Old Bell Hotel

The Old Bell Hotel is quite the venerable establishment, regarded as one of Britain's oldest hotels with origins dating back to 1220 when it was established as a hostel for Malmesbury Abbey. The site the hotel is part of is even older, as Malmesbury Abbey was first founded in 676 as a Benedictine monastery. The various archaeological discoveries around the site and town can be found in the nearby Athelstan Museum, if you'd like to take a look.

Ownership and use of the Old Bell changed along with the ages. It was an inn for centuries, then operated as leaseholds under the Rushout family during the 18th and 19th centuries. Joseph Moore acquired the property in 1896 and consolidated the adjacent establishments, transforming what had been The Bell Inn into the Old Bell Hotel. Further acquisitions, expansions, and remodeling have resulted in the hotel's layered history, combining elements from the medieval, Georgian, and Edwardian periods, which are visible in the architecture.

In 2021, American hoteliers Kim and Whit Hanks purchased the Old Bell Hotel, bringing new life to the historic property while intending to protect its heritage. The Hankses actually have familial ties to Malmesbury and the inn, and have invested heavily in refurbishments and restorations to bring out the hotel's true character. Under their management, the hotel was recognized with a 4-Star Hotel by The AA, along with two AA Rosettes for their dining. Recently, they also acquired Abbey House Manor & Gardens, another historic Malmesbury property close to the hotel, and are planning a careful restoration with the intent of opening it as a historic stay.

The Old Bell Hotel has been around for over 800 years, yet despite the passage of time, its medieval limestone structure remains intact. Its exterior consists of mixed rubble and dressed stone detailings, mullion windows, and vine-covered walls that give it that quintessential English historic appearance. Over subsequent centuries, remodelings added elements such as roof dormers and created distinct architectural demarcations depicting various styles such as Tudor, Victorian, and Edwardian. For its beauty and significance, the hotel is recognized with a Grade I listing on the National Heritage List for England.

Many interior architectural features remain intact, such as the historic stone fireplace from 1220 and exposed timbers integrated into the aesthetic. There are also the compartmented ceiling and original roof timbering that are hardly seen nowadays. As for the accommodations, The Old Bell takes a fanciful approach by using contemporary furniture styles and vibrant wallpapers, somehow resulting in a fairytale-like atmosphere.

Abbey Row

The heart of Old Bell Hotel’s culinary offerings is centered around the signature Abbey Row restaurant. Here, guests can enjoy locally sourced, seasonal British cuisine in a stylish, historic setting. The menus change regularly to highlight regional ingredients, along with a la carte options for lunch and dinner. If you're staying for the weekend, don't miss out on their wonderful Sunday Roast, which is a beloved British tradition.
Lunch: 12 pm - 3 pm
Dinner: 5 pm - 9 pm
A la Carte Service: 6 pm - 9 pm
Sunday Lunch: 12 pm - 3 pm

Afternoon Tea

The restaurant also hosts daily Afternoon Tea, yet another essential English experience, served with freshly baked scones, pastries, and savory bites. You can enjoy these delicious blends and desserts in the historic dining room, cozy lounge, or lovely outdoor spaces during clear weather.
Availability: 12 pm - 5 pm

Tyger Bar

Aside from meals, the hotel also offers lovely spots where guests can unwind with fine wines, signature mixes, and special seasonal drinks. The Tyger Bar is a lively outdoor bar with a ski lodge atmosphere, providing a casual space to grab a meal and drink.
Thursday - Friday: 3 pm - 10 pm
Saturday: 12 pm - 10 pm
Sunday: 12 pm - 9 pm

Making an advanced booking is recommended for dining, especially for Afternoon Tea and Sunday Lunches.

At the Old Bell Hotel, you'll find a range of beautiful, bespoke wedding services set within its historic building and grounds. These versatile venues can be set up for intimate gatherings and larger celebrations, granting plenty of options for your celebration. Couples can choose from several licensed ceremony spaces, such as the bright Garden Room, the cozy Library, or picturesque outdoor areas like the Belvedere terrace. Each provides a distinct backdrop for vows and photos.

As one of Malmesbury's oldest establishments, the Old Bell is no stranger to hosting and will have experienced staff ready to make your dream wedding a reality. Coordinate with the events team, who will work with you and local partners for services like logistics, decor, and entertainment. The catering will be handled by the hotel's culinary team, who will carefully plan each dish and drink for the whole event.

Here are the main venues of the hotel:

The Library - An intimate private room with lavish period decor and details. Capacity: 16 guests

The Garden Room - A bright and stylish venue with contemporary designs integrated with the hotel's historic walls. Capacity: 100 guests

Exclusive Use - Fully booking the hotel lets guests use all the rooms and facilities for their celebrations. Capacity: 100+ guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

At The Old Bell Hotel, guests will have plenty of in‑house experiences designed to enhance and elevate their stay beyond just having a room and meals. One of the standout offerings is the cocktail masterclass, where guests can learn to mix signature drinks with the hotel’s expert bartenders. For those interested in local culture, guided history walks through Malmesbury provide insight into the area’s past and amazing stories.

Beyond the hotel doors, guests can explore Wiltshire and the Cotswolds to discover all sorts of activities and attractions. The hotel team can organise visits to nearby natural highlights like Westonbirt Arboretum for leisurely woodland walks. The Cotswold Water Park is great for family-friendly swimming and paddleboarding. Also within driving distance are towns and cities rich in history, such as Bath and its Roman-era thermae and archaeological museums.

There will be plenty of flexible spaces for your meetings and private events at the Old Bell Hotel. The Garden Room blends modern and historic elements to create a bright venue overlooking the hotel’s garden, able to accommodate 100 guests. For an intimate seminar or party, The Library is ideal and can host up to 16 attendees. These spaces are supported by professional event coordination and can be tailored with catering, AV support, and layout options to suit your needs.

In addition to private gatherings, the hotel also hosts seasonal events and a rotating What’s On program. These include themed experiences, special brunches, cocktail events, and holiday‑based happenings that can spice up your stay.