www.cotswolds.com

where�To�sTayStay in reputedly England’s oldest

hotel, The Old Bell, next door to

the abbey. This family-owned hotel

is a mix of elegance and old-world

charm. Or opt for Whatley Manor

Hotel and Spa set in 12 acres of

gardens just outside the town. Fine

dining and its very own cinema are

just two of the manor’s attractions.

hiDDen�gemsThe Abbey Gardens are a quiet

haven in the centre of the town.

The garden walks and yew hedging

have been laid out to replicate the

missing parts of the original abbey.

There are unique views of the abbey

ruins and beautiful walks along the

River Avon. On the opposite bank

is the Congyre Nature Reserve

where woodpeckers and other

wildlife and flora thrive.

Top�TipDiscover more about years gone

by as you explore Malmesbury on

foot. This was where the first king

of England, Athelstan lived, and

where numerous battles of the civil

war played out. Don’t miss one of

the twice-weekly markets – pick

up local produce at the farmers’

market or a unique gift at one of

the craft stalls.

Day�1The jewel in the crown of Malmesbury is its 12th century abbey, whose silhouette can

be seen for miles around. The great porch with its intricate carving has been compared

with that of Chartres Cathedral. The abbey suffered during Henry VIII’s dissolution of

the monasteries and again during the civil war, but it still impresses by its scale and

beauty. The ornate medieval market cross with its eight pillars is also remarkable.

Learn all about these and more of the town’s history at the Athelstan Museum.

History apart, the town has much to offer: from individual shops and a great selection

of cafés and restaurants to a busy calendar of cultural festivals.

UncovermalmesbUryDo�not�be�fooled�by�the�peaceful�appearanceof�this�ancient�borough.�Tales�of�a�flyingmonk�and�a�young�girl�killed�by�a�tiger�areall�part�of�its�rich�history.�spend�a�day�or�twoexploring�this�historic�and�fascinating�town.

Malmesbury has many a tale to tell.

The most famous one involves Eilmar,

the flying monk. Fascinated by the idea

of flight, he made wings for his hands and

feet and jumped off the top of the abbey.

Miraculously he survived but the abbot

banned him from further attempts.

A young lady who got too close to a tiger

from a visiting menagerie was not so

fortunate – as her tombstone describes!

hiDDen�gemsA few miles from Malmesbury,

just outside the village of Kemble,

is a gem that is truly hidden! The

source of the River Thames is

marked by a stone, but you will

have to follow its path for a while

before seeing any water, as it is

mainly underground. Kemble also

has a listed railway station.

Top�TipMalmesbury is a great place

to base yourself for a day trip

to the Georgian town of Bath –

its famous crescent and Jane

Austen connections need no

introduction. En route, take in

one of the prettiest villages

in England – Castle Combe –

which has often been used as

a film set in period dramas.

Day�2After a day discovering the treasures of

Malmesbury, head just a few miles north to

the National Arboretum of Westonbirt. This is

a lovely place in any season, but is especially

renowned for its colourful maples in the autumn.

A treetop walk gives you a bird’s-eye view of the

600-acre wood. A little further along the road

is Highgrove, HRH Prince Charles’s home –

book a ticket for a garden tour, perhaps followed

by a delicious tea. The stylish town of Tetbury,

a shopper’s delight, is just round the corner.

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Uncover

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