Duke and Duchess spend first anniversary at Suffolk country pub
- Filed under:
UK travel
Share
Text Size
A
A
A
The Crown Inn at Westleton, Suffolk. Photo: Rex
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge celebrated their first wedding anniversary like many other British couples might - by spending the night at a country pub.
Prince William and Kate celebrated 12 months of wedded bliss by cosying up together in a room at the Crown Inn in Westleton, Suffolk.
The royal pair surprised staff at the historic pub when they turned up in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Earlier, the couple had attended the wedding of one of Kate's best friends from school, Hannah Gillingham.
They then enjoyed a drink with friends in The Crown's bar before retiring to their £165-a-night room.
The Swan room at the Crown Inn. Photo: Rex
William and Kate spent the night in the 'Swan room', described as one of the pub's best, which features a supersize four poster bed.
According to The Crown's website, the room also boasts a "stylish roll top bath big enough for two".
The following morning the Duke and Duchess - who staff said wanted to be "treated just like everybody else" - enjoyed a full English breakfast before departing.
General manager Gareth Clarke told Rex Features: "We were made aware that some special guests were arriving but we didn't know just how special.
"It was a lovely family occasion with a relaxed atmosphere and they both seemed really happy to be in a comfortable environment with friends".
He added: "They're the first royalty we've had staying with us. It's not every day you welcome the second in line to the throne."
Ten of the best UK pubs with rooms
- Best for... cool bedrooms<p> The Anchor Inn in Lower Froyle, Hampshire. This pub may date back to the 16th Century but it boasts all you can desire in terms of modern comfort, including one room with a beautiful outdoor terrace. This little gem boasts log fires, a classic English menu which changes with the seasons, plus five chic vintage-inspired bedrooms (with power showers, flat screen TVs and fine linens), each named after the great war poets. Visit <a href="http://www.anchorinnatlowerfroyle.co.uk/">anchorinnatlowerfroyle.co.uk</a>.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>
- Best for... cider fans<p> The <a href="http://www.bellinnbramshaw.co.uk/">Bell Inn</a>, Bramshaw, Hampshire. Built in 1782, this pub combines period features with contemporary style. Located in the heart of the New Forest National Park in the tranquil hamlet of Bramshaw, yet only one minute from the M27, The Bell Inn has been a popular free house for over 200 years, and offers a fine selection of real ales, West Country ciders, and wines from around the world.</p> <p> </p>
- Best for... city lovers<p> The Fox & Anchor in chic Clerkenwell, London. Renovated, restored and now returned to its former glory, this Victorian pub is faithful to its English origins and has been pulling pints for the workers of Smithfield market, which sits opposite the building, for more than 100 years. Bedrooms have original fireplaces, lattice windows and en-suite bathrooms with claw-footed bathtubs and enormous copper hand basins. Visit <a href="http://www.foxandanchor.com">foxananchor.com</a></p>
- Best for... great views<p> A cosy retreat in a peaceful setting on the edge of Dartmoor with stunning views, the <a href="http://www.elephantsnest.co.uk/">Elephant's Nest </a>Inn in Dartmoor, Devon boasts an oak-beamed bar with log fire, hearty seasonal fare and three luxury ensuite guest rooms. The Elephant's Nest is one of only three pubs in Devon to feature in every edition of <em>The Good Pub Guide</em> since it began publication 27 years ago.</p>
- Best for... whiskey fans<p> <strong>The Lamb at Hindon, Wiltshire.</strong> Stay here and you'll find quirky, stylish rooms in the tiny village of Hindon, Wiltshire. In honour of the Scottish owners, each room is decorated in tartan and named after a different brand of whiskey, offered for you to try in the room. Visitors are welcome to drink it for a small honesty box charge. Visit <a href="http://www.lambathindon.co.uk/">lambathindon.co.uk</a>.</p> <p> </p>
- Best for...quirky rooms<p> <strong>The Bull and Swan, Burghley, Lincolnshire. </strong>This coaching inn dates back several hundreds of years and is a one off. Rooms with names such as Wild Horse and Badger, after the pseudonyms of some of the members of the Honourable Order of Little Bedlam, a drinking club which dates back to 1684. Visit <a href="http://www.thebullandswan.co.uk/?gclid=CLnQ_9qLuLMCFRR7nAodskkAuA" target="_blank">thebullandswan.co.uk</a>.</p>
- Best for.... picture-postcard location<p> <strong>The Rose and Crown, Romaldkirk, County Durham.</strong></p> <p> This multi-award-winning 18th century coaching inn is situated in the middle of three village greens in a village less than 30 minutes from the centre of Durham. The bedrooms are luxurious and all individual. The Rose and Crown features in the Good Food Guide and is also an Inspector's Favourite in the 2011 <em>Michelin Eating Out in Pubs Guide</em>. Visit <a href="http://www.rose-and-crown.co.uk/">rose-and-crown.co.uk</a></p>
- Best for... de-stressing<p> <strong>The Crown at Whitebrook, Monmouthshire, South Wales</strong></p> <p> Set in five acres of tranquil, landscaped gardens in the heart of the Wye Valley, <a href="http://www.crownatwhitebrook.co.uk/">The Crown at Whitebrook</a> is one of Wales's first restaurants with rooms and one of a handful of restaurants in Wales to boast a Michelin star. With eight luxurious bedrooms and a stylish but comfortable restaurant, it has lovingly been described as a 'romantic auberge'.</p>
- Best for... welcoming atmosphere<p> Open the doors of the <a href="http://www.generaltarleton.co.uk/">General Tarleton</a> in Ferrensby, North Yorkshire, and you'll find log fires, Yorkshire ales, cracking wine, amazing food and 14 luxurious and well-equipped bedrooms with a supply of home-made biscuits and facilities for making tea, coffee and hot-chocolate, plus flat-screen TVs and wireless internet connection.</p>
Related articles
Kate and Willliam jet off for skiing holiday in Switzerland
Prince William and Kate to get nudist beach next to their home?
Sign up to our weekly newsletter | Follow us on Twitter | Become a fan on Facebook
