Travellers from Queen Victoria to One Direction have sampled the hospitality at Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Restaurant in Barnby Moor, North Nottinghamshire.

Although our paths didn’t cross with royalty or a famous boy band, we did see a Premier League football chairman check out during our whistle-stop stay.

Other guests of note include actors Oliver Reed and Joan Crawford, Prime Minister Sir Harold Wilson, magician Paul Daniels and musician Rik Wakeman.

One look at the map shows why this 17th century inn has been so popular for the past five centuries.

Situated on the Great North Road, midway between London and Edinburgh, the former stagecoach inn is an ideal place to explore three further counties – South Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire.

The first horse-drawn transport system started running between the two capital cities in 1635 when King Charles I began the first postal service.

Although the hotel’s courtyard disappeared under a conference room many years ago, it is still easy to conjure up images of hooves thundering over cobblestones.

The original entrance arch has been integrated into the main hallway, while recently discovered cobblestones have been enshrined under glass in one of the downstairs cloakrooms.

Ye Olde Bell started life as a farm before it rose to fame and fortune in the days of stagecoaches and highwaymen such as the infamous highway robber Dick Turpin (1705-1739) who roamed the vicinity.

At this time there was stabling for more than 120 horses and rooms for weary travellers at the then-named ‘Blue Bell’.

It was a century later, in 1835, that a young Queen Victoria stayed with her mother, the Duchess of Kent, on her way to a music festival in York.

The lavish rooms, now known as the Victoria Suite, overlook countryside on the Great North Road and consist of a living room, bedroom and large bathroom.

Our room was situated outside the main building in the converted stable area which gives a cottage-like feel – we could park directly outside our door – a convenient feature which is also ideal for disabled access.

Despite extensive renovations by the new owners eight years ago, the original building retains its charm, especially in the snug reception area which features an open fireplace with roaring log fires in the winter.

Seven years after Queen Victoria’s visit, the hotel reverted back to a private dwelling.

In 1905 however, during the dawning of the automobile, it was converted back to a hotel and was christened with its present name.

During the Monte Carlo Rally in 1959 more than 70 competitors stopped at the hotel which was the only British check point – an occasion that has been revived for the past five years.

Now in the hands of local businessman Paul Levack and his wife Hilary, the hotel is truly worth its four-star AA rating.

Apart from the tastefully decorated 57 bedrooms – each one uniquely styled by Hilary – the highlight of the work has to be the Restaurant Bar 1650.

In stark contrast to the traditional black and gold striped curtains and wood-panelled walls there is an art deco bar which lights up the room and most definitely provides the wow factor.

Other popular amenities include the more informal St Leger Bistro, onsite gym and hair and beauty salons.

During our two-day stay we took in the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre at nearby Edwinstowe which includes many fine walks in ‘Robin Hood’ country.

We ventured down the well-worn path to the magnificent 800-year-old ‘Major Oak’ with its maze of gnarled branches and hollowed trunk.

Although the facilities at the centre are a little on the basic side, there is no entry fee and the atmospheric location helps make up for the shortcomings.

Apparently, there are plans for a new centre to maximise the legend of Robin Hood.

Fortunately our visit to Nottinghamshire coincided with beautiful weather which was well suited for a further stroll along a tranquil stretch of the River Trent at Bleasby.

Also on Ye Olde Bell’s doorstep are country walks in the National Trust’s Clumber Park, while race-goers will be attracted to the courses at Doncaster and Southwell.

Overall, Ye Olde Bell makes an ideal centre for exploration. The picturesque city of Lincoln is also a short drive away, while the beautiful Peak District and Chatsworth House are in close range to the west.

Factfile

Ye Olde Bell Hotel & Restaurant, Barnby Moor, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 8QS.

Telephone 01777 705121 or contact enquiries@yeoldbell-hotel.co.uk Prices from £47.50 per person sharing twin/double room including a full English breakfast.