A storied hotel where history meets heartfelt hospitality

The Royal Oak in Welshpool is a deliciously storied place. Nestled in the heart of this charming market town, the hotel’s roots stretch deep into the 18th century, when it first opened its doors as a Georgian coaching inn. In those days, the Royal Oak stood proud on the old turnpike road, a vital stopover for weary travellers making their way to and from the Welsh hills and the English border. Coaches would roll in, horses steaming, boots muddied, passengers stiff from the journey but greeted with roaring fires, warm ale, and the comfort of oak-beamed hospitality.

Named after that most patriotic of trees, symbol of Charles II and all things defiantly British, the inn quickly became a hub of local life. Farmers, traders, and townsfolk mingled with aristocrats and artists, sharing news and stories by flickering candlelight.

The bustle of the livestock markets echoed down the cobbled streets, and the hotel’s position near the Montgomery Canal made it an ideal meeting point for those navigating Wales by water or road.

And then, of course, there’s Powis Castle, just a stone’s throw away, with its dreamy terraced gardens and crimson walls. One can easily imagine noble visitors staying at the Royal Oak, their carriages pulling up beneath the fine Georgian façade, liveried footmen bustling about, and ladies adjusting their silks before sweeping inside. Today, it still holds that magical blend of the old and the new. Though the coaches have long gone, their legacy remains in the thick walls and the sense of timeless welcome. It’s one of those places where you feel history hasn’t left, it’s merely settled comfortably in, like a regular guest.