Our History

The Birth of a Seaside Retreat (1848–1850s)

In the early 1800s, inspired by Scarborough’s success as Britain’s first seaside resort, plans were made to transform Whitby into a ‘genteel spa resort.’ Around 1848, the York Building Company purchased a parcel of land called North Fields (or Farndale Fields) to build lodging houses. Shortly thereafter, George Hudson, known as the “Railway King,” acquired the West Cliff Estate. A grand hotel with 75 apartments, 29 houses, and the iconic Khyber Pass were constructed.

The Royal Hotel was designed by John Dobson, the celebrated architect behind Newcastle Central Station. Construction was carried out by Bellerby and Shaftoe, with smaller buildings built by local builder Mr. G Vasey.

Early Amenities and Notable Events

By 1850, the hotel featured a banqueting room, a coffee salon managed by Mrs. Lockwood (formerly of the White Swan Hotel, York), and stables with lock-up coach houses. The Coastguard Station, built in 1848/49 at the bottom of Khyber Pass, housed the hotel’s billiards rooms on its upper floor.

However, controversy struck in 1852 when Hudson became insolvent, owing £35,000. Arrested and imprisoned during his candidacy for the Whitby Borough elections, his downfall marked a pivotal moment in the hotel’s history.

Changing Hands and Expanding Horizons (1863–1913)

The North Eastern Railway Company took ownership before selling it in 1863 to Mr. Holliday of the Royal Station Hotel, York, for Mrs. Atlay of the Paragon Hotel, Hull. In 1873, Sir George Elliot MP became the new owner. He added a theatre, saloon, and pleasure grounds, now the Pavilion Theatre. During this time, Bram Stoker visited The Crescent, where Elliot resided, drawing inspiration for Dracula.

By 1913, the East Coast Hotels Syndicate modernised the hotel, combining three adjoining houses on East Terrace to create a 200-room establishment. Innovations included electric lighting, a lift, and luxurious interior updates, including antique furniture, Persian carpets, and Yorkshire stone floors.

A World War and Post-War Evolution (1914–1960s)

During World War II, the Royal Hotel served as billets for British soldiers, including the 50th Regiment LTR. Wartime relics, including posters and drawings, were later discovered in the basement and attic during renovations.

The post-war years brought vibrant additions, including the “Big Bamboo” disco club, the “Dutch Courage Bar,” and the “Captain Cook Bar.” These venues reflected the cultural shifts of the 20th century, with events like the Sex Pistols’ 1976 performance in the Ballroom marking an era of musical significance.

A Legacy of Notable Guests and Artistic Treasures

Though Bram Stoker and Lewis Carroll are often misreported as guests, Stoker frequently used the reading room, drawing inspiration for Dracula while observing Tate Hill Sands. The hotel also boasts unique stained-glass windows and rare oil paintings by Frank Henry Mason, founder of the Staithes group of artists, created specifically for the hotel between 1910 and 1915.

Modern Transformations and Future Plans (1965–Present)

The Royal Hotel was designated Grade II listed in 1965, with its Welsh slate roof and late 19th-century Chinese-style glazed canopy earning specific mention. In May 2021, after Shearings Hotels went into administration, the hotel became part of the Coast & Country Hotel Collection.

Three years later, in May 2024 the Hotel was sold again and is now part of HRH Group – proud operators of North Yorkshire’s best-loved hotels, restaurants & pubs. The owners have started an exciting refurbishment and investment plan. Rebranded as ‘Royal Whitby’, the hotel will see a full refurbishment & renovation of hallways, bars, restaurant, reception, event spaces and guest bedrooms. New rooms are being built, resulting in a total guest bedroom count exceeding 120. Furthermore, Harrogate & York’s famous pub brand ‘The Fat Badger’ is expanding, making its next stop at Royal Whitby; offering AA Rosette-quality dining, real Yorkshire ales and “A Right F*cking Laugh!”. The Ballroom, one of the largest event spaces in Whitby, is now being used for a developing roster of hilarious comedy nights, cracking music events, casino events and much more.

A Glimpse Into the Past: Pricing and Tragic Events

The Whitby Gazette, first published in 1854, advertised daily hotel rates as follows:

• Board & Lodging in public room: 7s 6d
• Board & Lodging in private room: 9s 0d
• Servant lodging: 3s 6d
• Private sitting room: from 2s 6d
• Fires in sitting rooms: 1s 0d
• Fires in bedrooms: 0s 6d
• Attendance: 1s 6d

Article from the Whitby Gazette 30th December 1865:

On Wednesday evening, Ann Atkinson, cook at the Royal Hotel, who was from Leeds, was severely burnt, in consequence of her dress taking fire. A young girl, who was with her at the time, raised the alarm, and assistance was promptly at hand. After rolling her in carpet, the fire was thought to be extinguished, but unfortunately was still burning under her crinoline, and it was only by laying her down and throwing water over her that the fire was extinguished. She lingered in a state of great pain until Friday morning, when she expired.

A Timeline of Owners and Managers

• 1848: Mr. Wilson
• 1849: George Miller, Mr. Oyston
• 1850: Mrs. Lockwood
• 1855–1859: Charles and George Hudson
• 1893–1899: H. Roffey (owner A.E. Kirby)
• 1902–1909: Miss E. Carter (owner H. Walker)
• 1913–1921: East Coast Hotels Syndicate
• 1925: M. Swift (Manager)
• 1932: Henry Swift
• 1937: H. Jeffries
• 1960s: R. Hardwick