Malmesbury, a hilltop town in north Wiltshire on the edge of the Cotswolds, has been named the best place to live in the south-west of England for 2026 by The Sunday Times. Recognised as the oldest borough in England, the town is home to England's oldest hotel, The Old Bell Hotel, and offers a high street lined with independent shops, colourful bunting, and hanging baskets.
Malmesbury's Timeless Appeal
Visitors to Malmesbury are greeted by Tudor Revival buildings adorned with hanging baskets of flowers, narrow roads packed with independent shops, and a laidback atmosphere where locals catch up over coffee outside the Town Hall. The town sits atop a hill, offering sweeping views of the rolling countryside, and is surrounded by the scenic River Avon. Conveniently located just over an hour from Cardiff, it provides a peaceful escape from larger towns.
The high street features traditional shopfronts painted in colourful hues, bunting, and the town's renowned hanging baskets, which are donated by a local nursery. Flowers are also arranged in giant plant pots, flower beds, and even in stacks of old tyres outside the local garage, reinforcing the town's floral theme.
Independent Shops and Cafés
Among the independent shops are the family-run butcher and deli Michael's, florist Persephone Violet, health foods at The Wild Food Company, hardware store E&S Shops Ltd, bookshop Barn Owl Books, and nostalgic toy store The Little Loft. Coffee houses such as Jackclaws Coffee House, The Summer Café, and traditional Lally's Tea Rooms welcome locals for a morning cuppa. For treats, The Cosy Cone serves homemade artisan gelato, and The Bird Cage pizzeria offers dining options. Pubs like The Whole Hog, The King's Arms, and The Smoking Dog provide additional social spots.
England's Oldest Hotel
The Old Bell Hotel, claimed to be England's oldest hotel, sits on Abbey Row and offers sweeping views of Malmesbury Abbey. The Grade I-listed hotel has been in operation since 1220 and features a beautiful outdoor patio with elegant white sun umbrellas and colourful cushioned seats. Guests can dine in its Abbey Row Restaurant. The hotel is directly adjacent to the 12th-century Malmesbury Abbey, which has a Romanesque porch, biblical carvings, and the tomb of King Athelstan, England's first king. The abbey's tranquil Cloister Garden is a popular spot where locals enjoy teacakes or toasties from the café.
Community and Events
Malmesbury's community is at its core, with events such as quiz nights, festivals, music clubs, and yoga classes regularly taking place. The town's residents have maintained a tight-knit community while also thriving as a desirable place to live. According to Amy Jones, Senior Travel Journalist, 'I could have easily spent a whole day leisurely strolling around the narrow lanes and quaint high streets of this charming town, where events are at the core of its community.'
