ONE town in Wiltshire has been named one of the best places to live in the UK – and it was once very popular with royalty.
Malmesbury in sits just outside of the Cotswolds border with a pretty high street, stone cottages and it is home to what is considered ‘s oldest hotel.
Malmesbury is a small market town in WiltshireCredit: Alamy
It was just was named one of the best places to live in the UK by The TimesCredit: Alamy
The Ti mes named Malmesbury one of the , and the best in the Southwest.
It said: “If the high street is a good indicator of the of a town, then historic Malmesbury should be feeling decidedly chipper.“
Malmesbury is on the very edge of the , sometimes even known as the ‘southern gateway’ to the region.
It’s also nicknamed Queen of Hilltop Towns because it sits around 302 feet above sea level.
It has 300 listed buildings with pretty stone cottages, like you find in the neighbouring Cotswolds, and lots sit alongside the .
The town is one of the oldest boroughs in England – it was given the status in around the year 880 AD by Alfred the Great.
Malmesbury was also a favourite location of the very first King of England, Athelstan.
When he ruled, he even made himself King of all England and named Malmesbury the nation’s very first capital in around 925 AD.
King Athelstan chose to be buried within the grounds of the historic Malmesbury Abbey which still stands today.
Now, Malmesbury is a classic English market town, but with the charm of the .
It has lots of independent shops on the high street, along with farmers’ .
The Flying Monk Café & Taproom is popular for everything from craft beer to a hearty breakfast.
In August, Malmesbury holds its own carnival and festival where there are lots of pop up stalls as well as parades and music.
The Old Bell Inn Malmesbury is said to be the country’s oldest hotelCredit: Alamy
Near the river is The Old Bell Hotel which is rumoured to be England’s oldest hotel.
The Grade I-listed spot has been welcoming guests since 1220, where it used to be lodgings for monks.
Now, it has 34 rooms that cater to everyone from single travellers to families, and a few suites too
One reported called it the “perfect spot for some post-party pampering this .”
They added: “Our room was a delight, dominated by a vast, comfy bed covered in a rainbow of soft throws and cushions, while a menagerie of monkeys and peacocks danced across the wallpaper.
“The helpful team at The Old Bell can arrange a guided tour of the King’s gardens in nearby Highgrove House, a visit to Westonbirt Arboretum or paddleboarding at Cotswold Water Park.
“However, it’s just as nice to potter around Malmesbury.”
If you want to explore out of the town, a 22-minute drive away from Malmesbury is Cotswold Country Park and the UK’s biggest inland beach.
Along with , there’s an AquaVenture inflatable course and boat hire.
On land there is more to do with mini , playgrounds and lake walks.
It opens for the new season on March 27, 2026.
The town is also close to Castle Combe Race Circuit, Lake 32 Outdoor Centre and Brinkworth Golf Course.
These are the top 10 places to live in the UK...
revealed the top 10 places to live in the country…
- Norwich, Norfolk
- Malmesbury, Wiltshire
- Skipton, North Yorkshire
- Lindfield, West Sussex
- The Malverns, Worcestershire
- Usk, Monmouthshire
- Linlithgow, West Lothian
- Ballycastle, Co Antrim
- Richmond, London
- Altrincham, Greater Manchester
For more on the Cotswolds, here’s .
And Deputy Travel Editor reveals her .
Malmesbury is considered the ‘southern gateway of the Cotswolds’Credit: Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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