The Bulkeley Hotel

The Bulkeley Hotel was built in 1832 for a very special royal visit. To make room for the hotel, around 450 older houses were cleared, reshaping the heart of Beaumaris. Sir Richard Bulkeley Williams-Bulkeley, the town’s prominent landowner, wanted a grand Georgian hotel with stunning views across the Menai Strait and the Snowdonia mountains. The design was by Joseph Hansom, the architect who also invented the famous Hansom cab, making this hotel one of his earliest major projects.

Princess Victoria, who would later become Queen, stayed here in August 1832 with her mother, the Duchess of Kent. During her ten-day visit, she enjoyed coastal walks, sailing on the Royal Yacht Emerald, steam-boat trips, and even a yacht race she won. She also attended the Royal Beaumaris Eisteddfod, presenting medals and engaging with the local community. The hotel wasn’t just a royal guesthouse; it marked the start of Beaumaris’ transformation into a fashionable seaside town.

As hospitality styles changed, the Bulkeley grew into a welcoming seaside destination while keeping its historic heart. The original Georgian architecture stayed largely intact, protecting its heritage for future generations.

The Bulkeley Hotel is a fine example of early 19th century Neo classical Georgian architecture, completed in 1832. The building reflects the Georgian preference for symmetry, clarity, and measured elegance rather than ornate decoration. Its clean lines and balanced façade create a strong yet understated presence along the waterfront.

The hotel holds Grade I listed status, recognizing both its architectural and historic importance. The interiors were planned with generous room sizes and a practical layout that allows light to move easily through the space. Tall sash windows were carefully positioned to capture wide views across the Menai Strait toward Snowdonia, connecting the building closely with its coastal setting.

Instead of relying on embellishment, the Bulkeley makes its impression through confident design and thoughtful placement. Overlooking Castle Street and the shoreline, it remains one of Beaumaris’ most recognizable landmarks. Inside, high ceilings and expansive windows continue that sense of openness, letting guests experience the same striking sea views that shaped the hotel’s original vision.

Guests can start the day in the hotel’s main dining room with a hearty breakfast served in a classic, relaxed setting. The menu includes a traditional full Welsh breakfast alongside a cold buffet with pastries, fruit, cereals, and lighter options. You will also find hot brunch favorites such as Eggs Benedict, along with vegetarian and vegan choices.
For those traveling with pets, meals can be enjoyed in the pet-friendly Llewelyn Suite, so your canine companion does not have to miss out. Brunch is served until midday and can also be taken in the hotel’s traditional Coffee House, where you will find tea cakes, continental selections, and simple mid-morning bites in a more casual setting.

Hansoms

Hansoms offers creative menus and elegant dining with amazing views of the Menai Strait and excellent service, often with live piano music on the grand piano to set the ambience. The à la carte menu highlights seasonal ingredients, with local produce used where available. Starters include options such as crispy duck bon bons or a Thai cod and prawn fishcake, while main courses range from pan fried seabass with caper and dill butter to roasted Welsh lamb rump served with seasonal vegetables and dauphinoise potatoes.

A separate wine list is offered to accompany the meal. Pre booking is recommended, especially during weekends and peak travel months.

Opening hours:
Breakfast: 7.30 am – 10 am
Sunday Lunch Menu: 12 pm – 2.30 pm
Dinner: 6 pm – 9 pm (Sunday – Thursday); 5 pm – 9 pm (Friday & Saturday)

The Grill Room

The Grill Room offers a more informal setting compared to the main restaurant. Guests can choose from a range of menus throughout the day, including light bites and sweet options from the Coffee House menu, daily lunch selections from the Bar and Grill menu, and a traditional three-course Sunday lunch. In the evening, the à la carte menu from Hansoms is also available here. A full drinks list includes cocktails, wines, beers, and soft drinks to accompany your meal.

During the warmer months, the Sea View Terrace provides an outdoor spot for drinks or light dining, with open views across the Menai Strait. Service on the terrace may occasionally be limited, with food sometimes restricted to indoor dining depending on staffing levels.

Opening hours:
Bar: 11 am – 11 pm (Monday – Saturday); 12 pm – 10 pm (Sunday)
Lunch Menu: 12 pm – 2 pm (Monday – Saturday)
Sunday Lunch Menu: 12 pm – 2.30 pm
Evening Menu: 5 pm – 9 pm (Friday & Saturday); 6 pm – 9 pm (Sunday – Thursday)
Coffees, Cakes & cream teas: Until 5 pm (daily)

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea at the Bulkeley offers a traditional experience in a classic Georgian setting. The interiors feature chandeliers, oil paintings, and crisp white table linen, with soft piano music sometimes playing in the background. The atmosphere reflects the hotel’s long history, including the visit of Queen Victoria in 1832, when she stayed here as a young princess.

The menu includes a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and classic cakes, served with house tea or coffee. Guests can also add a glass of Prosecco for an additional charge. It is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, whether you are staying at the hotel or visiting Beaumaris for the day. Advance booking is recommended, especially during busy periods.

Opening hours: 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm (daily)

At The Bulkeley Hotel, weddings are hosted in a setting that combines historic character with coastal views. The hotel is licensed for civil ceremonies and partnerships, allowing couples to hold both the ceremony and reception in one location. Several event spaces are available, accommodating everything from smaller, intimate gatherings to larger celebrations of up to around 120 guests.

The ballroom provides a classic backdrop for receptions, while other function suites offer flexibility depending on guest numbers and layout preferences. Many of the event spaces benefit from natural light and views across the Menai Strait, creating a scenic setting for photographs.

Couples also have access to on-site accommodation for themselves and their guests, making it convenient for those traveling to Beaumaris. A dedicated wedding coordinator supports the planning process, helping to organize timings, room setup, and key details to ensure the day runs smoothly. Couples are encouraged to secure their preferred date early, especially for popular spring and summer weekends.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Life at the Bulkeley goes beyond the guest rooms. In the public foyer, the Bulkeley Antiques Emporium displays a curated collection of antiques, collectibles, and vintage jewellery, all available to purchase through reception. Within the hotel, the Bulkeley Gallery hosts rotating exhibitions by local North Wales artists. Entry is free, and the program often includes original artwork, photographic prints for sale, and occasional chances to meet the artist. Workshops are also held throughout the year for those who want to try their hand at arts and crafts.

For relaxation, the hotel’s Hidden Beauty salon offers treatments such as massage, facials, Shellac application, and lash lifts, providing a convenient option to unwind without leaving the property.

Step outside, and Beaumaris itself becomes part of the experience. Beaumaris Castle, a fine example of medieval military architecture, is only a short walk away. Along the waterfront, Beaumaris Pier offers views across the Menai Strait and boat trips during the warmer months. A short drive brings you to Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens, known for its restored walled garden and woodland walks, or across the bridge to Bangor Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedral foundations in Britain.

Beyond weddings, The Bulkeley Hotel hosts a range of private and corporate gatherings throughout the year. The hotel offers several function suites suitable for business meetings, training sessions, conferences, and team events. Rooms can be arranged in different layouts depending on the type of event, and presentation equipment can be provided on request. For more personal occasions, private spaces are available for birthday celebrations, anniversary dinners, and family gatherings. These rooms allow groups to enjoy a more exclusive setting while still benefiting from the hotel’s central Beaumaris location and on-site facilities. If you are considering hosting an event, it is best to contact the hotel team directly to discuss availability and planning details.