Royal Kings Arms, Lancaster

[pompeypete]

We're doing our once in a while visit to the area between 18-26 September. We've booked a static caravan on Westgate Caravan Park for a week, but needed somewhere to stay for our final night (Sat 25th), so that I could go and watch 'The Shrimps' at their new ground.
I trawled the usual accommodation websites, and on www.Booking.com found a double-room with full English breakfast at the Royal Kings Arms for £36 (thirty-six). The RKA is a bit tatty these days, but for that price it was a no-brainer.

[trevnhil]

Wow, that was certainly a good find value wise. I did wonder have you knew the state of the place but then remembered that you stayed there about a year ago.

I do trust that the new ground is open then as I have heard that there is some delay.

Trev..

[pompeypete]

Hi Trev - it was a year or so we last stayed there. It was badly in need of a bit of tlc, and the rooms that look out onto King's Street get all the traffic noise. I expect it'll be the same, but I've asked for a room at the back.
The breakfast was very filling, so I've hoping for a bit more of the same.
I'm sure that the Globe Arena will be up-and-running by the time we turn up. Some of the locals are getting a bit worried with the delays.
All the best with your house-build.
Peter

[pompeypete]

It's a month since we had our night at the RKA.
We turned up at 1030, and fortunately the car park (which does get full) had plenty of spaces.
We went to Reception to give them the car registration.
Check-in wasn't until 1400, but to our pleasant surprise our room was already ready.
We were given Rm 406 which faced Meeting House Lane, and had a terrific view of the Castle. The room had a double and single bed, and was plenty big enough. The bathroom had recently been refurbished. Flat screen TV, trouser-press, hair-dryer, radio.
Unpacked what we needed for the night, and legged it, looking forward to a nice lunch before going to watch the 'mighty Shrimps' at The Globe.

After the game we met up with my brother Dave for a pint or three in Lancaster. Then a reasonably early night.

Slept like a log. Up early for breakfast, superb full English, and help yourself to soggies, toast and coffee. The dining room at the RKA is lovely, massive central chandalier and minstrels gallery. Me and the Mrs had our wedding reception there 34 years ago!

Checked-out at 0930, and on the road back to Pompey.

Was £36 value for money.

[WillowTheWhisp]

Sounds great. We might seriously think of that as an alternative to staying in Morecambe overlooking the bay. You certainly can't fault the price.

[pompeypete]

For the 7 days prior to our night at the RKA we stayed on Westgate Caravan Park.
Two bedroomed, fully kitted caravan, inc gas/electric for the week (18-25 Sep) was £195.
Excellent well run Residential park, and very peaceful.
15 minutes easy walk from the prom.
Definately do the same next September.

[pompeypete]

Stayed at the RKA again last Friday and Saturday.
Booked through the Oxford Inns website.
Cost £92 for a double B&B.
Also included in with the offer was dinner on the first night and a bottle of House Red.
I asked for a particular room number and got it.
Staff, all Brits and mainly local, were very pleasant.
Travelled up by National Express, so no need for car park.
Lovely time.

[trevnhil]

It's quite an uphill trek from the bus station with the cases though. But maybe you got a taxi.
I hope you enjoyed your trip.

Trev..

[pompeypete]

Hi Trev

It's only an uphill trek if you go up Bridge Lane or New Road.
It's flat or at least gives that illusion, if you take a slightly longer route, ie up Lower Penny Street for a few yards, then turn right onto Church Street, walk 100 yards and turn left onto New Street, then right onto Market Street, and another 60 yards and you're there.
Less than half-a-mile.
We just had bags on wheels, so no effort really, and after being on coaches for most of the previous 11 hours the walk was welcome.

[trevnhil]

Yes I can see the sense in using the easier route that you describe. And as a bonus you will not get as many fumes from the traffic.

I do though believe that you are a little wrong with the name of a street. I think it will be North road that you went along. This leads into Cheapside and then into Penny Street at Horseshoe corner.

Trev..

[pompeypete]

Sept 16, 2012 10:22:49 GMT trevnhil said:

I do though believe that you are a little wrong with the name of a street. I think it will be North road that you went along. This leads into Cheapside and then into Penny Street at Horseshoe corner.

You're right, I've always taken North Road to end at St John's Church, and where the road bends left onto Rosemary Lane. And Cheapside, I've always taken as Lower Penny Street. Habit I suppose, I lived on Sun Street too long!

I don't know what's happened to the Horseshoe, but it ain't where it should be!

[trevnhil]

From British History Online...

" Penny Street,after passing the end of Market Street, is continued as Cheapside; crossing Church Street it goes on as North Road, so reaching Skerton Bridge over the Lune. The centre of the Penny Street and Market Street crossing is marked by a horse-shoe, fixed in the pavement and renewed from time to time. As to its origin one story says that when John of Gaunt visited the town his horse dropped a shoe there, and the townsmen fixed it on the spot to commemorate the visit. Another story connects it with the Young Pretender. A third account supposes it to have been connected with the horse fair."

[pompeypete]

It's not there Trev.
I pointed it out to my brother the other night when we were between pubs, and he wasn't too amused!

[brian]

I've not looked for the horse shoe recently but some years ago, I'm sure it was part way up market street more towards BHS. I'll try not to wander around Lancaster in my own little world tomorrow and see if it's there.