The Royal Castle Hotel
The Quay, on the harbourside · Hotel
View on Google MapsPhoto: The Royal Castle
A 17th-century coaching inn on Dartmouth's quay, with river-view bedrooms, several bars and a restaurant serving local produce.
What's nearby
- Salcombe Dairy Ice Cream next door
- Dartmouth Museum next door
- Boots next door
- Royal Avenue Gardens next door
- The Cornish Bakery next door
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
Payment
- ✓Credit cards
- ✓Debit cards
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the hotel before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
About The Royal Castle Hotel
The Royal Castle has stood on Dartmouth's quay since the 1630s, its timber-framed facade looking straight out over the Boat Float and the river beyond. Formed from two merchants' houses joined together in the 19th century, the building still carries the low ceilings, exposed beams and creaking staircases of its age, alongside more recent additions that bring the bedrooms and bathrooms up to a contemporary standard.
Bedrooms vary considerably in size and outlook, from compact rooms at the back of the building to larger river-facing rooms with views straight across the water to Kingswear, and each is individually decorated rather than following a uniform hotel template. Downstairs, several bars retain a proper pub atmosphere alongside The Sloop restaurant, which serves a menu built around South West produce, and the hotel is part of St Austell Brewery's managed estate, giving it a solid, well-run feel without losing its character.
Its position directly on the quay puts every part of Dartmouth within a short walk, and the hotel's own history, including a claimed visit from Charles II, is woven into the building itself rather than left to a plaque in the lobby.
Reception hours
- Monday
- 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday
- 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Friday
- 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday
- 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday
- 8:00 AM – 10:30 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
We had a wonderful experience having Dinner at the The castle Hotel and a big thank you to Charlotte for looking after us so well. She kindly seated us at the window table we had requested, which made our evening even more special. Charlotte has such a lovely, friendly nature and made us feel genuinely welcome from the moment we arrived. Her customer service was outstanding attentive, professional and warm without ever being intrusive. She is a real asset to your business, and it’s staff like Charlotte who make people want to return. Thank you for helping make our meal so enjoyable!
2 weeks ago · via Google
Booked a table to try the significantly refurbished Royal Castle. The refurb hasn't ripped the guts out of the old building thankfully. Ate in the upstairs restaurant which has been sympathetically and tastefully decorated. Menu is on the small side but better now for vegetarians than when it reopened. Food and service were both excellent and faultless. 2 courses, shared dessert, bottle of wine for around £105, including my voluntary tip seems fair value to me. Definitely going back. 👍
5 months ago · via Google
Had a lovely experience here, the staff were so busy yet very welcoming, accommodating and kind, the barmen were super fast & the food came out quickly as well! Very modern gastro-pub vibes really lovely decor and TV’s inside. High chairs available and the atmosphere was great! The Caesar fries were really yummy! The crab sandwich was generously filled and the snack board was okay. We will definitely pop back in!
2 months ago · via Google
The staff were very friendly and helpful.The food was very excellent and the vegetarian was good. The building had character and was several hundred years old. I loved the atmosphere that took me back in time. We dined in an area which was quieter to the side of the restaurant which suited our particular family's needs. A good selection of refreshments was provided. This hotel was in a perfect location to explore. Thank you for our enjoyable stay.
a month ago · via Google
People say this hotel offers delicious food, including excellent Sunday roasts and vegetarian options, and features beautifully refurbished rooms and communal areas. They also highlight the friendly, attentive staff and the warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Some reviews mention the service can be slow.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- 11 The Quay, Dartmouth, TQ6 9PS Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- The Quay, on the harbourside
- Star rating
- 4 star
- Guest score
- 8.4 / 10 (950 reviews)
- Prices from
- £145 per night
- Good for children
- Yes
- Good for groups
- Yes
- Booking required
- Yes
- Destination
- Dartmouth