Museums, Exhibits, and History

The Welsh Hills Inn is named in honor of the Welsh Hills. The Inn sits right in the heart of the region which was settled in 1801 by Welsh immigrants. Having first settled in eastern Pennsylvania, the Welsh families soon migrated further west looking for more fertile farmland. It is said, the rolling, lush, green hills with an abundance of timber and natural springs reminded them of their home in Wales and was perfect for their homesteading needs. The Inn’s three guest rooms and two suites are named in the original Welsh language and carry meanings of “Blessed Dove”, “Great Hills”, “Little Birch”, “Pretty Oak”, and “Orchard View”. Families of the original Welsh immigrants still live in the area today.

The Village of Granville was settled shortly thereafter. A colony of settlers from New England arrived and settled the area in 1805. Today, the village houses a collection of 19th and early 20th century architectural examples including Greek Revival, Italianate, Georgian Revival, Gothic, Craftsman, Queen Anne, and Federal Styles. Including Denison University, there are nearly 130 homes that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Inn has a book with photos and the history of each of these historic properties available for our guests. If you have the time, please visit the Granville Historical Society down in the Village and The Works in downtown Newark for a very comprehensive and interesting history of the area.

There is evidence of ancient and native settlements in the Village and Township of Granville as represented by historic mounds in the region, Alligator Mound lies in the village, a small mound is located in Salt Run Park, and an early settlement site has been conserved by the Granville Township in Raccoon Valley Park. Additional larger mounds are located south and southeast of the Village and are available for viewing.

We are proud of our great history. If you are interested in learning more about the area, the Inn has provided “Images of America” books on the Welsh Hills, Granville, and Licking County in each of our guest rooms and common areas for your reading pleasure; and of course, there are many museums in the area which have much to share for those with an interest to learn and explore.

“We enjoyed another incredible weekend at this amazing B&B! The home, amazing art, and surrounding grounds are absolutely beautiful, but the genuine hospitality offered-up by Bobbi and Jeff is truly what makes this place so special. They make you feel like you are returning home for a visit with family. Everything – from their warm embrace upon arriving to the heartwarming welcome from Ellie and Wrigley to the incredible cuisine for breakfast and dinner to the warming fire in the Gathering Room fireplace is special. You won’t find a more relaxing, inviting place to spend a few days unwinding. We will most certainly return for what we know will be another amazing stay at The Welsh Hills Inn. Thank you, Bobbi and Jeff!”

— Gina & Danny – Bridgeport, WV