The Web’s Premiere Guide to Historic Hotels and Accommodation in the UK, France,
Italy and Western Europe
~ UK Hotels and Inns ~
~ France Historic Hotels ~
~ Italy Historic Hotels ~
~ Spain Historic Hotels ~
~ More Europe ~
~ Rest of the World ~
~ Special Sections ~



The Bell Inn. Stilton
Dating back to around 1500, The Bell Inn is certainly one of the most well-preserved examples of an English coaching inn.
There are, of course, connections with the famous blue cheese, but the building itself has welcomed a number of notable historic guests - both famous and infamous. Of the latter, perhaps Dick Turpin is the most well known. Indeed, it is said that the notorious highwayman hid at the inn for nine weeks to escape the law, eventually being forced to make a quick escape on Black Bess.
Lord Byron is also known to have stayed on October 3rd 1813, while the Duke of Marlborough was another esteemed guest.
Today, the Bell Inn offers a total of 22 guest rooms (including four poster suites), most of which are located around the old courtyard. More details are available via TripAdvisor
The Haycock Hotel. Wansford
Undoubtedly one of the nation’s most well preserved historic coaching inns, The Haycock dates back to 1620. A landmark in the pretty village of Wansford - less than ten miles from Peterborough - the hotel is said to have played host to both Queen Victoria and Mary Queen of Scots. It is thought that the latter would have done so en route to imprisonment at Fotheringhay Castle, where she would also be executed.
Today, this notable old inn boasts 48 individually furnished rooms and an award winning restaurant.
For further information and secure online booking, go straight to the hotel’s entry at Booking.com | LateRooms
More Period Hotels and Inns in Cambridgeshire
Cambridge
Also see our special section devoted to places to stay in the Historic City of Cambridge
Royal Cambridge Hotel, The. 57-room hotel formed from several Georgian townhouses. Expedia | LateRooms
Hotel du Vin. Arguably Cambridge’s premiere boutique hotel, there’s certainly a leaning towards contemporary chic, but the building itself remains one of great heritage: certain elements of the structure are said to be medieval in origin. Booking.com | Expedia
Hotel Felix. Up to date facilities within a fine period house dating back to 1852. Booking.com
Duxford
The John Barleycorn. A favoured drinking spot for the RAF’s Duxford Wing (Douglas Bader) during World War II, this old thatched coaching inn’s origins go back to 1660. Booking.com
Ely
Lamb Hotel, The. Fifteenth century building in the shadow of the famous fenland cathedral. LateRooms
Huntingdon
The George of Huntingdon. A traditional old coaching inn which was once the property of Oliver Cromwell’s grandfather. Booking.com
The Old Bridge. An award winning and very highly rated 18th century inn, all of its 24 bedrooms have been individually designed and furnished. TripAdvisor
Littlebury
Queen’s Head Inn, The. Coaching inn dating back to the 14th century. LateRooms
March
Ye Olde Griffin. Located at the centre of this small fenland market town, Ye Olde Griffin is thought to date back to the 16th century and boasts Oliver Cromwell as a former guest. Booking.com
Nassington
The Queens Head. With a four-star Inn rating by the AA, the Queens Head is a popular little place to stay just a few miles to the west of Peterborough. Booking.com
Peterborough
Orton Hall. A magnificent seventeenth century Cambridgeshire country house amid 20 acres of its own mature parkland. The hotel also boasts its own country inn. Booking.com | Orton Hall
Sibson Inn. Benefiting from very favourable independent reviews as an inn, this 17th century building was formerly a farmhouse. It includes four posters and a bridal suite. TripAdvisor
The Bull. Although there’s very much a 21st century ambience about much f its interior, there’s no doubting that The Bull is of great age. Indeed, its origins are 17th century and the main building was a small 8-room coaching inn up until the beginning of the 1900’s. It is, of course, a little larger these days. Booking.com
St. Ives
Old Ferryboat, The. Another genuine contender for the title of England’s oldest inn, the foundations of the existing building are said to date from 560 AD. Booking.com | LateRooms
The Old Ferryboat may well be one of the most ancient places to stay in England, but there are many more in our list of the oldest hotels in the UK here. We also want to expand our list of historic Cambridgeshire hotels so would very much appreciate any feedback or suggestions. These can be luxury hotels, bed and breakfasts or country inns. We are especially pleased to learn of any accommodation connected to famous figures of events in addition to properties from the medieval to early Victorian periods.
Copyright. Nights In The Past 2007 - 2011