As travel trends evolve and over tourism reshapes traditional summer destinations, discerning travellers are seeking quieter, more meaningful getaways. In response, The Old Bell Hotel offers a refined retreat in the South Cotswolds, a place that remains delightfully under the radar, with tranquil streets, rolling countryside, and plenty of room to roam and explore (with maybe a furry four-legged plus one).
Steeped in over 800 years of history and believed to be England’s oldest hotel, The Old Bell Hotel has welcomed guests since 1220. Set beside the majestic 12th-century Abbey in the ancient town of Malmesbury, this Grade I Listed treasure blends architectural heritage with elegant, characterful interiors. Each of the 34 bedrooms is uniquely designed with rich textures, antiques, and carefully curated details, while single occupancy rooms, many of which are dog friendly are thoughtfully located in the historic heart of the hotel.
A solo stay at The Old Bell Hotel isn’t just about where you go it’s about how you feel while you’re there. With centuries of hospitality behind its doors, the hotel offers a rare invitation to slow down, soak in your surroundings, and rediscover the pleasure of your own company.
Here, the luxury lies in simplicity: a peaceful corner of the lounge with a good book, the gentle clink of cutlery over lunch on the terrace, and perhaps a glass from the award-winning wine list. In an age of constant motion, The Old Bell Hotel offers something rare the pleasure of stillness, space, and solo time, entirely on your own terms.
The historic Abbey next door adds a touch of grandeur to your morning walk, while the town’s riverside paths meander gently through leafy views and ancient stone walls. Come evening, enjoy seasonal fine dining at our Abbey Row Restaurant or step into our cosy lounges for a moody, fireside setting and a glass of something special, perfect for unwinding with a novel or simply enjoying the calm glow of candlelight. Whether you’re looking to unplug, reflect, or savour solitude, The Old Bell Hotel ensures your solo stay is imbued with warmth, space, and a deep sense of place.
For solo travellers seeking open skies and the rhythm of nature, the South Cotswolds offers a wealth of rewarding outdoor pursuits, each easily accessible from The Old Bell Hotel and perfectly suited for independent exploration.
For those craving fresh air and gentle adventure, the region’s golf courses offer stunning settings for a solitary round. The Manor House Golf Club in Castle Combe (15 mins) is a championship 18-hole course woven through the Bybrook Valley. Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort (30 mins) features Wiltshire’s only PGA-approved course set on a grand 2,000-acre estate. For variety, Cumberwell Park Golf Club (45 mins) boasts 36 holes and is the only 45-hole complex in the Southwest.
Prefer water to fairways? Head to Cotswold Water Park (25 mins), where 180 lakes offer everything from paddleboarding and open-water swimming to sailing and lakeside lounging. With over 42 square miles of water-based leisure, it’s the ultimate solo-friendly playground.
Malmesbury itself, once the first capital of England, named by King Athelstan in the 10th century is rich in history and charm. You’ll never be bored in this part of the country – whether enjoying it with friends and family or embracing the calm as a solo traveller, it’s a deeply restorative place to explore.
BOOK IT
Single occupancy rooms start from £195 per night, on a B&B basis
For more information or to book, visit www.oldbellhotel.co.uk.
