Malmesbury, a historic town in north Wiltshire on the edge of the Cotswolds, has been named the best place to live in the South West of England by the Sunday Times. The town, known as the oldest borough in England, sits atop a hill surrounded by the River Avon and rolling countryside, boasting a thriving high street with few empty shops.
First Impressions of Malmesbury
Arriving on a Tuesday morning, the town was waking up with commuters gone and local businesses welcoming their first customers. Cyclists enjoyed sunshine outside Malmesbury Town Hall with coffee from Jackclaws Coffee House, while friends met at The Summer Café, busy even on a weekday.
Locals have many coffee spots, including the Cloister Garden of the 12th-century Malmesbury Abbey, which has a small café serving bacon sandwiches, toasties, teacakes, scones, and ice cream. The gardens offer a peaceful retreat with a wooden arbour along the outdoor Cloisters.
Community at the Heart
The abbey's gatehouse leads to grounds with fascinating architecture and a notice board full of community events. The town hall also displays posters for morning yoga, free summer concerts, music clubs, magical history tours, and evening talks. A community fridge outside the town hall, stocked by Co-op, allows residents to take fresh produce or bakery goods, with a sign asking to 'take only what you'll use, and leave enough for others'.
Colourful flags and vibrant flower displays decorate the town, including Tudor Revival buildings. A local nursery grows flowers for hanging baskets, plant pots, flower beds, and even stacks of old tyres outside the local garage.
Independent Shops Galore
The high street is packed with independent businesses, including The Wild Food Company for health foods, Persephone Violet florist, E&S Shops Ltd hardware store, The Little Loft toy store, and Barn Owl Books bookshop. Family-run butchers and deli Michael's stands out, along with The Bird Cage pizzeria with its green facade, Lally's Tea Rooms, and The Cosy Cone serving homemade artisan gelato.
Residents' Pride
Sam Wright, who works at The Little Loft, said: "It's very family-oriented, it's a little community, and everyone is really supportive as well." Charlotte from Barn Owl Books added: "There's always lots going on, it's really bustling. It's just a really lovely place to raise the kids, and it's local to everywhere, really, with a nice little community. We help out lots in the local community and host book clubs." She noted that the sense of community and independent businesses make Malmesbury special, adding: "There are always stories of people helping out each other; everybody is quick to jump in and support each other."
Events and Activities
Charlotte highlighted events like themed bars at The Old Bell, quizzes at local pubs, a boxing club festival, and the history society, saying "there's always so much going on, and something for everyone."
A Memorable Visit
Despite only spending a morning in Malmesbury, the town left a strong impression, making the visitor wonder why they hadn't visited sooner or considered moving there themselves.
