Sitting proudly next to the 12th Century Abbey in the heart of the historic, vibrant and charming market town of Malmesbury you'll find The Old Bell, England's oldest hotel. Grade I listed but restored to the height of elegance, glamour and English charm, this family-owned hotel is a romantic haven for lovers of fantastic food, dramatic cocktails and outstanding service.
Highlights
- England's oldest Hotel
- Individually designed bedrooms
- Easy M4 access
- Garden terrace
- Located in the heart of Malmesbury
- Excellent Rosette Restaurant
34 Bedrooms
Four Poster Bed
Children Welcome
Internet Connection in Rooms
Dogs May Be Accepted by Prior Arrangement
1 AA Rosette Dining
Bath Spa
Good to know
Hotel check-in time:
3:00 PM Hotel check-out time:
11:00 AM Restaurant
Opening Times
Breakfast:
7am - 10am Monday to Friday
8am - 10.30am Weekends
Lunch:
12pm - 4pm Monday to Saturday
12pm - 3pm Sunday
Dinner:
6.30pm - 9pm daily
Afternoon Tea:
12pm - 6pm daily
Parking Facilities
There is complimentary parking at the rear of the hotel.
Disabled Access
We want to ensure you enjoy your visit to us regardless of any medical condition, disability, impairment, or learning difficulty. However, as this is known to be the oldest hotel in England, you may wish to give us a call so we can explain the hotel layout.
The hotel does have some ground floor bedrooms, however the bathrooms all have a bath with shower over. Rooms with walk in showers are located on the first floor.
Child Policy
Children are welcome in certain room types, the maximum additional beds in a room is one. Additional charges are applicable.
History of the hotel
In 1220 Abbot Loring erected a hostelry for visiting dignitaries to Malmesbury Abbey, then an important and powerful seat of learning. The Old Bell Hotel, nowadays a mix of architecture which is mainly Edwardian, has welcomed guests continuously since then. There are traces of every century throughout the hotel, including a hooded stone fireplace in the Brasserie which dates from 1220. In the later seventh century, the site of the Abbey was chosen by Maildubh, an Irish monk who established a hermitage, teaching local children. Toward the end of his life in the late seventh century the area was conquered by the Saxons. Malmesbury Abbey was founded as a Benedictine Monastery around 676 by the scholar-poet Aldhem, a nephew of King Ine of Wessex. The town of Malmesbury grew round the expanding Abbey and under Alfred the Great was made a burh with an assessment of 12 hides. In AD 941, King Athelstan was buried in Malmesbury Abbey having died in Gloucester in October 939. The choice of Malmesbury over the New Minster in Winchester indicated that the King remained an outsider to the West Saxon court. A mint was founded at the Abbey around this time.
Dogs Policy
Dogs are welcome in certain rooms, the charge is £25.00 per night. Max 2 dogs per room.
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