Set in the heart of the historic market town of Alnwick and only a stone's throw from Alnwick Castle and Gardens, The White Swan is a charming 300 year old coaching inn that blends its unique heritage with superb accommodation. The White Swan has 57 bedrooms, from classic twins and doubles, to superior doubles, suites, family rooms and a fabulous four poster suite.
For generations one of the North of England's primary hotels, The White Swan is probably best known for its Olympic Dining Suite which features the magnificent panelling, mirrors and stained glass windows from the Titanic's sister ship. All 57 bedrooms are designed to an impeccable standard, and Hardy's Bistro, a contemporary, informal dining experience, is open all day for coffee, light lunches and an excellent bistro menu.
The Titanic's sister ship, the RMS Olympic, was launched in 1911, a year before its sister's tragic maiden voyage. Despite being converted to oil-fired engines in 1919-1920, it became uneconomical in comparison to the new and luxurious Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, and was finally retired in 1935 and scrapped in 1937. This provided valuable work for Scottish shipyards, which were suffering from the effects of the Depression.
Before it was dismantled completely, many of the fittings and artworks were auctioned. The then-owner of The White Swan bought the Olympic's dining room and transported it to the hotel, reconstructing it in all its splendour.
The magnificent Olympic Suite, which can cater for up to 150 people theatre style and 120 diners, now shows off the original panelling, mirrors, ceiling and stained glass windows from a time when ships were truly magnificent. An eccentric idea perhaps, but one that has made The White Swan very special.
