It’s not often, if ever, that you get to watch the grandeur and ceremony of a royal coronation. With the United Kingdom’s last one having taken place 70 years ago, anticipation – or at least curiosity – about this weekend’s Coronation of King Charles III is running high.
Scores of travelers will be heading to London to see the pomp and pageantry first hand, but many will prefer to party from afar (or simply want to make the most of the three-day weekend). And where better than the great British pub?
We’ve rounded up six of the best eviivo Collective pubs with rooms with a royal theme where you can raise a toast to the new king, or simply explore the countryside, enjoy some fine food and drink – and later retire to your king size bed!
The Kings Arms, Stow-on-the-Wold, Gloucestershire
King Charles I once stayed at this atmospheric inn in the beautiful Cotswolds. Built of honey-coloured limestone, this ancient hostelry takes pride of place on the Market Square of Stow on the Wold, a town renowned for its antiques shops. Ten luxurious rooms in either the main building or on the site of the coaching inn’s original stables have exposed stone walls and are furnished in contemporary country style.
The Crown Inn, Marnhull, Dorset
Dating from the 16th century, this historic coaching inn has been serving customers since the time of King Henry VIII. Its thatched roof, wooden beams and flagstone floors ooze charm and character. Famed local author Thomas Hardy was a regular visitor and the inn was featured in his novel Tess of the d’Urbervilles. The pub will be hosting a Coronation Community BBQ and a Coronation High Tea across the coronation weekend.
The Kings Head Country Hotel, Great Bircham, Norfolk
This stately looking property was built in the Edwardian period and after extensive renovations and expansion in 2004 became the bright and contemporary hotel it is today. Near Kings Lynn, it’s just 6 miles from one of King Charles III’s royal residences, Sandringham House. It offers 12 sleek and spacious rooms, including the exquisite Executive Room with regal purple curtains, throne-like arm chairs and views across open fields.
The Crown Inn, Dial Post, West Sussex
Stripped floorboards, antique beds and carefully chosen furnishings bring a stylish touch to the four beautifully appointed rooms and 2 self-catering cottages at this welcoming inn. Overlooking the village green, it has a strong reputation for its locally sourced Sussex menu and is offering a special celebratory coronation set dinner and BBQ this weekend. Nearby lie ruins of Knepp Castle, frequented by King John in the 13th century.
The Kings Arms, Monkton Farleigh, Wiltshire
Just a few miles from the Georgian splendour of Bath, home of the famous Royal Crescent, this inn is the perfect escape from the city. Built in the 17th century on the site of an old priory, the inn has four charming rooms and a restaurant serving up new seasonal dishes alongside British classics as part of their Coronation celebrations. There is a delightful garden to enjoy, and a range of country walks from the doorstep.
The Crown, Playhatch, Berkshire
With ten large, well-appointed rooms, this classic 16th century country inn offers superior comfort along with great food and service. The popular restaurant serves a wide range of imaginative and contemporary dishes, served in the comfortable dining room or smart beer garden. Close to the River Thames and the Thames Path to London, it’s also surrounded by glorious countryside, with plenty of walks in the area.
However you choose to celebrate the Coronation, all of these properties offer a memorable stay, a warm welcome and great value. With eviivo’s award-winning property management system taking care of guest bookings, time-consuming admin tasks, payments and reporting, their dedicated staff are perfectly placed to offer service fit for a king, all year round.
Main image: The Crown, Dorset, UK