The White Hart Royal Hotel

Long before Moreton in Marsh became a familiar Cotswolds stop, the White Hart Royal was already offering shelter to those passing through. It began in the 17th century as a coaching inn, set at a crossroads where the ancient Fosse Way met the main route between London and Worcester, making it a natural place to pause and rest along the road. Originally called The White Hart, the inn became part of English history during the Civil War years. King Charles I stayed here twice, once in 1644 and again in 1645, seeking shelter during a turbulent period.

For years, these royal visits lived on as local stories, later confirmed by a 17th-century diary found in the Huntington Library. As turnpike roads spread in the 18th century, the inn grew busier and more important, serving coaches, horses, and weary passengers passing through the Cotswolds. In 1782, the Winslow family gave the building its Georgian frontage, adding a more formal face to what was already a well-known stop.

When the railway arrived in 1853, many coaching inns struggled, but this one adapted. Its then owner, Robert King, leaned into the royal connection, secured the royal coat of arms, and renamed it The White Hart Royal, a name that has stayed ever since. Today, the hotel is cared for by The Coaching Inn Group, with much of its character carefully kept intact.

The White Hart Royal has evolved over several centuries, shaped by use rather than a single architectural plan. The building dates to the 16th century, was altered in the 17th century, and then largely remodeled again in the late 18th century. This major phase is marked by a datestone on the gable reading “F. Rache Fecit 1782.” The structure combines rubble stone and ashlar, finished with Welsh slate roofs.

The hotel is made up of two main sections set at right angles to each other. The Oxford Street side feels older, with two storeys and attic rooms under a steep roof edged with stone. This frontage has Yorkshire sash windows, a small stone mullion window in the gable, and a tall external chimney that stands out.

The High Street side has a more planned 18th-century look. The windows are evenly spaced, with four on the upper floor and three below, all with sash frames. At the center is a large arched entrance that once allowed coaches to pass through. It is now closed with modern doors, but the original shape is still easy to see.

A mid-19th-century extension added a coach entrance and a gabled dormer to the Oxford Street side. At the rear, former stables and service rooms line the yard. Inside, parts of the earlier Tudor building remain, including original beams and a wide Tudor arched fireplace in the bar room. Behind these period features, the bedrooms have been updated for today’s guests. The hotel has 28 rooms, each with its own style, ranging from cosy classic doubles to larger deluxe rooms, with some offering private garden access.

The White Hart Royal offers two main dining experiences. The restaurant provides a more formal setting, perfect for special occasions, with candlelit tables and carefully prepared dishes. If you prefer a relaxed atmosphere, the Bar serves meals in a lively, informal space where friends and even dogs are welcome. The kitchen focuses on fresh, seasonal Modern British food, often sourced locally.

Dishes are hearty and full of flavor, from homemade pies and vibrant vegetables to classic roasts, fish, and inventive vegetarian options. Special touches include four-poster dining experiences and options with private garden views. The menu changes with the seasons, highlighting the best ingredients available, and the drinks list features local beers, carefully chosen wines, and approachable cocktails.

Opening hours: 7:30 am - 9:30 pm (daily)

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea here is a proper treat, perfect for slowing down and indulging a little. You’ll get finger sandwiches, warm scones with cream and jam, and a selection of mini cakes and pastries, all served with your choice of tea or coffee, with refills. If it’s a special occasion or you just feel like celebrating, you can add a glass of bubbles for a sparkling twist.

The menu has a few options, from a simple classic Afternoon Tea to premium or signature collections. It’s a relaxed, comforting ritual, whether you’re catching up with friends, marking a celebration, or simply enjoying the inn’s hospitality. The kitchen is happy to provide allergen or calorie information on request. Booking in advance is recommended, especially if you want bubbles or a signature selection

Sunday Lunch

Sunday roasts are a classic British meal, and at the White Hart Royal, you can experience it in the traditional way. The meal usually includes roasted meats, crispy potatoes, puffed-up Yorkshire puddings, and seasonal vegetables, all served with rich gravy. It’s a filling, comforting meal meant to be enjoyed slowly, giving you time to relax and take in the inn’s atmosphere.

Served into the afternoon, it’s a simple tradition ideal for families or groups, and gives a real sense of a traditional Sunday in the Cotswolds.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Staying at the White Hart Royal opens up a range of local experiences, blending the inn’s historic charm with the best of the Cotswolds. The hotel hosts special events throughout the year, including evenings like the Hook Norton Brewery Tasting. Guests can explore the flavors of the brewery, sampling beers carefully paired with dishes that highlight each brew’s character. It’s a relaxed, hands-on way to discover local craftsmanship and enjoy an evening with friends.

Beyond the hotel, the area is packed with attractions that suit a variety of interests. The Model Village offers a miniature world to wander through, while Birdland Park & Gardens is perfect for spotting exotic and native birds. History lovers can visit Chastleton House, a National Trust property nearby, to step back into the 17th century and explore elegant rooms, gardens, and stories of the people who lived there.

For outdoor enthusiasts, All Things Wild provides hands-on wildlife encounters, and motoring fans will enjoy the Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection, where classic cars sit alongside vintage toys in colorful displays. A short drive away, the mysterious Rollright Stones offer a glimpse into ancient history, with standing stones that have inspired myths and legends for centuries. Each outing offers a chance to enjoy the Cotswolds at your own pace, mixing history, nature, and culture into a memorable stay.

The White Hart Royal has a variety of spaces for different kinds of gatherings. From small, intimate corners to larger event rooms, the hotel can host birthdays, anniversaries, wakes, or just a meal out with friends. For business or corporate events, there are quiet, well-equipped spaces designed for meetings, team-building days, or corporate gatherings.

The Evesham Rooms are versatile, hosting up to 30 people for social events or up to 14 for meetings. They can also be split into two smaller spaces for private dining or more focused gatherings. The Oxford Lounge suits slightly larger groups, up to 40 people, and works well for informal celebrations, gatherings, or networking. For more details and to plan your event, you can get in touch with the team, who will help tailor the space to your needs.