The beautiful Cotswolds town frozen in time and not as busy as its more famous neighbours

A beautiful frozen in time is home to the

With a population of just over 7,000 Malmesbury is far less busier than its

The town offers a sense of tranquillity and is a great base for exploring the wider . It is just a short drive from Westonbirt Arboretum, the Cotswold Water Park and Chavenage House.

With a rich history, Malmesbury in was originally built around an abbey and constructed in 675 AD. For a time, it was reportedly one of the most significant towns in England.

Dating back to the sixth century, it was awarded borough status via a charter by Alfred The Great in around 880.

In the 10th century, Athelstan, the first king of (all) England and grandson of Alfred the Great, after defeating an army of northern English and Scots.

The town's world-famous Malmesbury Abbey is a 12th-century Benedictine monastery still in use today. Dominating the market town, the abbey was one of the few English religious houses with a continuous history from the 7th century through the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

During the English Civil War between the Royalists and Parliamentarians, Malmesbury became a key battleground, and the south face of its abbey still bears scars from a battle that tore through the town.

Today, the market town is home to a stream of independent shops and cafes, and the Avon river gracefully meanders around Malmesbury.

Every August, the town holds an annual carnival, which helps to raise money for the community through events and stalls including the world's largest pillow fight.

Earlier this month, Malmesbury officially twinned with a German one, both linked by a saint who lived 1,300 years ago.

The Mayor of Malmesbury, in Wiltshire, signed the formal agreement with Bad Hersfeld on a visit to Germany on October 15.

The towns are connected through Saint Lull, a monk from Wessex who was educated at Malmesbury Abbey before going to Germany and becoming an Archbishop.