About the White Swan

Enjoy the best in modern cuisine and accommodation whilst soaking up the atmosphere of historic surroundings in our 16th Century coaching inn.

The White Swan Hotel at Henley-in-Arden is the perfect place to stay when your are visiting the Midlands for business or pleasure. We are only 9 miles from Warwick, with it's famous Warwick Castle and all-year events. Even closer is Stratford-upon-Avon, with it's Shakespeare connections and the wonderful Royal Shakespeare Theatre Company. A short drive in the opposite direction brings you to the NEC, with it's international exhibitions and concerts featuring the world's top performers.

Whilst being located in the peace and tranquility of the beautiful Warwickshire countryside, The White Swan Hotel is only a short drive or journey by rail from our local station into Birmingham. With it's magnificent Bullring Centre and iconic Selfridge's building, theatres, art galleries, Symphony Hall, The International Conference Centre, The National Indoor Arena, the National Sealife Centre and vibrant nightlife all in one area, you will will be amazed and delighted by the transformation the city has undergone in the past 20 years.

And of course, there is Henley-in-Arden itself. In modern times, Henley is best known for its ice cream and High Street, described as the most beautiful in England.

To enquire about accommodation or any of our other services please complete our enquiry form or telephone us on 01564 792 623 if calling from the UK or +44 (0) 1564 792 623 if calling from outside the UK.

History

After Henry III's victory at the Battle of Evesham (1265) the De Montforts’ castle at Beaudesert was destroyed because of the leading part they played in the revolt against the King. The village of Henley-in-Arden rose from the ruins. The castle site is marked today only by a large mound which lies near to the Church of St Nicholas, across the road from The White Swan Hotel.

An Inn has existed on this site since 1352 and The White Swan was first documented in 1358. The current White Swan was erected between 1550 and 1565.

In August 1608 the tenant was a Mr Tomas Kirby and it was described as “An Inn called the Swan with barns and stables, orchards and courtyards”.

 

The poet William Shenstone (1714–1763) was inspired by The White Swan to write his famous lines: “Whoever has travelled life’s dull round, Wherever his stages may have been, May sigh to think he still has found, The warmest welcome at an inn.”

 

Some time after Shenstone wrote ‘The warmest welcome at an Inn’, the current fireplace was installed and you can still see the inscription of the year 1735 on it today.

 

During the time of stagecoaches, the White Swan was a well known 30 mile Staging Post on the route from Lichfield to London.

 

The White Swan was in the limelight again in 1776 when it was frequented by Samuel Johnson (born in Lichfield in 1709). He is said to have spent time here working on one of the most influential versions of the English dictionary.

 

The ghost of an 18 year old lady of the night named Virginia Black used to haunt the corridor outside bedroom 17. She was said to have died after falling down the stairs during a quarrel with a gentleman in 1845.

 

In 1855 the lawn to the rear of the hotel was a Bowling Green and in 1908 the adjacent walk through to the railway was created.

 

The Courtyard of The White Swan was used for public hangings and from 1845 to 1903 the local Court was held at the inn.

 

During Georgian times it was vogue to cover timbering, but during renovation works in 1935 (see the picture), the plaster was removed to reveal the original middle 16th century beams.

 

More recently the Actor Michael Elphick became landlord of The White Swan. He is best remembered for his role as Ken Boon in the hit series “Boon” (1986). He died tragically at the early age of 55.

 

During the filming of “I bought a Vampire Motorcycle” in 1990, in which Neil Morrisey played a despatch rider, The White Swan was used for catering and also provided accommodation for the actors and actresses.

 

The White Swan still regularly attracts celebrities to its welcoming bar and quality Antonio's restaurant.

 

The Hotel is today under the caring control of the management team of Bliss Bars Ltd; Linda, Ian, Sarah and Steve, who are always delighted to receive customer feedback.