The Royal Hotel in Weston-super-Mare sits a stone’s throw from the seafront, with a history as long as the pier and a knack for hosting everything from weddings to horror conventions. Built in the early 19th century, it’s a listed building with that slightly faded grandeur seaside towns do so well—high ceilings, sweeping staircases and just enough character in the walls to suggest a story or two.

Inside, it’s less stiff-upper-lip, more relaxed elegance. Rooms range from sea view suites to family spots, and there’s a decent bar and restaurant to keep guests from having to forage along the promenade. The gardens open out towards the water, meaning summer afternoons can spill easily into evenings with a drink in hand.

It’s also practical. The Royal comes with proper accessibility, on-site catering and parking, making it as useful for community events as it is for weekend breaks. Whether you’re in town for sandy beaches, a splash of Victorian nostalgia or to browse horror novels with a pint, this is one of Weston’s cornerstones—a place where the past lingers politely while the present carries on having a good time.