10 Oldest Hotels and Inn in England - Top Historic Attractions

Kris [email protected] April 15, 2023 | 10:56

About to have a vacation in England, the city of fog. Do not miss out on some historical places here for a historical vibe! Check out the top 10 oldest hotels and inns in England below!

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10 Oldest Hotels and Inn in England - Top Historic Attractions

When word got out over the weekend that the Royal Clarence Hotel in Exeter was on fire, there was an outpouring of sympathy from the local community in response to the news. On the other hand, there are a great number of hotels and inns that have been operational for a considerable amount of time.

Check out our list of 10 oldest hotels and inns in England below, where you can book for historical vibes! (Compiled and introduced by KnowInsiders).

What are The Oldest Hotels England?

#1. Old Ferry Boat Inn, St Ives, Cambridgeshire.

There are two prominent candidates for the title of "Oldest inn in England," but many people believe that the Old Ferry Boat in St. Ives, Cambridgeshire (shown above) is the oldest. The inn has been around since 560 AD, or so the story goes.

The Old Ferry Boat, situated on the banks of the Great Ouse, claims to be England's oldest inn. Located in the small village of Holywell, this building has retained its thatched roof and white stonework over the years while being outfitted with modern furnishings and conveniences.

This seven-bedroom riverfront retreat is a charming and rustic vacation spot. Hungry travelers have been stopping here for years; you should join them and enjoy some of the best English cuisine.

#2. The Porch House, Stow on the Wold, The Cotswolds.

Photo: The Guardian

The Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold, in the Cotswolds (pictured above), is the other major contender. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized it as England's oldest inn in 947 A.D.

Keep an eye out for the 'witch marks' carved into the stone fireplace in the dining room; these marks were added in the 16th century as a safeguard against witchcraft.

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#3. The George Hotel of Stamford, Lincolnshire.

Photo: Booking

The Stamford George Hotel dates back a thousand years; it was built on the site of a medieval inn. Pass through original gateways, explore winding passages, and come across the ruins of a chapel at this impressive property, which was once owned by the Abbots of Croyland. Over time, the George became a major intermediate stop for travelers taking the coach from London to York.

The hotel has been renovated with respect for its history and original design, so guests can enjoy all the conveniences of today.

#4. The Shaven Crown Hotel, Shipton Under Wychwood, The Cotswolds.

Photo: Booking

The Shaven Crown, in Shipton-under-Wychwood, is 11.3 kilometers from Chipping Norton in the Cotswolds; it is one of England's oldest inns with a history dating back over 700 years. There's a restaurant, a bar, and rooms at a bed and breakfast, plus free Wi-Fi. Private parking is available at no cost to guests.

The Shaven Crown Hotel has uniquely decorated rooms with private bathrooms that look out onto a medieval courtyard and village green. The rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, a coffee/tea maker, a bathrobe, and complimentary toiletries.

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#5. The George Inn, Norton St Philip, Somerset.

Photo: TripAdvisor

The George Inn in Norton St. Philip (pictured above) calls itself the "Oldest Inn in Britain" because it obtained its license to sell alcohol in 1397. The history of the George is rich and fascinating. On his way from Salisbury to Bath, diarist Samuel Pepys stopped here.

Later in 1685, the inn served as the retreating headquarters for the Duke of Monmouth's army during the rebellion. Twelve people were taken and executed on the village common after the infamous Judge Jefferies held the Bloody Assizes in the inn following the failed rebellion.

#6. The Old Bell Hotel, Malmesbury, Wiltshire.

Photo: The Old Bell Hotel

The Old Bell Hotel in Malmesbury (shown above) claims to be the oldest hotel in England. The inn was built in 1220 and is often cited as England's earliest surviving hotel. The Old Bell Hotel, England's oldest, was recently restored to its former glory and now stands proudly next to the 12th-century Abbey in the heart of the historic, vibrant, and charming Wiltshire market town of Malmesbury.

The family-owned hotel and restaurant in the center of Wiltshire is a haven for high-end tourists, socialites, coffee and gin aficionados, and those who simply enjoy the finer things in life. This charming Country House hotel in a convenient downtown location offers friendly service, beautiful rooms, a rich history lesson, and the chance to dine in privacy.

#7. The Mermaid Inn, Rye, East Sussex.

Photo: TripAdvisor

The Mermaid Inn in Rye is the quintessential smuggler's inn, complete with cellars constructed during the Norman era and hidden passageways connecting various rooms.

This historic inn dates back to 1156; however, it was rebuilt in 1420. In the 1730s, the Hawkhurst Gang was a notorious group of smugglers, and this bar was their favorite hangout. This magnificent inn practically reeks of its long and storied past.

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#8. The Highway Inn, Burford, The Cotswolds.

Photo: Cotswolds

One of the oldest buildings in Burford (above), one of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds, is the Highway Inn, which dates back to the 1400s. The inn has a lot of character thanks to its stone walls, old beams, and creaky floors. Curl up by one of the original fireplaces, which are lit daily from October to April, or relax in the medieval courtyard garden during the warmer summer months.

Between Oxford and Cheltenham, you'll find the Highway Inn in the middle of Burford. Whether you're in town for business or pleasure, you'll feel right at home in the cozy, newly renovated rooms and around the crackling fires.

#9. The Crown Inn, Chiddingfold, Surrey.

Photo: Traveloka

The Crown Inn at Chiddingfold has been open since 1383, when it first opened its doors to travelers on the pilgrim route between Winchester and Canterbury. In 1552, King Edward VI, then only 14 years old, spent the night here.

Built in the Middle Ages, this beautiful structure features a Wealden crown post roof, and inside are cozy fireplaces and stained-glass windows.

#10. The Fleece Inn, Bretforton, Worcestershire.

Photo: National Trust

Built in 1425, The Fleece Inn at Bretforton was the first and only inn to become part of the National Trust's collection thanks to a bequest made in 1977. After a devastating fire in 2004, the inn was meticulously restored so that it would retain its historic character and design.

Just a short distance from the picturesque Cotswolds, the Fleece Inn offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life with its warm, welcoming atmosphere, open garden, and apple orchard. Real ales and traditional ciders abound at this historic pub, making it a favorite of Cask Marque of Real Ales (CAMRA) members and drawing customers from all over the world.

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The resort is a haven for the brave and discriminating, perched 2,000 meters above sea level on the sloping rim of a great canyon. Explore a treasure trove of cultural experiences and authentic pleasures while learning about the area's storied past. Guests arrive after a scenic two-hour or four-and-a-half-hour drive through date plantations, dry riverbeds called wadis, and ancient forts from Muscat International Airport or Dubai.

The resort's design is a reflection of this fortified style, with guests staying in modern ramparts modeled after the imposing indigenous citadels but updated with chic, cutting-edge furnishings. All 115 suites and villas feature private pools, spa-like bathrooms with rain showers, and views of the canyon or the gardens. Each of the luxury villas offers guests a quiet place to get away from it all, with a private infinity pool that looks out over the cliffs or is tucked away in an exotic garden. Each villa is fitted with cutting-edge amenities, such as interactive LED IPTVs and walk-in closets.