From the moment you enter The Walpole Bay Hotel and Museum, you step back in time to the ambience of a bygone era. This historic Margate hotel was built for discerning guests in 1914, extended in 1927, and is now being lovingly restored to her former glory by the Bishop family. The Walpole is a family-run hotel that strives to achieve a friendly home-from-home atmosphere combined with a warm and timeless elegance. From the relaxing flower-decked terrace with sea views to the Edwardian-style restaurant, you will rediscover a passion for the finer things in life.
Services
The Walpole Bay Hotel was built for discerning guests in 1914, extended in 1927 and is now being lovingly restored to her former glory by the Bishop Family. It was built by Louisa Budge and stayed in her family until 1995 when we, The Bishops started our fairytale adventure. From the moment you enter The Walpole Bay Hotel you step back in time to the ambience of a bygone era.
Ours is a lovely story and we are writing a book about our experience whilst renovating The Walpole but suffice to say here that we welcome you to our Home, our Hotel and our Museum, the realisation of a 35-year ambition! We hope you enjoy your visit. On entering The Walpole you will have walked up the marble steps that have been there since 1914 when the Hotel was originally built by Louisa Budge. The Walpole remained in the ownership of the Budge family, down through the generations, until we arrived in 1995 with our restoration project.
For single night booking availability please contact Walpole direct on 01843 221703 or email info@walpolebayhotel.co.uk as the online booking system shows 2 nights plus availability only. The availability of rooms at Walpole can change hourly so please do not hesitate to call us to check our latest position.
Our Restaurant, Bar Lounge and Terrace are open from 7am each day serving delicious home-cooked foods. Breakfast is served between 7am and 9.30am and we have hot and cold snacks available till 9pm daily. Our Tea Rooms and Bar are open as normal, but our Kitchens are not open for a la carte meals until after the Pandemic and it is safe and financially viable for us to do so.
Reviews (20)
Wendy Heeley
Jun 18, 2022
What a fabulous afternoon tea my friend and I enjoyed at The Walpole Bay! Gorgeous, high quality food, excellent service, the personal touch of the proprietor visiting each table and the added bonus of the in- house pianist entertaining us while we relaxed in the lovely surroundings of this special hotel. I will definitely be returning again VERY soon!
Kenny Liggett
Jun 06, 2022
What a wonderful, nostalgic experience we have had staying in this beautiful building. Love the way the original era of the hotel has been maintained, treating us to a step back in time. The owner Jane is absolutely lovely and is surrounded by a fabulous, friendly team, who are some of the best hotel staff anywhere. The location of the Hotel and sea views are amazing. Breakfast was fresh and tasty. Afternoon Prosecco Tea was wonderful. Thoroughly recommend a stay here
Dino J.
May 31, 2022
Michael Cullinan
May 30, 2022
A first-class old-fashioned hotel. We had a delicious classic English afternoon tea with all the trimmings, on a terrace with lovely flowers and a beautiful view. The staff were very welcoming and cheerful. The owners made themselves known informally. The rooms have modern facilities and are clean and comfortable. The corridors contain little museums of bygone days. Breakfast was very good - again in the classic English style. Alas, since Covid they no longer do lunch and dinner. Warmly recommended.
Carolynn Binnie
May 07, 2022
Ashlee Jones
Apr 20, 2022
Lyndall Armstrong
Mar 25, 2022
It was honestly the worst food I have ever eaten. I have a veggie curry and firstly it's was served on a dinner place and it comprised of 6 soggy pieces of zucchini and a couple of bits of capsicum. It was tasteless. I would be embarrassed to serve that up to anyone if I was a chef or even a cook. My husband meal was awful as well. Over cooked calamari and very oily
Jenny Ward
Mar 16, 2022
One of my favourite places. If you like neat, new, minimalist then things NOT the place for you. If you want to step back in time, feel at home and surround yourself in history then this is the place. Most rooms have a sea view. Breakfast is great. Cream teas are a must. Have a drink in the bar, and find the pink pool table.
Kim Friend
Mar 01, 2022
John Symes
Jan 20, 2022
Tony Line
Dec 05, 2021
Bub Gd
Dec 03, 2021
Calvia Henry
Nov 24, 2021
Stanley Dunthorne
Nov 22, 2021
Had a grand one night stay here. It's a funny old hotel with bits and bobs all over the place. Our double room (105) was very spacious, clean and the bed was comfy. The shower worked well, but the only issue we had with our stay was that the bathroom blind was missing a few slats, it was a clear window and we were only on the first floor. So I'm pretty sure people might have been able to see in! Breakfast buffet (included in the 105) was decent, with a selection of hot stuff, cereals, yoghurts etc.
Sally
Nov 21, 2021
Yorkie Rebel
Oct 28, 2021
Donna Aspinall
Sep 23, 2021
Absolutely charming hotel, it was like stepping back in history. Fascinating pictures, curiosities & ' napery '. A gallery of framed napkins donated by guests. Poets and artists inspired by their stay. Staff were lovely & had the pleasure of meeting Jane, who has brought the hotel to life. A must visit
John Ratliff
Sep 17, 2021
Went for their famous cream tea. Lovely Edwardian setting with fine china but the actual cream tea food was pretty poor. The sandwiches were okay but the scones and cakes were probably bought from the nearest supermarket and the cream and jam was served up in old reused breakfast jam pots. There was a pianist banging it out too loud to have a conversation and the table service was minimal.
Thomas Burgoyne
Aug 30, 2021
Sharon Carter
Aug 26, 2021
