The Royal & Fortescue Hotel Barnstaple

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Key details

About the Hotel

Boutport Street, Barnstaple, EX311HG

Close to the city center

Great

8.4

8.9

/10

4.3

Loved by The Royal & Fortescue Hotel guests

Superb staff

Super tidy

Excellent food

Comfortable bed

Good location

"Had a lovely 3 night stay with my sister at this elegant hotel right in the centre of Barnstaple."

YVONNE M from United Kingdom

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"The breakfast buffet consisted of a good range of different food options (including Full English and cereals) and was tasty."

Sven H from Germany

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"The room was extremely comfortable and the hotel allowed us to check out an hour late which was very convenient."

Laura from United States

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4-star historical city-center retreat in Barnstaple

Amenities

The Royal & Fortescue Hotel includes numerous choices for dining and leisure. Guests can enjoy delicious meals in the award-winning bistro, 62 The Bank, and relax with handcrafted cocktails at Bar62. The hotel also provides free parking and easy access to leisure facilities at the nearby Barnstaple Hotel.

Rooms

The hotel offers 48 luxury rooms, most of which feature contemporary decor and quality furnishings. The Percival Suite overlooks the high street and includes both a walk-in shower and bath, catering to those seeking spacious accommodations. Guests can expect additional amenities designed for comfort, ensuring a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Location

Situated in the center of Barnstaple, The Royal & Fortescue Hotel serves as an excellent base for exploring North Devon. The hotel is within walking distance of local attractions like the ancient Pannier Market and various shops. Guests can also find the theatre and cinema just a short stroll away, maximizing convenience during their stay.

Dining

On-site dining options include the RF Lounge & Bar for relaxed meals and the exquisite 62 The Bank for award-winning brasserie delights. The hotel is recognized as one of the top dining destinations in Barnstaple, emphasizing dishes crafted from locally-sourced ingredients. Afternoon tea is available, featuring Devonshire clotted cream and freshly baked scones.

Events

The Royal & Fortescue Hotel is equipped to host a variety of events, including weddings and private celebrations. With function spaces such as The Edwardian and The Florence, the hotel can accommodate up to 120 guests. The experienced front-of-house team ensures that all events are executed with a focus on attentive service and quality.

Highlights

Location: Prime location in Barnstaple

Rooms: Spacious Percival Suite overlooking the high street

Dining: AA Rosette award-winning 62 The Bank

Events: Two function spaces: The Edwardian and The Florence

“This hotel stands out in Barnstaple, particularly for its dedication to accessibility and service, which is a definite advantage. With its central location and recent refurbishment, the hotel offers a blend of historic charm and modern comfort. Though opinions diverge concerning courtyard accommodations, its AA Rosette dining and access to leisure facilities elsewhere make it an appealing base for exploring North Devon.”

Olivia SmithEditor-in-Chief at Cheaphotels

Location: Perfect

9.2/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingEasy Parking

Two hotel car parks are behind the building, a real plus. I could park just around the corner, totally free.

Charlie from Wales

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DiningTasty Meals

The restaurant is lovely with good food. Booking direct gave me discount on food in the restaurant. Gluten free catered for.

Kevin from Canada

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BedroomRestful Nights

The bed was very comfy. The room was more spacious than expected. Bathrobes and slippers were a nice extra.

Snoopy from England

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Room FeaturesBonus Aircon!

The room was warm and cosy. Air conditioning was an unexpected bonus. Bottled water was also provided.

Graham from Scotland

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Select your room type

The hotel provides a selection of rooms—doubles, family rooms, and suites—with perks like free cancellation, breakfast options, and great value deals

Standard Single Room
2 persons
9 sq. feet
1 Single bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Superior Double or Twin Room
2 persons
18 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Heating
Shower
room details
Deluxe Double Room
2 persons
19 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details

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Room rates & availability calendar

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August 2026 - August 2027

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Check-in/ Check-out

Amenities & services

Real traveler stories and honest reviews—no glossy ads, just authentic feedback to guide your booking

Facilities: Great

8.6/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Lift
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Electric vehicle charging station
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Cycling

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Pet amenities available
Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Children's menu

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

Experience a delightful range of dining options at The Royal & Fortescue Hotel, where local ingredients and seasonal flavors take center stage. With a charming bistro and a vibrant cocktail bar, every meal promises a unique taste of North Devon's culinary delights.

62 THE BANK & BAR62
British and European with a focus on local seafood
Ambiance
A warm and inviting space that balances traditional charm with modern touches, making it suitable for families, romantic dinners, or casual gatherings.
Key Offerings
Savor dishes that celebrate local produce and seafood, alongside a selection of carefully crafted cocktails from the in-house bar.
Reservation
Reservations recommended.
Monday to Friday: 11:00 - 15:00 & 18:00 - 22:00; Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00 & 18:00 - 22:00; Sunday: Closed.
Aqua Bar
Light meals and healthy snacks
Ambiance
Relaxed poolside setting perfect for casual dining and rejuvenation under the sun.
Key Offerings
Enjoy refreshing drinks and delightful light bites that cater to health-conscious guests and those seeking respite by the water.
Reservation
Not needed.
Operating hours not specified; available as a casual dining option.

The Royal & Fortescue Hotel Location

Boutport Street, Barnstaple, EX311HG

Explore Barnstaple

Local Attractions and Activities

The Pannier Market

3 minutes' walk

A bustling market offering local produce, crafts, and unique goods, perfect for a cultural experience.

The Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon

2 minutes' walk

Features fascinating exhibits on local history and culture, with special events and free entry on select days.

White Moose Art Gallery

4 minutes' walk

Showcases contemporary art from local artists. Events and exhibitions regularly enhance the cultural scene.

Broomhill Sculpture Garden

9 minutes' drive

A beautiful garden displaying impressive sculptures and art installations amidst tranquil surroundings.

Air Extreme Trampoline Park

6 minutes' drive

An exhilarating trampoline park perfect for guests looking for active fun; bookings recommended for peak times.

Rock Park

3 minutes' walk

A peaceful park ideal for relaxation or a leisurely stroll, providing green space in the heart of Barnstaple.

The Watergate

2 minutes' walk

A vibrant pub with hearty local dishes and a friendly atmosphere, known for its wonderful ales and seasonal specials.

Ali's Alcove

1 minute' walk

A charming café serving delicious breakfasts and light lunches, with vegetarian options available and cozy seating.

St Anne's Arts & Community Centre

2 minutes' walk

Hosts a variety of performances and arts events suitable for all ages, enriching the local cultural landscape.

Barnstaple Heritage Centre

2 minutes' walk

An interactive learning space with exhibitions; great for families and all ages to learn about local history.

Getting around town

City Centre
Barnstaple 3 min · 700 ft
Airports
Exeter International (EXT) 126 min · 51.9 mi
Newquay (NQY) 177 min · 73.1 mi
Train
Barnstaple Train Station 9 min · 2300 ft
Bus
Bus stop 3 min · 700 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

from 07:00-11:00

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP16.50 per person per day.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:

Former name

royal and fortescue

Reviews and Ratings

What past guests shared about their stay

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Royal & Fortescue Hotel enjoys a great location right in the center of Barnstaple, making it easy to walk to the train station and other attractions. Guests appreciate the spacious and clean rooms, some finding them a bit too warm, though air conditioning is available. The on-site Bank 62 restaurant is a highlight, with many enjoying excellent meals and breakfasts; also, there's a good Indian restaurant just opposite the hotel.

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Review score

Based on 1132 verified reviews

8.5 /10

Great

88 %

Recommend

Staff

9.3/10

Location

9.2/10

Paid Wi-Fi

8.0/10

Free WiFi

8.2/10

Pros

Comfortable room

Excellent restaurant

Good value

Welcome bicycle storage

Cons

Smoking area

Empty bar

No fridge

Noisy floor

Mike from United Kingdom

Single

standard double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 29, 2026

6/10

street noise vacuum noise

the staff were lovely and the bathroom had a nice bath with a shower.

my room was noisy, it faced the street. party goers made a lot of noise late at night. the street cleaning lorry woke me up early sunday morning with its vacuum noise.

0 Helpful

georgia from united kingdom

Single

standard double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 17, 2026

6/10

mixed feelings about this hotel

relentless noise poor soundproofing

my room faced an alley and the noise was relentless. deliveries started early and continued late, i found little peace. also, the lack of proper soundproofing was evident as i heard every footstep in the corridor. i expected better for the price paid.

0 Helpful

Joshua from United Kingdom

Couple

Standard Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 16, 2026

9/10

a tender stay.

comfortable bed convenient parking friendly staff

The room was bright, clean, and contained a large, comfortable double bed. convenient parking was available, which simplified our arrival. i remember how warm and friendly the staff were. They certainly was really nice.

0 Helpful

Isaac from United Kingdom

Single

Standard Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 15, 2025

9/10

warm welcome christmas decorations fabulous ceiling

reception staff offered a warm welcome. christmas decorations. breakfast in the bank restaurant featured a fabulous ceiling. i found this architectural detail particularly charming.

The hotel decor upstairs seemed a bit tired and could use some updating. It was a minor point.

0 Helpful

Parker from United States

Couple

Standard Twin Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 03, 2025

7/10

A Decent Stay

thoughtful staff really good tea noisy fan missing water

My anniversary afternoon tea at the Fortescue was lovely. The staff were so accommodating with their service. I wanted to bring a cake and a stand was provided. The tea was really good, and everyone loved it. I found it to be an excellent value.

Our room was disappointing, it did felt too hot above the kitchen. It was too noisy from the kitchen extraction fans. These fans brought kitchen smells into the room. I also noticed there was no water in the room.

0 Helpful

Benjamin from United Kingdom

Couple

Superior Double or Twin Room

3 nights in June 2025

Reviewed: August 13, 2025

7/10

convenient location useful coffee machine unclear instruction warm room

The location was very convenient. it was close to everything i needed. the room included a coffee machine. This was very useful. it also featured an elevator. a bar was available in the hotel, and a restaurant was also present.

the car parking instructions were unclear. i had difficulty finding the correct parking area. the room lacked air conditioning, and it was uncomfortably warm . this made sleeping difficult

0 Helpful

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FAQs

About The Royal & Fortescue Hotel

What are the check-in and check-out times at The Royal & Fortescue Hotel?

Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out is at 11:00.

Is parking available at The Royal & Fortescue Hotel?

The hotel offers complimentary private parking on-site, subject to availability.

Are there any dining options on-site at The Royal & Fortescue Hotel?

On-site dining is available at Lord Fortescue's restaurant and the bistro 62 The Bank.

What room amenities are included in the accommodations at The Royal & Fortescue Hotel?

Rooms include free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and an electric kettle.

What are the nearby restaurants to The Royal & Fortescue Hotel?

Nearby restaurants include Everest Gurkha Chef, The Southgate, The Watergate, Fatbelly Freds Fish & Seafood, Claytons and The Glasshouse, Lush Bar & Restaurant, Lilico's, and Maiden Arch by Robert Bryant, all within 0.5 km.

What recreational opportunities does The Royal & Fortescue Hotel offer?

Guests have access to a shared lounge and can participate in live sporting events.

Which famous attractions are close to The Royal & Fortescue Hotel?

Nearby attractions include Barnstaple Pannier Market, Exmoor National Park, and The Big Sheep Adventure Park.

How far is The Royal & Fortescue Hotel from Exeter International Airport?

The Royal & Fortescue Hotel is 85 km from Exeter International Airport.