Inside 1800s abandoned hotel with royal links – including visit by Queen Victoria

An abandoned hotel that once hosted Queen Victoria has been discovered left to rot – containing paintings, furniture and a framed decree of the hotel’s history.

Dating back to the mid-18th century, Llangollen Royal Hotel in Wales was originally known as the King’s Head, playing host to a range of guests, including future royalty.

In 1832, the then-Princess Victoria visited the hotel, sleeping in the building with her mother, the Duchess of Kent.

The hotel was later renamed in her honour as the Royal Hotel.

Urban explorer Daniel Sims, known as BearedReality on social media, visited the site, sharing his find on YouTube with his 11,000 followers.

“The building itself on the outside is stunning and is in a great location, so when looking at the hotel you do not expect the place to be left at all,” the 34-year-old, told NeedToKnow.co.uk.

“Overlooking the river and having excellent views and such an amazing history, you would expect this place to be packed full of tourists and visitors.

“Inside is a different story.

“The place is clearly needing quite a bit of work to it.

“With collapsing parts of the building, mould and decay setting in, it is surprising that such a prominent hotel is in this state.”

Expanded throughout the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras, the hotel contains multiple different architectural styles, becoming a patchwork of periods.

Throughout the property, furniture and paintings were left behind, along with a marble fireplace and even a large printer.

One room was discovered with a heavy duty safe, containing the royal seal, that remained locked.

Daniel added: “The most surprising finds were the paintings that were left and a detailed framed decree detailing the history of the hotel which would have once hung proudly up for visitors and guests to see.

“The rooms are stunning and have an amazing view, so hopefully the place can recapture some of its former glory.”

Located next to the Llangollen bridge, one of the seven wonders of Wales, the hotel overlooks the river, providing former guests with stunning views.

The Llangollen Royal Hotel closed in 2019 in the hopes of refurbishing the site, however, work is yet to begin.

ENDS