The hotel was originally a coaching inn called 'The Fortescue Arms' and earned the right to include 'Royal' in its name after a visit by the Prince of Wales (later Edward 7th) in 1856. Apparently, the Prince of Wales greatly enjoyed apple pie and cream at the hotel! The coats of arms blazoned on the front of this historic building are those of the Earls of Fortescue and the Prince of Wales.The prince would doubtless have enjoyed the fabulous dining experiences on offer at the hotel today, with the hotel's flagship Lord Fortescue Restaurant, tempting coffee house, and right next door, 62 The Bank, with its incredible Tudor ceiling dating back to 1620.
Services
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Once an ancient coaching inn, this hotel retains its historic charm whilst offering all the modern comforts you expect. Bang in the centre of Barnstaple, the Royal & Fortescue Hotel is a gem, ideally located for exploring Barnstaple and the surrounding North Devon area. You are just a few steps away from tempting designer shops, the ancient pannier market and the theatre.
The Royal & Fortescue Hotel has a prime location right in the centre of the market town of Barnstaple, close to the theatre, cinema and shops. Although in the thick of things, as soon as you step into the hotel, you escape from the bustle and you can relax in decadent comfort. Our quiet corner of the world is peacefully awaiting you for your next visit, green rolling hills, turquoise waters and award winning sandy beaches await you at The Royal & Fortescue Hotel.This North Devon gem of Barnstaple and North Devon gives attentive service, delicious food served in our bistro and carefully created cocktails in our very own cocktail bar, Bar 62.
If you want to explore the local North Devon area, you will be spoilt for choice as there are countless places of interest within easy reach of the Royal & Fortescue Hotel in Barnstaple. Feel the sand beneath your toes at Saunton Sands or Woolacombe, or paddle in the glistening waters of Croyde or Westward Ho!.
Reviews (8)
Samantha Ealden
May 10, 2022
Absolutely wonderful hotel with the most incredible staff! We hosted our engagement party here and had all our family travel down from Essex for the weekend, rooms are lovely, food and drinks are great! Couldn't be more grateful, everyone had the most amazing time! They were super easy going and really helpful when it came to planning and organising the party as it was all done over email, and it was just faultless. Thank you again, we will be back! X
Nesta Carpenter
Apr 19, 2022
Tim Hicklin
Apr 01, 2022
Denise Swain
Mar 25, 2022
Neil Baldwin
Mar 21, 2022
Kerry Ray
Feb 10, 2022
No parking available - requested a bath on our booking didn't get. Very very noisy room. Again requested on booking that I would like a quiet room at the back of the hotel as travelling with a 6 year old. Next to a very noisy alley way & in busy loud corridors. Telephone didn't work so couldn't ring reception for any of these issues.
Wayne Aston
Feb 04, 2022
Simply put this is a wonderful hotel situated right in the middle of Barnstaple. The hotel has a real class air about it and from the moment you walk through the doors you can be assured you'll receive good old fashioned quality service. All the staff are brilliant. Our standard room was lovely and offered great value B&B for what we paid. We also ate in the hotel's bistro, Bank 62, and what a treat that was. Fantastic meal and again wonderful service.
Our starter took a little time to arrive. We never said a word about it but when we ordered our next drink we were told they were on the house because of the wait. The hotel bar is also a great place to relax and enjoy a great cocktail or two. As expected the breakfast was as good as everything else we had experienced in the hotel. All in all this is a fabulous hotel and we would absolutely recommend it.
Our starter took a little time to arrive. We never said a word about it but when we ordered our next drink we were told they were on the house because of the wait. The hotel bar is also a great place to relax and enjoy a great cocktail or two. As expected the breakfast was as good as everything else we had experienced in the hotel. All in all this is a fabulous hotel and we would absolutely recommend it.
Dawn Gould
Jan 16, 2022
Lovely small hotel. Challenging parking situation but spaces. Ideal to walk into town. Lovely staff. Mother in law was situated in a very challenging room, stairs x2 to get there even with lift. Be careful to ensure easy access room if you have issues. But the room was fresh, clean. The hotel gave them a hamper on arrival with the coach company over Christmas. She said the food was good. Decorated wonderfully for the season.
