Historic and Period Hotels in Nottinghamshire

The Saracen’s Head. Southwell

If a quarter of the historic connections this beautiful old building claims to have are true, it would be, without doubt, more worthy of historical acclaim than almost all of England’s stately homes to which visitors flock yearly. Indeed, the owners could very well charge and admission fee just so guests could walk the same ground upon which so many notable figures have trod over the years.

Admittedly, parts of the structure have been rebuilt - but that was in the 16th century. Indeed, some of the fabric of the inn is reputed to date back to the 12th; a fact that would make it one of the oldest places to stay anywhere in Britain. Later additions were made in 1818, and most recently during the 1970s.

Formerly called the King’s Arms, this historical gem is said to have accommodated a remarkable number of English monarchs. These include King John, Richard I, Richard II, Henry II, Edward I, Edward II, Edward III and Edward IV. It is, however, most famed for its links to Charles I.

It is said that he stayed here on two occasions. The first was in 1642 during which time the Royal Standard flew of Nottingham castle to signal the beginning of the English Civil War. Four years later on the 5th of May 1646 he returned at a time when Royalist troops were all be defeated. It is said that it was here he enjoyed his final hours of freedom before being taken prisoner.

Purists will no doubt want to stay in the Elizabethan wing - the oldest part of the property offering accommodation. Known as ‘Executive Rooms’ these include a four poster suite.

The small town of Southwell is located approximately 10 miles north east of Nottingham, and around 5 miles west of Newark.

For more information and secure online booking, visit The Saracen’s Head’s entry at Expedia

Gunthorpe

The Unicorn. Situated almost halfway between Nottingham and Newark upon Trent, this 17th century coaching inn has received some fine reviews from independent travellers. It offers a total of fourteen guest rooms and bed & breakfast accommodation. LateRooms

Holbeck

Browns. Award-winning bed & breakfast accommodation (adults only) within the tiny village of Holbeck, near Worksop. The building dates from the early 1700’s and offers only three guest rooms. LateRooms

Langar

Langar Hall. A small (and perfectly formed) country house hotel set in the Vale of Belvoir. LateRooms

Nottingham

Colwick Hall. Although Colwick is a true piece of Georgian architecture, the estate’s history goes back to the 1300’s. Alas, all traces of previous structures disappeared during the construction of the existing ‘Palladian’ house in 1775. Enthusiasts of poetry, though, will be far more interested to note that the property originally belonged to the family of Alfred Lord Byron. Furthermore, his childhood sweetheart, Mary Chaworth, whom he first met in 1798, eventually married the later owner of the estate, Jack Musters. TripAdvisor

Bestwood Lodge. Admittedly, the existing building dates from the late-Victorian and would therefore not normally qualify for inclusion. However, not only is Bestwood Lodge a splendid piece of architecture, but the estate itself boasts a colourful history as a royal hunting lodge dating back as far as the medieval period. www.lastminute.com

Ollerton

Thoresby Hall. Stunning 18th century mansion at the edge of Sherwood Forest. LateRooms | Hotel’s Site

Papplewick

Cockliffe Country House. Although 17th century in origin, you would be forgiven for thinking it of even greater age. Lastminute.com

Retford

West Retford Hotel. There may well be a number of contemporary rooms on offer here, but the history traveller and romantic will be more interested in the 250-year-old main building. West Retford is located close to Nottinghamshire’s border with South Yorkshire, and thus destinations such as Sheffield and Doncaster are within easy reach. LateRooms

Woodborough

Woodborough Hall Hotel. A fine Grade-II listed building many of whose rooms would not look at all out of place in a TV adaptation of a Jane Austen novel. Despite being surrounded by its own rural estate, Woodborough Hall is less than quarter of an hour from the centre of Nottingham itself. LateRooms

New... You might also like to try our extra section on Haunted Hotels in the East Midlands for more historic accommodation options.

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