Malmesbury

About

You might already know of Malmesbury’s rich history as England’s oldest borough or heard about the stunning 12th Century Abbey still very much in use today. And there’s so much more to discover in this charming market town. Malmesbury has recently been named Best Place to Live in the South West, and mentioned in The Times, the New York Times and on BBC.

Visit the original Market Cross, the Norman Abbey with its tomb of King Athelstan and the free Athelstan Museum with its Turner watercolour, there’s lots to see and do here.

Browse the charming streets and thriving high street with an array of independent retailers and a weekly small market (taking place on a Friday). See the latest Malmesbury Retail and Hospitality Guide, which showcases independent businesses, including local shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs, as a way of celebrating the many delights found in the idyllic town and the benefits of shopping locally.  Festive late night shopping is always the first Friday in December.

View the stunning skyline and enjoy walks (with or without man’s best friend) along the River Avon which winds around the town. A free walking guide and details of exciting interactive ‘Explore Malmesbury’ trails and much more can be found at the Town Information Centre in the Town Hall.

Malmesbury has become home to many annual musical, cultural and food events and festivals and is proud to be the home of many famous inventors and entrepreneurs, including the base for Dyson. Look out for the annual Thomas Hobbes Festival in spring, St Aldhelm's Fayre in May, Malmesbury Carnival during August and Wessex Week in October.

The town offers a great base for exploring the wider Cotswolds and is a short drive from Westonbirt Arboretum, the Cotswold Water Park and Chavenage House.  Stay for a week and make the most of the wider area.

There is a variety of places to stay for every budget in and around Malmesbury including the centrally located Old Bell Hotel and nearby five star luxury Whatley Manor Hotel & Spa, complete with Michelin-star restaurant, or the local pubs, bed and breakfasts, glamping and camping sites.  Malmesbury Accommodation

Walks in Malmesbury

Malmesbury has some great walking routes nearby. Wilthire Walks have put together a selection of walks and more informaiton can be picked up when you're in town.

In 2026, local community groups have joined forces to help preserve Daniel's Well and its riverside heritage. Named after a 9th Century Monk, this riverside beauty spot has been acquired by Malmesbury Town Council, with the aim of restoring and preserving it for local people for generations to come.

The 8.5 acre site stretches from Foxley Road, along the river towards the bank opposite St Aldhelm’s Mead, and forms part of Malmesbury’s scenic river walk. It gets its name from a 9th century monk and disciple of Aldhelm, called Daniel, who had a daily ritual of submerging himself in the cold well water – the well is still present, but is currently capped.

Restoration plans will include tree planting, repairing the riverbank, and restoring a stone clapper bridge, which has been damaged by flooding. Longer term, the team hope to make the area accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Find out What's on in Malmesbury!