The Most Historic Hotel Experiences in the UK

A stay at these historic UK hotels embraces 1000 years of history

Thornbury Castle

If you’re looking for a unique trip across the United Kingdom, this might be worth your time and consideration.

A new collection of historic hotels offers you the opportunity to embark on a unique road trip that transports you through 1,000 years of history that sees you staying at three of the UK's finest hotels along the way. 

Storied Collection seeks to connect travelers with the past – offering access to a series of hotels steeped in history, which each have a unique and interesting tale to tell. 

Its '1,000 Year Road Trip' connects you with a trio of magnificent properties, which have a combined age of a thousand years. Each offers a fresh interpretation of history – and all within just a three-hour drive.

The hotels include: 

  • Rubens at the Palace, which sits in the heart of London overlooking Buckingham Palace

  • Royal Crescent Hotel in Bath

  • Thornbury Castle in Gloucestershire

 Each property offers you the chance to connect with a different period of history.

 The three iconic properties included as part of the route have seen royalty, aristocracy and celebrities alike visit them over the years.

The Rubens at the Palace 

The Rubens at the Palace

Built in the 18th century, The Rubens at the Palace is a part of Royal history. The site now occupied by the hotel previously was part of Buckingham Palace's grounds and was filled with shops and accommodations for Palace staff.

Sitting in the heart of London overlooking the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace, this five-star, beautifully restored historic hotel offers a regal experience like no other. Guests are greeted by red-uniformed doormen on arrival, underlining its rich, royal heritage and exceptional British hospitality. 

The English Grill

Whether you are in the mood for a signature cocktail in one of the hotel's three bars, traditional Afternoon Tea in the Palace Lounge facing the Royal Mews, or a theatrical dining experience in one of its multiple AA Rosette award-winning restaurants, The Rubens at the Palace is the perfect place for a five-star city break to indulge in all that London has to offer.

Room service in a royal room

Royal Crescent Hotel and Spa

Royal Crescent Hotel

Built between 1767 and 1775, this iconic five-star Georgian hotel - set in the historic center of Bath - was designed by English architect John Wood the Younger, with the building itself more than 250 years old.

Both Grade 1 listed - and a UNESCO World Heritage Site - The Royal Crescent is Bath’s most sought-after address. Today, it remains one of the UK's greatest examples of Georgian architecture.

Past visitors to this iconic hotel include royal figures such as Prince Frederick of Denmark, as well as The Duke of York and Albany — whilst it's also hosted modern figures such as the likes of U2 and various Hollywood stars. 

The hotel is now home to an award-winning spa and Bath House, with its own Taittinger Spa Garden. Beyond this is a further acre of tranquil manicured gardens, as well as its very own 3 AA Rosette restaurant, which combines to make it the ultimate relaxing retreat in the heart of the city.

The Sir Percy Blakeney Suite

Thornbury Castle 

Thornbury Castle

Built in 1511 as the home of The Third Duke of Buckingham, Edward Stafford, Thornbury Castle is the only luxury Tudor castle hotel in England today. Stafford, who was the country's second richest man - behind only Henry VIII - wanted the castle to represent his wealth and status. And that’s something he certainly achieved. 

Pride comes before the fall as they say, and in 1521 Edward Stafford was tried and executed for treason by Henry VIII, with the monarch subsequently seizing the castle as his own. In 1535, Henry VIII stayed in the castle with Anne Boleyn, and today you have the opportunity to relive history by staying in the same room they shared.

Henry VII Suite

The Castle fell into disrepair in the 1650s, having become a victim of the English Civil War, which saw Royalists and Parliamentarians clash between 1642 and 1651.

Now fully restored, this luxury castle hotel provides the perfect escape, whether you are looking to enjoy fine dining in its two AA Rosette restaurants, engage in the castle's country pursuits of falconry and archery, or simply unwind in one of its luxurious bedchambers.

During its half millennium of history, Thornbury has played host to the likes of Mary I of England, Italian actress Sophia Lauren, and Sir Laurence Oliver, who dominated the British stage of the mid-20th century.

Historic Hotels of History

Storied Collection seeks to highlight the meaningful experiences that stem from historical travel through its 28 properties, with a combined age of 11,291 years, which offers a route back in time at the intersection of luxury travel. 

Those interested in booking the 1,000-year road trip can visit: https://storiedcollection.com/1000years/ 

To find out more about Storied Collection, please visit: https://storiedcollection.com/ 

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