The Old Bell Hotel
Stone walls, authentic period paintings and furnishings and real wood in the fireplaces await guests at what is recognized as England's oldest hotel, the Old Bell in Malmesbury at the edge of the Cotswold hills. Dating to 1220, the Old Bell was built to shelter guests who came to study at neighboring Malmesbury Abbey. Rediscovered in 1986, the stone fireplace in the Great Hall dates to medieval times.
With 33 rooms in the main house and eight in the Coach House annex, the Old Bell has its own restaurant and bar. Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea on the terrace or in one of the comfortable lounges. Its Grade 1 historic status prevents the addition of a fitness facility, but the hotel's management has arranged for guests to use a modern fitness center just 2 minutes away.
The Old Bell Hotel & Restaurant
Abbey Row
Malmesbury, Wiltshire SN16 0BW
(666) 82-2344
www.oldbellhotel.co.uk/
Legacy Rose and Crown
Set in gardens overlooking Shakespeare's River Avon and only 11 miles from Stonehenge, Salisbury's Legacy Rose and Crown Hotel was built as a 13th century stagecoach inn. Original wooden beams and a log-burning fireplace remain in the Oak Bar. Its 29 rooms offer views of the hotel gardens and Salisbury Cathedral across the river.
The Hotel is just 21 miles from New Forest National Park, where you can hike or cycle over heath and woodland trails in what was once William the Conqueror's private hunting reserve.
Legacy Rose and Crown Hotel
Harnham Road
Salisbury, Wiltshire SP2 8, UK
(844) 411-9046
www.legacy-hotels.co.uk/legacy-roseandcrown/home.asp
George Hotel
A 15th century coaching inn in 11th century Dorchester-on-Thames, the George Hotel has 17 rooms and 2 acres of immaculate gardens. Ancient oak beams and cozy inglenooks add charm throughout its interior, and long walks along the banks of the Thames begin just outside the door.
Tuck into some roast beef and Yorkshire pudding followed by Eton mess for a traditional English Sunday lunch at the hotel restaurant. Work off your meal by walking or biking to the nearby Sinudon Hills nature reserve for a bird's-eye view of the river.
The George Hotel
Dorchester-on-Thames
Oxfordshire OX10 7HH
(865)-34-0404
www.thegeorgedorchester.co.uk/
