Originally built in the 1840s as two semi-detached Victorian villas, the Norfolk Royale has a rich and illustrious history. This Grade II listed hotel was once the summer residence of Henry Granville Fitzalan-Howard (1815 to 1860) the 14th Duke of Norfolk and MP for Arundel.

Stewart's Hotel

The Duke was known as Fitz throughout his life and was from one of the oldest aristocratic families in Britain. He was wealthy, cosmopolitan and a devout Catholic.

Alongside his wife Minna, they were committed to helping the poor and supporting the church. Following Fitz's death, aged 45, the villa became a boarding house.

In 1870, the boarding house was amalgamated with the adjoining villa to become the rather swanky Stewart’s Hotel. Promotional literature at the time boasted of “eminently high class patrons”.

The impressive Art Nouveau cast iron veranda was added in 1903.

Norfolk Hotel

In 1907, Stewart’s was renamed the Norfolk Hotel. Its 1910 brochure comments that it is conveniently located, is “luxuriously equipped” and “stands in its own beautiful grounds”. A double bedroom rate was six shillings and a self-contained suite with a lavatory was 35 shillings.

In 1944, in the lead up to the D Day landings during WW2, there was a ban on travel to the south coast. The Norfolk was the only fully licenced hotel in Bournemouth not to be requisitioned. To keep its business afloat it advertised locally for residents to experience staying in a first class hotel.

In 1988, the hotel was renamed the Norfolk Royale.

Inside, you'll find elegantly proportioned interiors and interesting stained glass, including two peacocks on the staircase. Imagine the many stories this historic hotel has witnessed over the years.

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