Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Stay in a Historic Edwardian Hotel in Margate
Walpole Bay Hotel, established in 1914, is a family-run Edwardian hotel in Margate, Kent, lovingly restored by the Bishop family since 1995. Our historic property combines timeless elegance with modern comforts, offering guests a unique blend of period charm and contemporary hospitality. The hotel features a fully licensed restaurant, a 1927 Otis trellis-gated lift, and a living museum showcasing the building's rich history. We provide spacious lounges, a flower-decked veranda, and a 1920s ballroom with an original sprung maple dance floor. Our commitment to preserving the hotel's heritage while delivering exceptional service has made us a cherished destination for visitors.The museum, free to the public, spans five floors and includes memorabilia, geological exhibits, and interactive displays about the Isle of Thanet. We host weddings, conferences, and private events in our adaptable spaces, supported by 24-hour reception staff. Our dedication to quality has earned us features in media such as BBC's 'One Foot in the Past' and Channel 5's 'The Hotel Inspector'. Guests enjoy proximity to attractions like The Shell Grotto, Quex House, and five theatres, including Britain's second-oldest. We offer free parking, complimentary WiFi, and a licensed bar, ensuring a memorable stay for both leisure and business travellers.
Services
Hotel Accommodation
Living Museum
Event Hosting
Restaurant Service
Filming Location
Details
- Year established: 1914
Highlights and features
- We offer over 100 years of hospitality experience in a historic Edwardian setting
- Our living museum showcases 20th-century heritage and local geological history
- Host events in a 1920s ballroom with original sprung maple dance floor
- 24-hour reception staff ensure round-the-clock guest support
- Featured in BBC and Channel 5 television programmes for our unique character
What people say
Historic charm
Unique museum
Family-friendly
Scenic views
Friendly staff
Services
Hotel Accommodation
Our individually designed rooms offer sea views and period furnishings, combining Edwardian elegance with modern comforts. Guests enjoy 24-hour reception, free parking, and complimentary WiFi. The hotel's historic atmosphere makes it ideal for both leisure and business stays in Margate.
Living Museum
Explore our five-floor museum featuring original 1914 architecture, 20th-century memorabilia, and geological exhibits. The collection includes vintage gas lamps, a 1927 sprung maple ballroom floor, and interactive displays about the Isle of Thanet's history.
Event Hosting
Host weddings, conferences, or private parties in our 1920s ballroom with sprung maple dance floor. The space accommodates up to 120 guests with two bars and flexible table arrangements for various event types.
Restaurant Service
Enjoy breakfast, cream teas, and light snacks in our Edwardian-style restaurant. Room service is available with crockery and cutlery provided for evening meals ordered from local restaurants during renovation periods.
Filming Location
Our Edwardian architecture, stairways, and vintage props make us a popular film location. Recent productions include BBC's 'One Foot in the Past' and Channel 5's 'The Hotel Inspector', with dedicated support for film crews.
People
Patricia Jane Bishop
Director
Co-owner and director of Walpole Bay Hotel since 1995, Jane leads the restoration project while maintaining the hotel's historic character and museum operations.
Peter Bishop
Director
Co-owner and director working with Jane Bishop on the hotel's restoration, ensuring the preservation of its Edwardian heritage and operational excellence.
Justin Bishop
Director
Family member and director contributing to the hotel's management and restoration efforts, maintaining its status as a historic Margate landmark.
Gemma Bishop
Director
Director involved in the hotel's operations and restoration, helping maintain its unique character as both accommodation and living museum.
Questions
What historical features does The Walpole Bay Hotel offer?
The hotel features a 1927 Otis trellis-gated lift, Edwardian architecture, and a living museum with 20th-century memorabilia across five floors.
Can I host events at The Walpole Bay Hotel?
Yes, we offer a 1920s ballroom for weddings, conferences, and private events with capacity for up to 120 guests.
What amenities are available for guests?
We provide free parking, complimentary WiFi, a licensed bar, and 24-hour reception support with room service options.
Are there nearby attractions to visit?
Yes, we're near The Shell Grotto, Quex House, five theatres, and 26 miles of sandy beaches in the Isle of Thanet.
Does the hotel offer special packages or deals?
We occasionally offer seasonal promotions like our Winter Warmer deal with a free third night for stays booked directly.
Reviews (7)
Wendy Heeley
Jun 18, 2022
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What a fabulous afternoon tea my friend and I enjoyed at The Walpole Bay! Gorgeous, high quality food, excellent service, the personal touch of the proprietor visiting each table and the added bonus of the in- house pianist entertaining us while we relaxed in the lovely surroundings of this special hotel. I will definitely be returning again VERY soon!
Kenny Liggett
Jun 06, 2022
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What a wonderful, nostalgic experience we have had staying in this beautiful building. Love the way the original era of the hotel has been maintained, treating us to a step back in time. The owner Jane is absolutely lovely and is surrounded by a fabulous, friendly team, who are some of the best hotel staff anywhere. The location of the Hotel and sea views are amazing. Breakfast was fresh and tasty. Afternoon Prosecco Tea was wonderful. Thoroughly recommend a stay here
Dino J.
May 31, 2022
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Myself and my sisters had a fabulous stay here, if you like quirky then you will love this place! Lovely bedrooms, clean and spacious. The staff are very helpful and friendly We will definitely return.
Michael Cullinan
May 30, 2022
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A first-class old-fashioned hotel. We had a delicious classic English afternoon tea with all the trimmings, on a terrace with lovely flowers and a beautiful view. The staff were very welcoming and cheerful. The owners made themselves known informally. The rooms have modern facilities and are clean and comfortable. The corridors contain little museums of bygone days. Breakfast was very good - again in the classic English style. Alas, since Covid they no longer do lunch and dinner. Warmly recommended.
Carolynn Binnie
May 07, 2022
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On a wet Friday I took my Mum and we had a delightful Afternoon Cream Tea and a look around. When we came out the sun was shining. This is a wonderful way to spend a few hours and don't forget to slip back into memory lane.
Ashlee Jones
Apr 20, 2022
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Beautiful place, afternoon tea is amazing. Went for a wake, staff were excellent and extremely respectful to everyone there. Only 1 criticism, beer was a little bit pricey but overall was amazing! Will be going back.
Lyndall Armstrong
Mar 25, 2022
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It was honestly the worst food I have ever eaten. I have a veggie curry and firstly it's was served on a dinner place and it comprised of 6 soggy pieces of zucchini and a couple of bits of capsicum. It was tasteless. I would be embarrassed to serve that up to anyone if I was a chef or even a cook. My husband meal was awful as well. Over cooked calamari and very oily
