The Royal Oak Historic Coaching Inn

A historic coaching inn in the heart of Welshpool

The Royal Oak Hotel stands right at The Cross in the centre of Welshpool, a handsome market town in the Mid Wales borderlands. One of the town’s great old coaching inns, it has welcomed travellers for centuries and still does so today, blending period character — exposed beams and individually styled rooms — with the comforts of a modern hotel, its own restaurant and a proper pub. It makes a characterful, central base for exploring Powys and the Welsh Marches.

Comfortable, characterful rooms

The hotel offers a good range of rooms across eight different types, from classic and superior doubles and twins to a family room, a small double and a deluxe suite. Many keep their period character with exposed wood beams, and each is individually styled, so no two are quite the same. It is a comfortable, central place to rest after a day out, whether you are here for one night or settling in for a longer stay.

Eat, drink and relax

At the heart of the inn is The Royal Oak Eatery & Coffee House, serving British, international and European dishes through the day, and a traditional bar pouring real ales — just the spot for a relaxed meal or a drink without heading out. There is free private parking on site (a real bonus in a busy market town) and free WiFi throughout. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on request in the classic rooms, so the family pet can come along too.

Welshpool and the borders

Welshpool is best known for the National Trust’s magnificent Powis Castle, with its world-famous terraced gardens and resident red kites, just on the edge of town. The narrow-gauge Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway steams out from here, and the Montgomery Canal threads through. Further afield lie the handsome little town of Montgomery, the tranquil waters of Lake Vyrnwy and the rolling hills of the English border. For more places to stay and ideas, see our guide to holiday accommodation in Mid Wales and Powys.

A characterful market-town base

For its history, its central position and its food, the Royal Oak is a dependable choice for exploring this quiet, scenic corner of Wales. Days can be spent at Powis Castle, riding the light railway, walking the canal towpath or touring the border country, before returning to a real ale by the fire and a comfortable room in a building that has put up travellers for generations. With its glowing guest reviews, it is a welcoming and well-placed base.

More to see in Welshpool

Welshpool itself is well worth exploring. It is home to one of the largest one-day livestock markets in Europe, a reminder of its long history as a borders market town, and the Powysland Museum sits beside the Montgomery Canal, where you can walk the towpath or take a boat trip. Glansevern Hall Gardens lie a short drive away, and there are fine walks up to the Iron Age hillfort above the town. With Powis Castle on the doorstep and the English border just a few miles off, there is plenty to fill a few days.

At a glance

• Historic coaching inn at The Cross, central Welshpool
• Eight room types, many with exposed beams; individually styled
• The Royal Oak Eatery & Coffee House and a real-ale bar
• Free private parking and free WiFi
• Well-behaved dogs welcome on request (classic rooms)
• On the doorstep of Powis Castle and its gardens
• Rated 8.5 out of 10 across more than 1,700 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it historic? Yes — a centuries-old coaching inn with period character and exposed beams, in the heart of Welshpool.

Is there food? Yes — The Royal Oak Eatery & Coffee House serves through the day, with a traditional bar and real ales.

Is there parking? Yes — free private parking on site.

Are dogs allowed? Well-behaved dogs are welcome on request in the classic rooms.

What is nearby? Powis Castle, the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway, the Montgomery Canal and Lake Vyrnwy.

For a characterful, central base in the market town of Welshpool, the Royal Oak Hotel is an excellent choice. Check availability and book your stay using the booking options on this page.