Wiltshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-lowdown">THE LOWDOWN</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" /></figure>



<p>When it comes to period credentials, The Old Bell Hotel has a pretty impressive CV. Not only is it England’s oldest hotel, dating back to 1220, it also sits snugly alongside Malmesbury’s spectacular abbey. For centuries, this ivy-clad beauty has hosted passing dignitaries, and today it combines lashings of period drama with bold, contemporary decor. Thanks to a striking revamp by Texan owners Kim and Whit Hanks, it&#8217;s found a sweet spot that balances heritage with relaxed, design-led interiors. Add in excellent food, sumptuous lounges and the Tyger Bar’s killer cocktails, and you’ve got a seriously stylish stay.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe"><strong>THE VIBE</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-in-Malmesbury.jpg" alt="Old Bell Hotel Malmesbury" class="wp-image-37932" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-in-Malmesbury.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-in-Malmesbury-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-in-Malmesbury-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-in-Malmesbury-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>With its rich colours, period features and quirky-come-luxe décor, The Old Bell Hotel is an influencer’s dream. We arrived on a sunny Sunday afternoon to find the place gently humming with activity. Diners were busy winding up after lunching at Abbey Row restaurant, while locals and overnight guests tucked into tiered afternoon teas in the lounges. There was even a baby shower in the Garden Room, a gorgeous light-filled event space spilling out onto a lush lawn.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-in-Malmesbury-1.jpg" alt="Old Bell Hotel Malmesbury" class="wp-image-37933" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-in-Malmesbury-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-in-Malmesbury-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-in-Malmesbury-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-in-Malmesbury-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>With three stylish lounges here, all decked out with gorgeous velvety sofas, you’ll find plenty of corners to tuck yourself away. Hunker down with a cocktail and you’ll find lashings of gorgeous details to ogle at too, from stone archways to vast fireplaces, elegant parquet floors and meticulously sourced antiques (Whit is a former antiques dealer, and once moved an entire church from Vietnam to his native Texas, when he discovered it was set to be destroyed).</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-Geraldine-3.jpg" alt="Old Bell Hotel" class="wp-image-37952" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-Geraldine-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-Geraldine-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-Geraldine-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-Geraldine-3-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Despite all the period drama, there’s nothing stuffy about The Old Bell Hotel. In fact, it’s loaded with whimsical surprises, from the resident giraffes in the hallway (Gerald and Janet), to zebra print ceilings and sculptural lamps. It’s also Kim Hanks’ love letter to wallpaper, with bold masterpieces from the likes of Zardi &amp; Zardi, Thibaut and Lewis and Wood. Kim and Whit bought The Old Bell in 2021, but the family’s links to Malmesbury actually date back to the 1100s, when Walter Hanks ran a mill on the River Avon below the hotel.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillow-talk">PILLOW TALK </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-in-Malmesbury-4.jpg" alt="Old Bell Hotel Malmesbury" class="wp-image-37934" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-in-Malmesbury-4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-in-Malmesbury-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-in-Malmesbury-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-in-Malmesbury-4-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>We stayed in Athelstan, a Master Suite named after the first king of England (he’s buried in the churchyard next door). Enter through a dramatic wooden archway into a room of soaring beams, textured fabrics and statement design touches: think velvet ottomans, a striking chandelier and bold, hand-painted wallpaper that feels more gallery than guest room.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-Athelstan-Sophie-Barton4-1.jpg" alt="Old Bell Hotel Malmesbury" class="wp-image-37959" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-Athelstan-Sophie-Barton4-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-Athelstan-Sophie-Barton4-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-Athelstan-Sophie-Barton4-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-Athelstan-Sophie-Barton4-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>From the grand stone fireplace to the mullion windows and views over the Abbey, you&#8217;ll find period features at every turn. But there are lots of lovely modern comforts too, like a Dyson hair dryer, flat screen TV, fluffy robes, Bramley toiletries and the scent of Basil and Bergamot, thanks to a diffuser from Cotswold-based Miss Aroma. There’s even a tin of homemade chocolate cookies to welcome you, alongside coffee from Cotswold coffee roasters, Fire &amp; Flow. </p>



<p>If you&#8217;re not in the market for a Master Suite, worry not — the Classic rooms are still spacious, Character rooms offer 13th-century beams and plenty of charm, and the Coach House Cosy rooms are functional but stylish (and a savvy budget-friendly pick).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="688" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/03/The-old-bell-bar.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33254" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/03/The-old-bell-bar.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/03/The-old-bell-bar-800x550.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2023/03/The-old-bell-bar-768x528.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Kick off your evening with a cocktail — the Grey Lady is a house favourite, named after The Old Bell Hotel&#8217;s resident ghost (friendly, we’re assured). The wine list is equally well-sourced; we sampled the Malbec, which is produced from Kim and Whit’s vineyard in Texas Wine Country. It was smooth, rich and made for a lovely personal touch.</p>



<p>We dined in Abbey Row restaurant, a beautifully lit room with hundreds of gold stars scattered across the ceiling. The Devon crab salad starter was a standout thanks to the combo of bright mango, hint of chilli and dainty pool of Thai green sauce.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-Sophie-Barton-82.jpg" alt="Old Bell Hotel Malmesbury" class="wp-image-37943" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-Sophie-Barton-82.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-Sophie-Barton-82-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-Sophie-Barton-82-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-Sophie-Barton-82-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>For mains, the stone bass was spot-on — crisp skin, buttery soft flesh and a divine caramelised cauliflower purée. Across the table, a generously chunky ribeye arrived with charred hispi cabbage and fat, golden chips.</p>



<p>Desserts were equally well executed. The cheeseboard came piled high with excellent gluten-free crackers and a solid line-up of the stinky stuff. But the showstopper was a non-boozy take on a pina colada — roast pineapple, crushed amaretti and clouds of coconut cream. Dreamy!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-Sophie-Barton7.jpg" alt="Old Bell Hotel Malmesbury" class="wp-image-37938" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-Sophie-Barton7.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-Sophie-Barton7-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-Sophie-Barton7-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Old-Bell-Hotel-Sophie-Barton7-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>You’d think after the previous night’s indulgence we’d skip breakfast. Not a chance. We opted to eat in one of the cosy lounges, which made for a relaxed, unhurried start to the day. Eggs royale all round – the poached eggs were perfectly runny, and layered over generous cuts of smoked salmon. It all paired beautifully with a glass of apple juice made from apples grown at Abbey House Manor next door. And because I clearly have no willpower, I followed up with creamy Greek yoghurt, a sharp berry compote, and crunchy, homemade peanut butter granola. Heavenly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about"><strong>OUT &amp; ABOUT</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Malmesbury-Abbey-Sophie-Barton-1.jpg" alt="Malmesbury Abbey" class="wp-image-37954" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Malmesbury-Abbey-Sophie-Barton-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Malmesbury-Abbey-Sophie-Barton-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Malmesbury-Abbey-Sophie-Barton-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Malmesbury-Abbey-Sophie-Barton-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Malmesbury Abbey is right next door to The Old Bell Hotel, and well worth a visit for serious architectural drama. From there you can mooch around the town and explore indies including French Grey interiors, Bertie B’s gifts and Sassy &amp; Boo fashion. If you’re up for fresh air, take a wander along the river Avon or book in for a tour of Abbey House gardens (below). This hidden gem opens to the public just a couple of times a year, but tours are available exclusively for hotel guests.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Abbey-House-Gardens-Malmesbury.jpg" alt="Abbey House Gardens Malmesbury" class="wp-image-37962" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Abbey-House-Gardens-Malmesbury.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Abbey-House-Gardens-Malmesbury-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Abbey-House-Gardens-Malmesbury-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/08/Abbey-House-Gardens-Malmesbury-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Westernbirt Arboretum is a 10-minute drive, and the pretty town of Tetbury is well worth a mooch if you’re after antiques. King Charles’ beloved Highgrove is a mere 12 minutes away, as is Chavenage. The chances are you’ve spied this gorgeous country mansion in <em>Poldark</em> and <em>Rivals</em> – it doubles both as the Poldark family pile and the home of Declan O’Hara in the new Disney+ <em>Rivals </em>adaptation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-kid-friendly">KID FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>The Old Bell Hotel itself has a grown-up vibe, but kids are very much welcome. Most rooms can accommodate an extra bed and some Cosy rooms are interconnecting. No 24 – a Master Cosy – offers a great space for families, and spacious Athelstan also has a sofa bed. There’s also a great children’s menu, including a ‘Little Angels’ afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, dainty cakes and buttermilk scones, topped with Nutella.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dog-friendly">DOG-FRIENDLY?</h2>



<p>Yes! Your pooch is welcome to join in the fun, just ask for a dog-friendly room when you book (expect to pay an additional £25 a night). They’ll have their own luxury bed, bowls, and treats, plus lots of wonderful walkies on the doorstep. Pooches are also allowed to join you in some of the lounges, where they can cosy up by the fire come winter.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-accessibility">ACCESSIBILITY</h2>



<p>We’d recommend giving the hotel a ring before you book, to chat through the layout and bedroom configurations. The building is Grade II listed and dates back to the 13<sup>th</sup> Century, which does make some adaptations tricky, but there is an accessible room.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong>&nbsp;Romantic nights away, a girly weekend and family get togethers. With its gorgeous Garden Room and Library, this is also a great spot for a wedding or big birthday celebration.</p>



<p><strong>Not for</strong>: Anyone looking for a wild weekend on the town. Malmesbury is a peaceful place, but you’ll create your own fun at the Tyger Bar.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong>&nbsp;Very, very good value.&nbsp;Starters from £12, mains from £18, sides around the £7 mark, and puds from £10. Rooms from £225,&nbsp;including breakfast, plus Free Wi-Fi.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.oldbellhotel.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>The Old Bell Hotel</em></a><em>, Abbey Row, Malmesbury SN16 0BW</em></p>


Review: The Old Bell Hotel, Malmesbury

You may also like