Malmesbury, located in the heart of the Wiltshire Cotswolds, is a charming market town steeped in history. Known for its stunning medieval architecture, including the iconic Abbey, this picturesque destination offers visitors delightful gardens, quaint shops, and scenic views. We recommend spending a decent amount of time there to take in its many charms, but what to do it you've only a day and night?
DAYTIME
Malmesbury Abbey
With this year marking 1,100 years since King Athelstan became King of England, it’s worth visiting this historic site, where he was laid to rest in 941 AD. The abbey offers a blend of architectural ruins with an active church and Abbey Café, amidst tranquil grounds, in the centre of the market town. malmesburyabbey.com
Athelstan Museum
Offering a fascinating insight into the history of Malmesbury and the surrounding area, including some its former famous residents, this lovely little museum is free to enter. From King Athelstan to Charles James Fox, and even the 12th-century Flying Monk, this is well worth a visit. athelstanmuseum.org.uk
The Flying Monk Café & Taproom
Set in a stunningly converted 200-year-old barn 10 minutes’ drive southwest of Malmesbury, this forward-thinking brewery features a wide variety of local keg beers and cask ales, alongside hearty breakfasts and lunches in a family-friendly atmosphere. Dogs welcome, and no booking necessary. flyingmonkbrewery.com
NIGHT TIME
Pettifers Freehouse Hotel
This award-winning supremely pet-friendly hotel is, perhaps aptly, converted from a 16th-century veterinary apothecary. It’s set in the pretty Cotswold village of Crudwell, just north of Malmesbury. Sasa’s Indian Kitchen & Bar is open seven nights a week, offering a fabulous fusion of contemporary dishes. pettifershotel.co.uk
Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa
Whatley’s two Michelin-starred restaurant, The Dining Room, is reason enough for staying here. Set in 12 acres just to the west of Malmesbury, the hotel features 23 beautifully appointed rooms – some also dog-friendly – and the benefits of its luxurious, award-winning Aquarius Spa. whatleymanor.com
The Old Bell Hotel
If you fancy staying right in the heart of Malmesbury, then the Grade I-listed Old Bell – which is rumoured to be England’s oldest hotel – is the one for you. The gorgeously intimate restaurant, Abbey Row, features regularly changing, locally-sourced menus created by executive chef Daniel Kerr. oldbellhotel.co.uk
EATING
Roost Restaurant and Bar
Centrally set in the town on Oxford Street, The Roost offers a vibrant fusion of culinary traditions, seamlessly blending the best of English, Mediterranean, and South Asian cuisines. The historic stone building is a lovely, airy space, featuring exposed timber beams towering high above your head. roost-malmesbury.co.uk
The Birdcage
Overlooking Malmesbury’s Market Cross, this Italian restaurant is housed in a 15th-century stone building nicknamed ‘the Birdcage’ due to is appearance. Freshly made-to-order, thin-crust pizzas are quirkily named after streets in the town, and food intolerances are well catered for. birdcagemalmesbury.co.uk
This hotel, bar and tapas restaurant is housed in a refurbished coaching inn just two minutes’ walk from Malmesbury Abbey. Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for with the Mediterranean-inspired menu, while meat-eaters will love offerings such as lamb tagine and ox cheek stew. thekahotel.co.uk
SHOP TIME
Aethelstan’s Gentleman’s Outfitters
Expect a warm welcome from this lovely shop that stocks all the essentials for a gentleman’s wardrobe, with brands including Drapers of Glastonbury, Cavani, Viyella, and Remus Uomo. They offer in-shop alterations on any of their clothing – including jackets, shirts, and trousers – for the perfect fit. aethelstans.co.uk
As well as selling the full Luella clothing collection, Sassy & Boo’s Malmesbury shop also stocks a beautiful range of guest clothing, footwear, and accessory brands, with friendly staff and attention to detail. One of nine Cotswold stores, this High Street boutique offers a personal styling service. luellafashion.com/sassy
Malmesbury Garden Centre
Formerly Addingtons Garden Centre, this well-stocked shop and Garden Café features a large selection of plants and bulbs, hard landscaping and more. The stoneware and statuary display area includes pots from different parts of the world as well as locally produced Cotswold stoneware. malmesburygardencentre.co.uk
If you want to learn more about Malmesbury Abbey and Eilmer, 'The Flying Monk', watch this brilliant episode of Meet the Ancestors on BBC iPlayer.
