A storied hotel where history meets distinctive hospitality
Step into the King’s Head Hotel in Richmond, you’ll find a hotel thats elegant, storied, and meticulously restored. This Georgian coaching inn, overlooking the cobbled market square, marries heritage with modern comfort. Its 24 rooms are individually adorned, offering a blend of period charm and contemporary amenities. The restaurant showcases seasonal Yorkshire fare, while the bar serves local ales beside crackling fires. A haven for travellers seeking both character and comfort on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Take a walk with us, back in time
The King’s Head Hotel in Richmond, an enchanting slice of British history! Built around 1720 by Charles Bathurst, a prosperous landowner and lead-mine magnate, it was the very height of Georgian ambition. Said to be the first brick building in Richmond, it towered gracefully of course over the market square, outshining its stone built neighbours and setting the tone for centuries to come.
By 1725, it had blossomed into a thriving coaching inn, becoming a vibrant hub for travellers, aristocrats, and the Richmond gentry. With its elegant ballroom, a dedicated bowling green, and even a cockfighting pit, the King’s Head was the place to be seen. Grand gatherings, whispered romances, and hearty toasts to the crown echoed through its stately halls.
In 1841, the dazzling Franz Liszt performed here, gracing the ballroom with his virtuosity and adding a touch of Continental glamour to its already glittering reputation. J.M.W. Turner, too, is said to have admired it on his travels, sketchbook in hand.
Over the years, the hotel changed hands and adapted with the times, always retaining its Georgian grandeur. By the 20th century, it had weathered wars, welcomed weary travellers, and become a beloved fixture of Richmond life. In 2015, it was lovingly restored by the Coaching Inn Group, who polished its historic bones and layered in modern luxury.
Today, the King’s Head is every bit as magical as it must have seemed to those first 18th-century visitors. With its sweeping staircase, opulent rooms, and twinkling chandeliers, it invites guests to step into history albeit with a heavenly mattress and rather good Wi-Fi.
Richmond and the Yorkshire Dales
Richmond remains a jewel of the Yorkshire Dales. Perched above the River Swale, it boasts a magnificent Norman Castle, sweeping cobbled market square and divine Georgian architecture. It is the original Richmond, inspiring over 100 namesakes worldwide. With its boutique shops, delightful eateries and rich history it’s simply a must do!
