Verified Reviews of Whately Hall
Below are the verified reviews from guests that we have booked recently:
"Value for money"
Overall Score3.0/ 5
Rooms good breakfast excellent value.
Peter H. (Individual traveler, booked 1 room), from
26-Apr-2026 Verified Review, stayed from Sat Apr 25 to Sun Apr 26 2026 at a £155.42 average nightly rate.
Summary of Verified Reviews
Property Description
Our storyBuilt in the mid-17th century, the hotel was originally called The ThreeTuns Inn and is on licensing records since 1677. The inn was ownedand operated by Charles Stokes, whose dream for it to become thebest hostelry in town was realised when it became the centre of theBanbury social scene during the 18th century.Through its history the hotel has welcomed many high-profile guests includingKing James II in 1687 and Jonathan Swift, the author of Gulliver’s Travels, whostayed at the hotel in 1726 while writing his novel and even took inspiration forthe main character’s name from a tombstone in the nearby churchyard. Thehotel also has known links with William Shakespeare and Benjamin Franklin.The hotel was pivotal in the city’s historic secret tunnel system whichlinked key locations and were used by priests to escape persecutors ofthe Catholic faith. Following a fatal accident in the tunnels, which wereaccessed through a series of secret entrances, one of which could befound in the well in the hotel grounds, it is believed the ghost of FatherBernard has walked the halls of the hotel for the last 300 years.Today, guests can enjoy many of the original features and characterwhile still benefiting from the facilities and comfort of a modern hotel.
Amenities / Features
Pet Friendly?
Yes! Pets are allowed.
Extra charge £15.00 per night per dog
