This iconic 16^th Century coaching inn is situated on the High Street at a historic junction of the ‘Fosse Way’, the Roman road connecting Lincoln to Exeter, with the principal route from London and Oxford to Worcester.

It was originally known as The White Hart and Its most famous guest was Charles I, who stayed overnight on two occasions whilst on military manoeuvres during the English Civil War in 1644 and 1645. Memorabilia of his visits and unpaid bill can be found inside the hotel.

From the opening of the first turnpike road passing through Moreton-in-Marsh in 1731, The White Hart became an important coaching inn. It was owned by the Winslow family, who soon afterwards invested in expanding the stabling for up to 70 horses. In 1782 they commissioned a major rebuild which created the Georgian façade that graces the High Street today.

The White Hart Royal Hotel is located in the centre of this lovely small town, and much of its history has been well preserved inside the hotel including parts of the cobbled road, original oak beams, sloping floors and lots of information and photographs of King Charles 1 and his family. 

The arrival of the railway in 1853 heralded a new era for the town and for the White Hart, which came under the control of the entrepreneurial Robert King. He built the assembly room at the back of the hotel, enthusiastically promoted the connection with Charles I, and acquired the royal coat of arms now displayed above the main entrance; he also renamed the hotel The White Hart Royal. 

Many of the oldest architectural features of the hotel were revealed and preserved during a restoration in the 1920s by Trust Houses Ltd, the country’s first national chain of hotels, and owners of the hotel until the 1990s. The White Hart Royal was acquired by The Coaching Inn Group in 2008, and has since undergone a major refurbishment to meet the needs of today’s market while respecting and retaining the many features of its fascinating heritage.

Having spent a very pleasant and enjoyable two night stay here in 2025 the hotel is perfectly situated in the centre of the town; its friendly staff were very welcoming and courteous and made you feel at home as soon as you stepped through the door. The enclosed courtyard was comfortable and spacious and a lovely place to sit, relax, and enjoy a drink before dinner.