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3-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

The Royal Oak

The Royal Oak offers warmly decorated rooms, free Wi-Fi, parking, and a restaurant/bar in Hawkhurst. Rated 4.1 from 262 reviews, near Bodiam Castle.

Rye Rd, High Street, Hawkhurst, Cranbrook TN18 4EP, United Kingdom View on map
8.2/10
Very Good Based on 274 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Pet-friendly Kid-friendly Restaurant
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable stay with memorable dining experiences

Recent guests highlight the cosy, well-equipped rooms and particularly praise the generous, high-quality Sunday roast dinners and attentive, friendly staff. Practical considerations include some minor room maintenance issues and the lack of air conditioning or a pool.

Guests often praise

  • Clean, comfortable rooms with quality furnishings and well-equipped amenities like coffee machines and minibars.
  • Generous and delicious Sunday roasts with a variety of options, including vegetarian choices and large portions.
  • Attentive, friendly, and accommodating staff who go above and beyond, including flexibility with check-out times.
  • Pet-friendly policies allowing dogs in rooms and pub areas, appreciated by guests traveling with pets.
  • A cosy and welcoming pub atmosphere enhanced by communal features such as a pool table and fireside seating.

Worth knowing

  • No air conditioning or swimming pool onsite, which may affect comfort during warmer months.
  • Breakfast is not included, though guest feedback mentions a nice breakfast hamper offered by the inn.
  • Some guests noted minor maintenance issues with door latches and bathroom fittings, potentially affecting security and convenience.
  • Free parking is available, but there is no airport shuttle or fitness center on the premises.
  • The inn is smoke-free and welcomes families and pets, supporting a varied guest profile.

Best for

  • Visitors seeking a quaint, countryside inn near attractions like Bodiam Castle and Sissinghurst Castle Garden.
  • Guests looking for hearty pub meals, especially standout Sunday roast dinners in a friendly setting.
  • Travellers with pets or families who appreciate a welcoming and accommodating environment.
  • Those valuing relaxed, cosy atmospheres and personalized service over extensive luxury amenities.
  • Guests desiring easy access to local takeout options and nearby historic sites.
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About this property

Welcome to The Royal Oak

Located on Rye Road in the heart of Hawkhurst, The Royal Oak offers a cosy inn atmosphere combining hotel accommodation with pub and restaurant services. The property features warmly decorated rooms equipped with basics such as free Wi-Fi and complimentary parking. Check-in starts at 15:00 and checkout is by 11:00. Pet-friendly and kid-friendly policies make it suitable for families and travellers with pets.

The on-site restaurant and bar receive positive mention in guest reviews, particularly for the generous and well-prepared Sunday roasts including options like lamb, beef, pork, and vegetarian Wellington. Visitors have praised the friendly, attentive staff and the welcoming pub environment, which also includes amenities like a pool table. Reviewers highlight the quality of food and the hearty portions as key strengths.

Situated roughly four miles from Bodiam Castle and seven miles from Sissinghurst Castle Garden, the location is convenient for exploring local historical sites. Guests looking for nearby alternatives will find several well-rated accommodations within a short drive, including the George Hotel and Three Chimneys Farm Accommodation.

While the property generally receives positive feedback on cleanliness and comfort, some guests have noted minor maintenance areas such as door latches needing attention. Overall, The Royal Oak suits travellers seeking a straightforward, welcoming stay with easy access to local dining and countryside attractions rather than luxury hotel amenities.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Bar
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Breakfast
Pool
Air-conditioned
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

GM
Gemma Moss Apr 10, 2026
10

Absolutely gorgeous room everything you would need from start to finish. Really clean and quality bed and furnishings.lovely little breakfast hamper too and a nice bath and bathroom to relax in.

FP
Frederique Posnette Apr 10, 2026
10

The staff always go above and beyond. Kind, courteous and attentive. Couldn't recommend the place highly enough. Love the addition of the pool table.

AB
Angelique Baxter Apr 10, 2026
10

Went with my family for my birthday lunch. We had the sharing roasts and have to say it was the best toast we have ever had. Staff were friendly and could not do enough for us. Two thumbs up. We will be back

JS
James Shears Apr 08, 2026
10

We booked a weekend stay at the Royal Oak, along with a sharing roast for Sunday lunch. Upon arrival we were shown to our room, first impressions were great, the room was very clean and tidy with a coffee machine, kettle, teas & coffee, plus a small fridge with milk, fresh orange juice and water. The room was a good size with a very comfortable bed. Really clean bathroom with a great sized bath. They are really dog friendly both for the hotel rooms and pub area which is always helpful. We had the lamb sharing roast and loved it. Some of the best lamb we have ever eaten, the Yorkshire puddings were huge, all the veg and roasted potatoes were amazing. All the staff were really friendly and really welcoming. The dogs got loads of attention which they always love. Even letting us stay in our room past the checkout time, and letting us come and sit by the fire with a cup of coffee on the Sunday while we waited for our 12pm booking time. I’d highly recommend staying here and having a roast dinner!

TGF
The G Force Apr 02, 2026
10

If you want an amazing roast dinner on a Sunday this is the place for you. You can choose from chicken, lamb pork or beef & this serves 2 to 3 people. Served in a tray with roast potatoes, veg, Yorkshire puddings & a big teapot of gravy. There are sides you can order that are extra like cauliflower cheese & oversized pigs in blankets. I had the vegetarian option of a vegetable wellington. My family had rib of beef & had to bring home some as so much! I had the sticky toffee pudding as dessert & it was delicious The pub has a cosy friendly feel & cannot rate the staff enough. All friendly, welcoming & very attentive. Will be back.

AT
Andy Twine Mar 16, 2026
10

We had an amazing Sunday lunch here. 10 of us including kids and the staff couldn’t have been more helpful. Portions for both the kids and adults were very generous. We had a mixture of roasts and normal main dishes all of which were really tasty. The beef was cooked perfectly and the veg was great too. Desserts were huge and lovely. Chocolate brownie is a good recommendation and kids meals came with ice cream. Good range of beers on tap and nice wine too. Super friendly staff and nothing was too much hassle. Highly recommended.

DW
Dean Wilkinson Mar 02, 2026
10

Such a great Sunday roast. The beef rib joint was so tender. So much food for the two of us. The beer was lovely. The staff were so helpful and friendly. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and cannot recommend The Royal Oak highly enough. It was worth the drive.

TD(
Tee D (Mizteeque) Feb 25, 2026
8.0

Visited this Nice 3 star pub Easter weekend for a girls night out. Twin room, ensuite. Beds were clean and comfortable bathroom clean and a good pressure shower. Would visit again but I have a few comments for the owner. The latch on room one's door needs fixing so it clicks into place without having to slam the door. As 2 females alone we felt it wasn't particularly secure. Bathroom latch also needs looking at and toilet lid doesn't stay up. Cleaner could pay more attention to the cobwebs. Overall a nice stay and what I would expect for the money. Bar was well stocked and bar staff friendly. Cannot comment on food as we didn't dine this time.

RP
Rachael P Feb 14, 2026
10

Simply could not do enough for us. Super kind. Super friendly. We had a specific dietry need for my partner and they were amazingly accommodating. Pies are fabulous x

SC
Sarah C Feb 09, 2026
10

Went for sharing sunday roast with friends, really lovely pub, food was great and plentiful!

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Royal Oak

Cranbrook, United Kingdom

This quaint roadside inn is 4 miles from Bodiam Castle and 7 miles from Sissinghurst Castle Garden.

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