A Great Yarmouth hotel that was once used as a romantic getaway for a king and his mistress is on sale for £1.2 million. 

The Royal Hotel stands prominently in the town's Marine Parade, and in its Victorian heyday, it became one of the premier destinations among the country's elite.

And soon there could be a new chapter in the Grade II listed building's storied history, which has been visited by holidaymakers across two centuries.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The entrance room which greets you as you enter the hotelThe entrance room which greets you as you enter the hotel (Image: Colliers)

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Formerly known as the Victoria Hotel, Queen Victoria's eldest son, Edward VII, took a liking to its seafront views and would whisk his mistress, singer and stage actress Lillie Langtry, away on romantic getaways.

These secret rendezvous eventually prompted the hotel to change its name and his crest even adorns the top of the building.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: One of the reception rooms at the hotelOne of the reception rooms at the hotel (Image: Colliers)

It was also a favourite haunt of author Charles Dickens, who penned parts of his novel David Copperfield while staying in one of its many bedrooms.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The hotel has a large bar areaThe hotel has a large bar area (Image: Colliers)

Today, the four-storey hotel offers 55 rooms for guests, as well as three bedrooms for staff and a manager's flat.

Its bar and tearoom can host 60 guests whereas its Ballroom Suite can fit 100 people in for functions.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: There are a number of function rooms at the hotel, able to hold as many as 100 people for eventsThere are a number of function rooms at the hotel, able to hold as many as 100 people for events (Image: Colliers)

It remains one of the third biggest in the town, which has operated as a three-star budget hotel but since the pandemic, it has operated on a limited basis amid staffing shortages and a refurbishment programme.

The hotel has been put on the market after the current owners Eulinkco International Corporation Limited decided to retire from the hospitality industry.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: A room with a view, looking out at Great Yarmouth's seafrontA room with a view, looking out at Great Yarmouth's seafront (Image: Colliers)

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Josh Sullivan in the Hotel Agency team at Colliers said: “Holidaying in Norfolk has never gone out of fashion and so the opportunity to acquire The Royal Hotel will appeal to many.

"The historic property has significant potential for modernisation and a diversification of the business and we are looking forward to securing a bright new future to the seafront.”

Property Facts

Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, NR30 3AE

Guide Price: £1.2 million

Colliers, 07742 500389, josh.sullivan@colliers.com