Historic stone cottage in the heart of England’s oldest borough, nestling on the edge of the Cotswolds.
An ideal base for visiting the West of England from the Cotswolds through to Stonehenge.
[Car hire is recommended]
Approximaately 50 minutes drive to Cheltenham racecourse depending on the time of day.
Just 20 minutes drive from Swindon, so it is also the perfect home-from-home if you are working away at a Swindon company.
Accommodation
King Size double bed in the attic room plus child’s bed and foldable cot [enjoy extensive views from the front across the historic marketplace to the town hall and Malmesbury Abbey, and from the rear across the river valley]
Two comfortable single beds in the first floor bedroom.
Well appointed bathroom and kitchen, and a small private yard at the back ideal for sitting out on a summers day.
Very cosy sitting room and dining area.
Our attractive back yard is a real sun trap.
Children and dogs welcome.
Internal Services include:
Full gas fired central heating augmented by an electric stove on the ground floor
The cottage benefits from secondary double glazing to minimise noise and keep in the heat.
Free Wi-Fi is provided for our guests.
Terrestrial freeview TV and an Internet TV service -[use your own log-in for services such as Netflix]
Wall safe on the first floor to secure any valuables not needed on a daily basis [ask for the combination when you book]
Full cooking facilities in the kitchen
Washing machine for tenants use
A selection of games for quiet nights in
For readers there is a shelf full of paperbacks for your use. If you don't finish a book you are welcome to take it with you when you leave, and please reciprocate if you bring a book with you and finish it during your stay
Local services and attractions
There is a folder in the sitting room from the tourist office and current brochures on the shelves detailing all local attractions - further up-to-date information can be obtained from the Town Hall directly across the square.
> Malmesbury Abbey is a religious house dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul. It was one of the few English houses with a continuous history from the 7th century through to the dissolution of the monasteries. Still used as a place of worship today. Athelstan, the first king of all England, was buried in Malmesbury Abbey when he died in 939 AD
> The Athelstan Museum can be found at the Town Hall directly across the town square form our cottage.
> The Market Cross, built in 1490, stands at the top of the High Street and is recognised as one of the finest and best preserved structutes of it's kind in England.
> There are four traditional English pubs within five minutes walk – all serving food.
Indian and Chinese takeaways, and traditional English fish and chips are very close.
> One of our favourite restaurants is the Spice Merchant Keralan Indian Restaurant located 10 minutes walk away down Holloway. Excellent food very reasonably priced.
> There is also a very good selection of restaurants and cafés even closer, within a short walk from the cottage in Malmesbury town centre.
> For those of you who are self-catering , the Co-op in the High Street is open from 7.00am to 10.00pm every day, and Waitrose is across the bridge at the bottom of the High Street
> Take time to explore the town itself and the many interesting and unique small shops.
> Two hours inexpensive parking is available right outside the door, and the longer term parking facility a few hundred yards away beyond the Abbey steps..
> If you want a rest from driving, there is a bus stop right outside our door with services to Swindon, Bath, Yate, Chippenham and Cirencester. Check the timetable for details.
> For fine dining a visit to The Old Bell Hotel is a must. It has been serving customers since 1220 AD , not to mention your Hosts' wedding reception a little more recently !!
Places to visit
> Tetbury is another historic town just 5 miles away often frequented by members of the Royal family, and close to Highgrove House which is the personal residence of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Visit the town for boutique shops and great food.
> Three miles beyond Tetbury you will find Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, with over 16000 rare and beautiful trees, all set in 600 glorious, easy-to-stroll Cotswold acres.
> Cirencester is a vibrant market town just 20 minutes away by car, that dates from Roman times and is home to the Corinium Museum.
> Stow-on-the-Wold. At nearly 800ft, Stow is the highest of the Cotswold towns, located on the Roman Fosse Way and is well worth a visit.
> Bourton on-the-Water is our favourite Cotswold town to visit with many small shops and the River Windrush flowing through the centre of the town. Home of the Birdland Park and Gardens, the Model Village and the Cotswolds Motoring Museum and Toy collection. [drive time approximately 50 minutes]
> Stratford-upon-Avon is a gorgeous Medieval town in the heartland of England, best known as the 16th century birthplace of the Shakespeare, and continues to be a centre for cultural activities.
> Oxford is among England's most famous cities, with its ancient university, beautiful buildings and iconic “Dreaming Spires”.
> Famous for its racecourse, Cheltenham is the home of jump racing and hosts the Cheltenham Festival and Gold Cup every March, which sees the town packed with race goers. Known as The Festival Town with festivals year round celebrating music, science, jazz, literature, food and drink. Stay with us if you prefer to have you own quiet haven to retire to after a hard day's racing, about 50 minutes drive away.
The Gloucester Tall Ships Festival is a bi-annual celebration, which takes place at the historic Gloucester Docks and celebrates the city’s rich nautical history, that dates back to 1827 Just one of the many reasons to visit Gloucester, the City on the River Severn.
Cool creative Bristol is a must-see destination if you’re a fan of art, culture and action-packed adventure. If your visit coincides with the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta you are in for a treat.
Stonehenge is a prehistoric megalithic structure on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, one of England's most famous attractions and well within car range for a day out. A drive of about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
