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The Bulkeley Hotel is a Grade I-listed hotel in Beaumaris, Anglesey, North Wales. It was built in 1832 by Sir Richard Bulkeley of the Baron Hill estate. He built it for Princess Victoria and her mother, the Duchess of Kent, who visited the island for the Royal Beaumaris Eisteddfod and Regatta. Victoria became Queen in 1837. This is why The Bulkeley is known as both "the hotel built for Princess Victoria" and "the hotel where Queen Victoria stayed" before she took the throne. The architect was Joseph Hansom, famous for inventing the Hansom Cab. Today, the hotel offers 43 en-suite rooms with views of the Menai Strait and Eryri (Snowdonia). It sits just yards from Beaumaris Castle. It remains one of the best-known places to stay in Beaumaris and one of the most historic Anglesey hotels you can book.
A Royal Visit That Changed a Town
In the summer of 1832, exciting news reached Anglesey. Princess Victoria, then just 13 years old and heir presumptive to the British throne, was coming to Beaumaris. She would attend the Royal Beaumaris Eisteddfod and Regatta with her mother, the Duchess of Kent.
Sir Richard Bulkeley of the Baron Hill estate wanted to impress. He commissioned a grand new building on the seafront. It would be a Georgian showpiece, a "beach villa" fit for royalty, with uninterrupted views across the Menai Strait to the mountains beyond.
The princess and her mother stayed for around ten days. The visit was a triumph. It helped transform Beaumaris from a fading port into a fashionable seaside resort, according to North Wales Live. Victoria Terrace, nearby, was also named in her honour. Five years later, in 1837, the young princess became Queen Victoria. The Bulkeley had hosted a future queen.
Designed by the Man Behind the Hansom Cab
The Bulkeley was no ordinary building project. Its architect was Joseph Hansom, working with his partner Edward Welch. Hansom later became famous worldwide for inventing the Hansom Cab, the horse-drawn carriage that ruled Victorian streets.
According to Wikipedia, the hotel formed part of a wider plan to reposition Beaumaris as an elegant resort town. Hansom and Welch also designed Beaumaris Gaol and Victoria Terrace. Architectural historians in the Buildings of Wales series have called The Bulkeley the finest hotel of its date in Wales.
The building's neo-classical limestone frontage, sash windows and elegant portico earned it the highest heritage protection. Today, it is officially recognised as a Grade I listed building by Cadw, the Welsh Government's historic environment service. Fewer than 2% of listed buildings in Wales hold Grade I status. Staying here really does mean sleeping inside a piece of Welsh history.
What It's Like to Stay Today
Nearly two centuries on, The Bulkeley remains one of the best hotels in Beaumaris, Anglesey. The hotel was extended in the 1930s and now offers 43 individually styled en-suite bedrooms. Choose from cosy doubles, family club rooms, romantic four-poster suites, or luxury sea-view rooms overlooking the Menai Strait.
Food is a big part of the experience. Hansom's Restaurant, named after the architect, serves elegant à la carte dinners and Sunday lunches. The Bistro offers relaxed breakfasts, lunches and dinners. The Coffee Lounge serves coffee, cake and ice cream all day, while the Llewelyn Suite hosts a delightful afternoon tea. If you're searching for restaurants in Beaumaris or places to eat in Beaumaris, you'll find several under one historic roof.
The Perfect Base for Exploring Anglesey
Location is where The Bulkeley truly shines. Step out of the front door, and you're on Castle Street, the town's bustling high street. Step out the other side, and the beach and pier are directly opposite, with boat trips to Puffin Island.
Beaumaris Castle, a 13th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just yards away. Edward I's "unfinished masterpiece" is considered the most technically perfect medieval castle in Britain. Beyond the town, the whole of Anglesey awaits, from the coastal path to golden beaches and the peaks of Eryri across the water.
Book Your Piece of History
Few hotels in Anglesey, Wales, can claim a royal origin story. Whether you're planning a romantic escape or a family holiday, The Bulkeley offers historic charm with modern comfort. If you're comparing Beaumaris places to stay, why not choose the one built for a princess?
Book direct or call 01248 810 415 for the best rates.
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