The Royal Hotel - 3-Star Hotel in Bideford, England
Book on our site
up to 10% cheaper
than Booking.com
Key details
About the Hotel
Barnstaple Street, Bideford, EX34 7AB,
-
Close to the Pannier Market
Nice
6.9
8.8
/10
3.0
4.4
/5
Loved by The Royal Hotel guests
Cute staff
Delicious meals
Comfortable beds
Character hotel
"The room was beautiful and very clean, beds very comfortable and we had everything we needed."
Trillium from United States
read full review
"Great food nice room very comfortable bed and easy parking"
Steve from United States
read full review
"Food was excellent (dinner and breakfast)."
Rachel from United States
read full review
"The rooms were spotless."
F B from United Kingdom
read full review
"The pudding selection was unbelievable I just wish I had reviewed it before I over indulged on dinner!"
Experience566673 from United Kingdom
read full review
Dining
The Royal Hotel offers dining at Merchants Bistro, where the Sunday carvery features award-winning meals made with locally sourced ingredients. The oak-panelled Kingsley Room, with its ornate sculpted ceiling, serves as a historic setting for private events and special meals. Breakfast includes a full English served in the small dining room, with a range of cereals and other choices.
Rooms and Amenities
The hotel has 32 bedrooms, each with unique character and some offering views of the River Torridge. Room features include 24-hour room service, flat-screen TVs, and tea/coffee making facilities with biscuits. The property also provides a lift, family rooms, and accessible parking for guests with disabilities.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
The Royal Hotel welcomes dogs with pet-friendly accommodations and a policy that includes water bowls provided for canine guests. The hotel's location next to the Tarka Trail offers direct access to walking routes for dogs and their owners. Staff are trained to accommodate pets, and dogs are allowed in certain public areas.
Location and History
The hotel occupies a 17th-century building at the eastern end of ancient Bideford Bridge, with direct views of the River Torridge. Historic associations include Sir Charles Kingsley, who wrote parts of 'The Water Babies' and 'Westward Ho!' while staying here. Guests can walk to the quayside to catch a boat to Lundy Island or explore the Tarka Trail for walking and cycling.
Business and Family Features
The hotel provides meeting and banquet facilities for corporate events, along with fax and photocopying services for business travelers. Family-friendly amenities include board games and puzzles, a kid-friendly buffet, and special diet menus available on request. Free on-site parking and complimentary Wi-Fi are offered to all guests.
Highlights
Location: Riverside setting at Bideford Bridge, near Tarka Trail and quayside
Dining: Award-winning Sunday carvery at Merchants Bistro
Rooms: 32 uniquely decorated bedrooms with river views
Pet-Friendly: Dog-friendly accommodations with water bowls and Tarka Trail access
History: 17th-century building with Charles Kingsley association
“The Royal Hotel in Bideford presents a genuinely welcoming atmosphere, with staff consistently noted for their warmth and helpfulness, from check-in to breakfast service. Its position is particularly advantageous for Tarka Trail cyclists, and the recently renovated rooms, such as the Countryman or Kingsley, often surprise with comfortable furnishings and thoughtful amenities. While parking requires early arrival or consideration of nearby public options, the overall impression is one of a charming, well-situated establishment that invites return visits.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Hotels3s
Select your room type
The Royal Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Standard Single Room
2 persons
10 m²
1 Single bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Cosy Double Room
2 persons
12 m²
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Standard Double Room
2 persons
13 m²
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
May 2026 - May 2027
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
May 2026
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
June 2026
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
July 2026
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
August 2026
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
September 2026
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
October 2026
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
November 2026
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
December 2026
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
January 2027
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
February 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
March 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
April 2027
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
Choose dates to see prices
Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
The Royal Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.6/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Lift
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access
Sports & Fitness
Cycling
Guest Parking
Electric kettle
Services
Pet amenities available
Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Welcome drink
Dining
In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Picnic area/ Tables
Packed lunches
Special diet menus
Business
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Cots
Children's buffet
Board games
Facilities for people with disabilities
Toilet for disabled
Spa & Leisure
Garden area
Leisure/ TV room
Room features
Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Heating
Sitting area
Dressing area
Garden furniture
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Carpeted floor
Show more
Dining Onsite
At The Royal Hotel, dining is a heartwarming exploration of flavors and cultural influences, catering to diverse palates with options that embrace tradition and modernity. Guests can indulge in lovingly crafted meals in inviting spaces, perfect for families and gatherings alike.
The Regency Restaurant
Traditional family-friendly dining
Ambiance
Warm and welcoming, perfect for families
Key Offerings
Enjoy a delightful breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu, featuring a selection of locally sourced meats, a tasty vegetarian option, and thorough dietary accommodations including Halal, Kosher, Vegan, and more.
Reservation
Not needed
Breakfast from 07:00 - 09:30 (Monday to Friday), 07:30 - 09:30 (Saturday and Sunday); Dinner from 19:00 - 21:00 (daily)
Merchants Bistro
Casual dining with light lunches and dinners
Ambiance
Inviting and relaxed, ideal for casual family meals
Key Offerings
A tempting selection of light lunches and scrumptious dinners that promise to tantalize the palate with a delightful variety of flavors. Perfect for those looking for a midday pick-me-up or an evening treat.
Reservation
Not needed
Hours vary, please check for specifics
The Royal Hotel Location
Barnstaple Street, Bideford, EX34 7AB,
Explore Bideford
Explore Bideford's Best
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Bideford Railway Heritage Centre
2 minutes' walk
Railway history showcased through exhibits. Perfect for enthusiasts, with guided tours available.
Tarka Statue
10 minutes' walk
A tribute to the beloved character from 'Tarka the Otter'. Scenic spot for photos and relaxation.
Clovelly Court Gardens
12 minutes' walk
Stunning gardens with diverse flora. Ideal for family outings and seasonal events.
The BIG Sheep
7 minutes' drive
Family-friendly amusement park with rides and activities. A great spot for fun-filled days out.
Discover the local attractions near The Royal Hotel
Uncover notable attractions near Royal Hotel Bideford in the Torridge district that offer a variety of experiences.
Ideal for casual browsing and local shopping: Pannier Market
Great for scenic walks and wildlife watching: Lundy Island
Perfect for exploring maritime history: Torridge Ships and Shipbuilding
Well suited for family-friendly activities: Atlantis Adventure Park
Best for adrenaline-pumping outdoor fun: The Ultimate Adventure Centre
Great for photo opportunities and leisurely strolls: Tarka Statue
Suited for peaceful contemplation and architecture appreciation: St Mary's Parish Church
Tarka Trail
7 minutes' walk
Scenic walking and biking path along the river. Great for outdoor lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Skern Lodge Outdoor Activity Centre
45 minutes' drive
Adventure centre offering kayaking, climbing, and more. Perfect for thrill-seekers of all ages.
Yoga at the Beach
9 minutes' drive
Beach yoga classes ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation. Schedule varies, booking recommended.
Silver Bridge House Bideford
2 minutes' walk
Casual dining with locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy hearty meals and scenic river views.
Harts
5 minutes' walk
Traditional pub with a cozy atmosphere. Signature dishes include fish and chips, with vegetarian options.
Mr Chips
5 minutes' walk
Famous for its classic fish and chips. Quick service makes it ideal for families on the go.
Discover dining options near The Royal Hotel
Explore local dining options near Royal Hotel Bideford that cater to different tastes and occasions.
Ideal for casual meals and refreshing drinks: Latte & Lunch
Perfect for enjoying traditional dishes: Otters
Well suited for fresh seafood lovers: East Of The Water
Best for classic takeaway meals: Mr Chips
Great for riverside dining experiences: Silver Bridge House Bideford
Suited for hearty pub fare and local ales: Blacksmiths
Perfect for a cozy dining atmosphere: Number Eight
Ideal for casual gatherings and pub classics: Kings Arms
The Pannier Market
6 minutes' walk
Weekly markets offering local crafts and produce. A vibrant spot for all ages with live music on weekends.
Live Music at The Bell Inn
5 minutes' walk
Lively pub featuring local musicians. Great atmosphere for a night out with friends or family.
Getting around
City Centre
Bideford 5 min · 400 m
Airports
Exeter International (EXT) 135 min · 89.5 km
Newquay (NQY) 158 min · 105.3 km
Bus
Bus stop 5 min · 400 m
Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Get exlusive rates right now!
Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
from 07:00-11:00
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of GBP15 per person per day.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
32
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about The Royal Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 792 verified reviews
8.6 /10
Great
88 %
Recommend
Breakfast
8.1/10
Cleanliness
9.0/10
Comfort
9.0/10
Facilities
8.6/10
Free WiFi
8.6/10
Location
8.9/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.5/10
Staff
9.2/10
Value for money
8.4/10
Pros
Excellent staff
Hotel cleanliness
Comfortable beds
Good breakfast
Cons
Traffic noise
Parking availability
Low water pressure
Guest reviews
based on 1593 reviews
6.9/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
Show more reviews
FAQs
About The Royal Hotel
What is the check-in and check-out policy at The Royal Hotel?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
Is on-site parking available at The Royal Hotel?
Free public parking is available on-site without the need for reservation.
What are some nearby attractions to The Royal Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Tarka Trail (0.3 km), Historic Bideford Bridge (0.3 km), and Westward Ho! Beach (3 km).
What dining options are there at The Royal Hotel?
Dining options include Merchants Bistro for breakfast and dinner, as well as an on-site lounge bar.
What amenities can guests find in the rooms at The Royal Hotel?
Each room features a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, ironing facilities, and private bathrooms.
How far is The Royal Hotel from Exeter International Airport?
The hotel is located approximately 90 km from Exeter International Airport.
Are there any family-friendly amenities at The Royal Hotel?
The hotel offers amenities like children's buffets, cots, and board games for family guests.
Can guests enjoy any leisure activities while staying at The Royal Hotel?
Guests can avail themselves of cycling and enjoy nearby hiking along the Tarka Trail.
What language support is available at The Royal Hotel?
The staff at the hotel speaks English.
What makes The Royal Hotel a historical site?
The hotel has historical significance associated with the 17th-century Court of Assize and author Sir Charles Kingsley.
What type of cuisine does the restaurant at The Royal Hotel offer?
The restaurant serves locally sourced carvery meals and a selection of light lunches and dinners.
Are there any accessible features at The Royal Hotel?
The hotel offers wheelchair access and assistance for guests with limited mobility.