The Oldest Hotels in the United Kingdom
Ancient places to stay in England, Wales, and Scotland
The Royalist, Gloucestershire
During the creation of Nights In The Past we’ve come across many places to stay that are purported to be of an extraordinary age. Should you know of any old hotels, inns or other accommodation which applies to this section, please get in touch. It should be noted, however, that the list below reflects only a small proportion of the overall number of historic hotels listed on the site.
Inclusion in this Oldest Hotels in Britain section is based on there being some of the original structure still in existence rather than those places that have been entirely rebuilt. Naturally, in many cases this will apply to a relatively small section of the present-day building, though in some instances it applies to the majority. Please bear in mind that Nights in the Past can make no guarantees as to the veracity of the reputed age of any of the properties here or elsewhere on the site and cannot be held responsible for inaccuracies. The date information we supply has, however, been previously documented and is in the public domain either on the internet or in print.
It is important to stress that this isn’t a definitive list, and has been compiled from some of those we have encountered during research.
Inclusion in this Oldest Hotels in Britain section is based on there being some of the original structure still in existence rather than those places that have been entirely rebuilt. Naturally, in many cases this will apply to a relatively small section of the present-day building, though in some instances it applies to the majority. Please bear in mind that Nights in the Past can make no guarantees as to the veracity of the reputed age of any of the properties here or elsewhere on the site and cannot be held responsible for inaccuracies. The date information we supply has, however, been previously documented and is in the public domain either on the internet or in print.
It is important to stress that this isn’t a definitive list, and has been compiled from some of those we have encountered during research.
The George, Stamford
947AD. The Royalist. Stow on the Wold, Gloucestershire. A certain contender for the title of England’s oldest inn, this Stow on the Wold landmark boasts structural timbers which are reputed to be over a thousand years old. How much else of the original building remains, however, is unknown. Discover more about The Royalist Hotel
10th Century. The George. Stamford, Lincolnshire. The present superstructure is certainly old, although not of great antiquity. However, it has been suggested that the remnants of the Hospital of St. John and St. Thomas are to be found within, including a crypt beneath the present day cocktail bar. See our main entry for The George Hotel at Stamford
1135. Ye Olde Bell. Hurley, Berkshire. It has been suggested that parts of the existing structure date back almost 900 years to the time when it acted as the hostelry of Hurley Priory. Which elements might be of such age is unclear. Read reviews at Booking.com
1180. The Priory. Caerleon, Wales. Originally a Cistercian monastery, it has been suggested that the building is, in parts, over 800 years old. The majority, however, is more likely to date from the early 1600’s. Read reviews and check availability for The Priory at LateRooms.com
1199. Shieldhill Castle. Biggar, Scotland. The most ancient part of the present building is the “old tower” around which the rest of this classic Scottish castle was created. See Shieldhill’s entry at Booking.com
12th century. Chillingham Castle. Alnwick, Nothumberland. The present day castle is effectively that constructed in the early 1300’s, although the original fortified stronghold is around 200 years older. Read more about its history at our specific page for Chillingham Castle.
10th Century. The George. Stamford, Lincolnshire. The present superstructure is certainly old, although not of great antiquity. However, it has been suggested that the remnants of the Hospital of St. John and St. Thomas are to be found within, including a crypt beneath the present day cocktail bar. See our main entry for The George Hotel at Stamford
1135. Ye Olde Bell. Hurley, Berkshire. It has been suggested that parts of the existing structure date back almost 900 years to the time when it acted as the hostelry of Hurley Priory. Which elements might be of such age is unclear. Read reviews at Booking.com
1180. The Priory. Caerleon, Wales. Originally a Cistercian monastery, it has been suggested that the building is, in parts, over 800 years old. The majority, however, is more likely to date from the early 1600’s. Read reviews and check availability for The Priory at LateRooms.com
1199. Shieldhill Castle. Biggar, Scotland. The most ancient part of the present building is the “old tower” around which the rest of this classic Scottish castle was created. See Shieldhill’s entry at Booking.com
12th century. Chillingham Castle. Alnwick, Nothumberland. The present day castle is effectively that constructed in the early 1300’s, although the original fortified stronghold is around 200 years older. Read more about its history at our specific page for Chillingham Castle.
Amberley Castle, West Sussex
Note: Argument persists about which is the oldest inn in England. One claimant is The Old Ferryboat in St. Ives, Cambridgeshire which today offers accommodation. It is said that documents suggest liquor was being served on the site as early as 560AD, and that the foundations of the existing structure may be older still. Also very worthy of mention is the Cott Inn at Dartington, Devon, which was licensed as an inn in 1320.
Also reputed to be 12th century: Walworth Castle (County Durham); Churston Court (Devon); The Saracen’s Head (Nottinghamshire); Prince Rupert Classic (Shropshire); The Angel (Suffolk)
Also reputed to be 13th century: New Hall (West Midlands); The Bear of Hungerford (Berkshire); Rothley Court (Leicestershire); The Angel and Royal (Lincolnshire); Dalhousie Castle (near Edinburgh); Amberley Castle (West Sussex); The Maid’s Head (Norfolk); King John’s Hunting Lodge (Wiltshire); The Red Lion of Salisbury Wiltshire)
Also reputed to be 12th century: Walworth Castle (County Durham); Churston Court (Devon); The Saracen’s Head (Nottinghamshire); Prince Rupert Classic (Shropshire); The Angel (Suffolk)
Also reputed to be 13th century: New Hall (West Midlands); The Bear of Hungerford (Berkshire); Rothley Court (Leicestershire); The Angel and Royal (Lincolnshire); Dalhousie Castle (near Edinburgh); Amberley Castle (West Sussex); The Maid’s Head (Norfolk); King John’s Hunting Lodge (Wiltshire); The Red Lion of Salisbury Wiltshire)