The Web’s Premiere Guide to Historic Hotels and Accommodation in the UK, France,
Italy and Western Europe
The Catherine of Aragon Suite. Shrewbury
This unusual and remarkable accommodation is so called on account that Catherine of Aragon, 1st wife of Henry VIII, is reputed to have stayed here in the early 1500‘s.
Indeed, Catherine is known to have had strong connections to the area and the former owners of the house (the Rocke family). Moreover, further evidence of a connection was uncovered during work on the property in the 1840‘s when motifs of Catherine and Henry VIII’s Coat of Arms were found behind panelling.
Learn more about the Catherine of Aragon Suite at TripAdvisor
The Lion Hotel. Shrewsbury
This Grade I listed building originally served as a coaching inn and dates back to the 1500‘s.
Since opening its doors to guests, it has been patronised by the founder of the theory of evolution Charles Darwin, the violinist Paganini (who performed here in August 1833), Thomas de Quincey (author of Confessions of an English Opium Eater), Benjamin Disraeli and Charles Dickens on November 1st 1838
Indeed, some claim that part of Pickwick Papers was actually written here. Booking.com | TripAdvisor
Prince Rupert Classic Hotel. Shrewsbury
Completes the triumverate of special places to stay in the historic town, this truly stunning part-12th century and part 15th-century building was formerly the home of Price Rupert, grandson of King James .
To read reviews and check availability for the Prince Rupert Hotel, try Booking.com | LateRooms | Lastminute.com
Naughty Nell’s. Shifnal
Formerly known as ‘The Unicorn’ this handsome 16th century inn is said to have once been the home of Nell Gwyn (and the site of her famous bedchamber). LateRooms | TripAdvisor
More Period Accommodation in Shropshire (Salop)
Atcham
The Mytton and Mermaid. A splendid Grade-II listed house, The Mytton and Mermaid dates back to 1735 and is situated on the banks of the River Severn. Booking.com
Ironbridge
The Library House. If independent reviews are to be taken as gospel, then this 3-room guest house might just be one of the best bed & breakfasts in England. Dating from the Georgian period, the furnishings and ambience will almost certainly appeal to every heritage traveller. TripAdvisor
Leintwardine
Walford Court. Most likely built as a courthouse, this lovely building could only be found in England – a part timber-frame structure that has found its most comfortable way to sit during its 500-year existence. Indeed, the grounds are thought to contain an ancient motte & bailey which, in itself, is sited on a prehistoric burial mound. It offers bed & breakfast accommodation in a setting of which only the most unromantic would disapprove. TripAdvisor
Ludlow
Dinham Hall. The furnishings and styling to be found throughout much of Dinham Hall is of a distinctly Georgian flavour. This, though, is no surprise given that it was constructed in 1792 during the reign of George III. Booking.com | LateRooms
Feathers Hotel. A certain contender for the title of most visually beautiful inn in the world, the oldest part of the hotel dates from 1619. Booking.com | LateRooms | Lastminute.com
Fishmore Hall. This privately-owned boutique hotel was in a state of near-dereliction until the present owners took on its restoration. Dating back to the Georgian period, the property is rated as three-star and prides itself on being a dog-friendly hotel. Booking.com | LateRooms
Much Wenlock
The Fox Inn. There are only seven guest rooms available at this famous old Much Wenlock coaching inn – something that will please those who prefer to avoid larger establishments. Dating from the 1500’s and rightly Grade-II listed, it provides an excellent option for those seeking to explore the industrial heritage of the area, including the famous Ironbridge Gorge which is within easy reach. Expedia | Lastminute.com
Oswestry
Pen-y-Dyffryn. Attractive Georgian residence on the border of Shropshire and Wales. LateRooms
Sebastians. Recommended by many independent reviewers, Sebastians is a small 6-room hotel and restaurant with a reputation for fine cuisine. The building itself dates from the 16th century, and much of its period character has been retained. LateRooms
Shifnal
Haughton Hall. Early eighteenth century country house in 35 acres of grounds. Booking.com | LateRooms
Telford
Hadley Park. A fine Georgian country house, Hadley Park is a 3-star rated hotel located to the north of Telford. Booking.com | LateRooms
Madeley Court. Four-star accommodation in a sixteenth century country house. Learn more through Booking.com | Lastminute.com
Shrewsbury
Albright Hussey Manor Hotel. Extremely attractive Tudor country house amid several acres of private gardens. Check availability and read reviews at Booking.com | LateRooms
Albrighton Hall. Only a couple of miles outside Shrewsbury and located in its own extensive gardens, Albrighton Hall is a fine 300 year-old country house. It offers a total of 87 en suite rooms and four star hospitality. Booking.com | Albrighton Hall | Lastminute.com
Drapers Hall. Offering just four guest bedrooms – the Walnut Room, Orange Room, Lime Suite and Teal Suite – this ‘Boutique Rooms and Restaurant’ is housed within an exquisite building dating back to the mid-16th century. A metaphorical ‘step back in time’ this certainly is. Booking.com
Wem
Old Rectory Hotel, The. A small, Georgian country house. Booking.com | LateRooms
Soulton Hall. Rooms are available in both the original Elizabethan house and the Carriage House and Cedar Lodge at Soulton Hall (and there are self-catering cottages on the estate, too). A majestic looking building, if ever there was. TripAdvisor
If you believe there is a hotel or inn of historic importance we’ve missed from our Shropshire section, please let us know. We feature all types of accommodation from independent boutique hotels, old coaching inns, rural pubs offering rooms, country house hotels and more. These should offer a high standard of hospitality to the visitor and be of architectural or heritage merit - those known to have entertained famous figures from centuries-gone-by are of the highest importance, but all pre-Victorian period property is of interest to us.
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