jpg" alt="Whatley Manor spa ≠ swimming pool and water jets" class="wp-image-6103" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2018/02/Hydrotherapy-Pool-at-Aquarias-Spa2c-Whatley-Manor-1-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2018/02/Hydrotherapy-Pool-at-Aquarias-Spa2c-Whatley-Manor-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2018/02/Hydrotherapy-Pool-at-Aquarias-Spa2c-Whatley-Manor-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2018/02/Hydrotherapy-Pool-at-Aquarias-Spa2c-Whatley-Manor-1.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Whatley Manor Spa</figcaption></figure>



<p>Spectacular country house hotel&nbsp;<a href="https://wilts.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/whatley-manor-hotel-spa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Whatley Manor</a>, just outside town, has an uber-luxe day spa, Aquarius. You’ll find an indoor / outdoor hydrotherapy pool, tepidarium with heated stone recliners, salt scrub showers, thermal cabins and wave dream sensory room. It’s worth knowing that both the spa and the gym are open to members too. In Malmesbury itself, <a href="https://www.pdfitness.co.uk/malmesbury/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PD Fitness</a> is a popular shout, thanks to its cardio suite, classes and resistance room. Nimble &amp; Wild is a specialist mat and reformer Pilates studio, while <a href="https://www.malmesburypcc.nhs.uk/practice-information/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Malmesbury Primary Care Centre</a> is there to tend to any medical needs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>There’s a fabulous community spirit here, and residents feel super-lucky to have found it. During the year, lots of local events pop up in connection with the annual&nbsp;<a href="https://www.malmesburycarnival.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Malmesbury Carnival</a>. These are hugely popular and definitely draw a crowd, as does the big event itself, which finally rolls into town in September.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<p>History lovers will be in their element. Visit the original 15th-century Market Cross in the town centre&nbsp;or the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.athelstanmuseum.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Athelstan Museum</a>, which details the town’s ancient and recent history – seek out their original Turner watercolour. For a regal touch, <a href="https://www.highgrovegardens.com/pages/book-events-garden-tour-evouchers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Highgrove</a> – King Charles and Queen Camilla’s home – is just 5 miles away. Keep an eye out for garden tours, champagne afternoon teas and horticultural workshops, which sell out fast. A smidge further takes you to stunning <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/westonbirt-the-national-arboretum/activities" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Westonbirt Arboretum</a>, with its fabulous treetop walkway.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/WOMAD-Garry-Jones-4-2.jpg" alt="WOMAD Festival in Wiltshire" class="wp-image-33816" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/WOMAD-Garry-Jones-4-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/WOMAD-Garry-Jones-4-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/07/WOMAD-Garry-Jones-4-2-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Garry Jones</figcaption></figure>



<p>For a small town Malmesbury&#8217;s cultural scene is mighty, from local theatre to comedy to live music. For years, thousands have poured into nearby Charlton Park for <a href="https://www.womad.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WOMAD</a> festival and while it&#8217;s set to move in 2026, it&#8217;s hoped it&#8217;ll stay local. Alternatively, a 30 min drive will take you to both Bath and Swindon, where you’ll find plenty of theatre action. There’s tons going on closer to home though, including open air cinema, live concerts and a Christmas light show at nearby Westonbirt Arboretum. Recent acts include Sting, Bryan Adams, Nile Rodgers and Anne-Marie.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-price">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICE</h2>



<p>Properties in Malmesbury have an overall average price of £499,460. Detached properties sell for an average price of £714,652, terraced homes for £334,160 and semis £400,771.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/10/Knight-Frank-Malmesbury.jpg" alt="Knight Frank Malmesbury" class="wp-image-35232" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/10/Knight-Frank-Malmesbury.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/10/Knight-Frank-Malmesbury-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2024/10/Knight-Frank-Malmesbury-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Live the good life at this 4-bed house <em>and</em> earn an income from its three studio flats. <a href="https://www.knightfrank.co.uk/properties/residential/for-sale/crudwell-road-malmesbury-wiltshire-sn16/cir012145383" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market with Knight Frank for £1.1m</a></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.malthousenurseryschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Malthouse Nursery School&nbsp;</a>is the stuff childhood dreams are made of as it’s on a working farm on Charlton Park Estate (where WOMAD Festival is held). It takes children up to the age of 5 yrs, and has just opened a new under 2s room. Back in the centre of town you’ll find the&nbsp;<a href="https://ymca-bg.org/about/what-we-do/family-work/nurseries-and-preschools/ymca-kings-nursery-malmesbury/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YMCA King’s Nursery</a>,&nbsp;which has 52 children, many of whose parents work for Dyson.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p><a href="https://malmesbury.wilts.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Malmesbury Secondary School</a> has an Outstanding Ofsted rating and is based in the town. Head 30 mins north into Gloucestershire and you’ll reach Stroud, where you’ll find <a href="https://www.marling.gloucs.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marling</a> and Stroud High School, two excellent grammars.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.westonbirt.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Westonbirt Prep and Senior School</a>&nbsp;are another popular choice, and only a 12 min drive. If you’re prepared to hop in the car for a little longer, you’ll find the excellent <a href="https://www.cricklademanor.com/welcome-to-cricklade-manor-prep/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw7JOpBhCfARIsAL3bobdekw4VBrEhZCnvEKd3mkgKI8TXL5R4KA6zKZZ0WUtKgYKoVtvo1v0aAp0EEALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cricklade Manor Prep</a> 25 mins away. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Athelstan, the first King of all England, is buried in the grounds of Malmesbury Abbey. However, the exact location is a mystery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>The nearest train station is Chippenham (20 min drive), from where regular trains take just over 1 hr to London Paddington. Driving to London takes 2 hrs 12 mins.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;</em><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/"><em>Top 300 Best Places to Live</em></a>.</p>


Malmesbury

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