Bleak House

About this property

At a Glance

  Charles Dickens' former home

  Luxury Suites & Rooms

  Charles Dickens' original study

  Licensed for Civil Weddings

  Ideal event/ function venue

  Views of Viking Bay

  Private parking

  Restaurant & bar

  Afternoon tea/ Sunday lunch

About Bleak House

Dating from 1801 and a former home of author Charles Dickens, Bleak House offers luxurious accommodation in the heart of Broadstairs overlooking Viking Bay. Each room and suite has its own unique character and style, named after Dickens' novels and characters. A Smuggling Museum and the former study of Charles Dickens, where he wrote David Copperfield, is within the hotel.  Dickens also began work on his next book - Bleak House - here.

Enjoy delicious home-cooked food in the restaurant. A la carte menu is served for evening dinner, and afternoon tea is available daily in the 'Great Expectations' lounge bar.  Join us for traditional four course Sunday lunch with fine local produce.  Bleak House is also perfect for weddings and all kinds of functions from corporate events to celebrations and parties. A special Bridal Suite and a choice of wedding packages are available.   We are licensed for Civil Wedding Ceremonies, catering for up to 200 guests with marquee, and with unique photo opportunities available in Dickens' study!

Luxury Rooms & Suites

We have a selection of spacious and luxurious suites and rooms including our Copperfield bridal suite with deluxe double bath and magnificent views towards Viking Bay.  The Charles Dickens room, the author's original bedroom and a room which Queen Victoria often stayed in, features a separate bathroom and inclusive use of Charles Dickens' study.

Our Fagin superior room is a luxurious king-size double with an en-suite shower and Little Doritt is a classically styled double room also with en-suite shower. For additional space, opt for our stunning 3 bedroom Nicholas Nickleby apartment sleeping 4 to 6 guests with two double bedrooms, a single and twin bedroom plus a deluxe bathroom.

Each room and suite has free WiFi internet access and a mini fridge.  Full English breakfast and a variety of buffet breakfast starters including fresh juices, coffee, speciality teas and fruits are served.  Vegetarian cooked breakfast options and other cooked choices are also available, all fully inclusive in your stay.

Food & Drink

Dine in romantic style and enjoy exceptional cuisine in the hotel's unique restaurant.  Evening dinner is served from 7pm until 10pm, and food is locally sourced, seasonal and fresh - mostly sourced from local Kent farms and fisheries.  

Afternoon tea is served daily in the Great Expectations lounge from 2pm to 4.30pm, and our superb 4 course Sunday Lunch is served each week from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.  Special themed festive menus are available at Christmas and New Year.

Weddings & Functions

Bleak House is a unique wedding, events and function venue for both large and more intimate parties.  We have two ceremony rooms seating 50 and 100 guests.   The hotel benefits from beautiful landscaped gardens perfect for photography.  A choice of buffet menus are available, and luxury marquees holding up to 200 guests can be set up within the gardens, accompanied by hot/cold buffets or barbecues for up to 120 guests.

Museum/Charles Dickens' Study

Visit The Smuggling Museum and Dickens Study within the hotel.  A onetime home of the author, Bleak House has unique links to Charles Dickens.  The property dates from 1801 and was leased by Dickens from 1837 to 1859.  It was originally named Fort House, but was renamed in honour of Dickens after his death in 1870.  According to a biographer of the author, this was the house he felt most affection for, and it was here that he was inspired to write the novel 'Bleak House'.  Our Smuggling Museum situated in the cellars features an assortment of artefacts rescued by divers in the area exploring an 18th century wreck which became exposed with the shifting sands of Viking Bay.

Directions/Parking

Broadstairs is served by a frequent high speed train service from London St Pancras (journey time is around 79 minutes!).  The resort is easily accessed by car via the M25 into Kent.  Bleak House has limited private parking adjacent, with further secure public parking just a 3 minute walk away.

Check in/Check out

Check in from 14:00. Check out by 12:00.

Accommodation

Facilities
Conference & Meeting Rooms
Family
Group Holidays
Historic Romantic
Parking
Restaurant
Weddings
Weekend Breaks
WiFi