Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns - 3-Star Hotel in St Ives (Cambridgeshire), England
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Key details
About the Hotel
Back Lane, St Ives (Cambridgeshire), PE27 4TG,
-
Near the River Great Ouse
Very good
7.3
7.0
/10
2.4
4.7
/5
Loved by Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns guests
Friendly staff
Delicious breakfast
Good value
Charming atmosphere
River views
"Beautiful historic property in a lovely waterside setting"
Lorraine from United States
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"Lovely location, good parking, great beer garden by the river."
Susan from United Kingdom
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"Under new management this pub is now even better."
dmcb1 from United Kingdom
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"The fire was a treat"
Cycling4 from United Kingdom
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History & Location
The Old Ferry Boat is believed to be England's oldest inn, with foundations dating back to Anglo Saxon times and liquor sold on site as early as 560 AD. The inn overlooks the Great Ouse River in the village of Holywell, a 30-minute drive from Cambridge city centre and Duxford Imperial War Museum. The riverside setting provides direct access to the Great Ouse for walks and outdoor activities.
Rooms
Each room includes a TV, telephone, stereo, ironing facilities, and a private shower room, with some rooms offering garden views. The inn offers Standard Twin Rooms, Double Rooms, and a Budget Double Room, all with free Wi-Fi. Rooms are compact but equipped with tea and coffee making facilities and clean bedding.
Dining
The on-site restaurant serves a mix of traditional favourites and exotic dishes, alongside seasonal menus and hearty pub classics. A full English breakfast is offered daily, and guests note the generous portion sizes and reasonable prices. The menu includes options like steak and ale pie, scampi and chips, and Sunday roasts with beef or turkey.
Pet-Friendly
Dogs are allowed throughout the inn, including the bar, restaurant, and guest rooms, with country walks on the doorstep along the Great Ouse. The inn provides a dog bowl under tables and welcomes well-behaved pets alongside their owners. Guests can take dogs on nearby cycling, fishing, and hiking trails that start from the property.
Activities & Nearby Attractions
Guests can enjoy on-site cycling, fishing, and hiking directly from the inn, with the Great Ouse River offering canoeing opportunities. Nearby attractions include the Whipple Museum of the History of Science in Cambridge and the Duxford Imperial War Museum, both 30 minutes away by car. The village of Holywell features thatched cottages and a quiet rural setting, with St Ives town centre a short drive for shops and dining.
Highlights
History: England's oldest inn, liquor sold since 560 AD
Location: Riverside on the Great Ouse, 30 min from Cambridge
Dining: Full English breakfast & seasonal pub classics
Pet-Friendly: Dogs allowed in all areas with nearby walks
Activities: Cycling, fishing, hiking on-site
“My recent exploration of the Old Ferry Boat revealed a property steeped in a quiet charm, nestled by the river in St. Ives. I found the team to be genuinely helpful, particularly the bar staff who made me feel quite welcome, and the beds offered a noticeable comfort. The food, especially breakfast, proved to be a real highlight, a welcome draw even beyond the pleasant garden setting.”
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Hotels3s
Select your room type
Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Single Room
1 person
12 m²
1 Single bed
Heating
Shower
room details
Double Room
2 persons
12 m²
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Standard Twin Room
2 persons
12 m²
2 Single beds
Heating
Shower
room details
Show all rooms
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Very good
7.2/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
No pets allowed
Sports & Fitness
Canoeing
Hiking
Cycling
Fishing
Guest Parking
Electric kettle
Dining
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Spa & Leisure
Garden area
Room features
Heating
Terrace
Tea and coffee facilities
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
Flat-screen TV
Room decor
Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite
At Old Ferry Boat by Greene King Inns, guests can indulge in a delightful international dining experience within a warm and inviting environment. The onsite restaurant offers classic pub fare with a contemporary twist, perfectly complemented by smooth cask ales, creating a perfect setting for sharing meals with friends or enjoying a quiet dinner.
Restaurant #1
International
Ambiance
A cozy and inviting pub atmosphere, perfect for gathering with friends and enjoying a hearty meal.
Key Offerings
Hearty burgers and classic pub fare that guests can savor alongside refreshing cold cask ales.
Reservation
Not needed
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns Location
Back Lane, St Ives (Cambridgeshire), PE27 4TG,
Explore St Ives (Cambridgeshire)
Local Highlights
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
St John the Baptist
9 minutes' walk
Historic church known for its beautiful architecture and rich history. A serene place for reflection.
Ferry Lagoon
15 minutes' walk
A tranquil wildlife haven, great for birdwatching and leisurely walks. Picnic areas available for relaxation.
Swavesey Windmill
5-minute drive
A picturesque local landmark, offering stunning views of the countryside. An excellent spot for photography.
The Norris Museum
10-minute drive
Local history museum showcasing artifacts and exhibits related to St Ives. A family-friendly place with engaging displays.
Discover the local attractions near Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns
Check out the notable sites near Old Ferry Boat in Huntingdonshire that offer a glimpse into local history and natural beauty.
Ideal for nature lovers seeking tranquil walks: Far Fen Lake
Great for casual sightseeing and photography: Swavesey Windmill
Best for a reflective visit to honor local history: St Ives World War Memorial
Perfect for scenic views and leisurely strolls: St Ives Bridge
Works well for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers: RSPB Fen Drayton Lakes
Well suited for history buffs and educational visits: The Norris Museum
Suited for architectural appreciation and quiet contemplation: St. James' Church
Ideal for anglers looking for a relaxing day out: St Ives Lakes Fishery
Cambs Boat Hire
20 minutes walking
Boat rental services on the picturesque River Great Ouse. Perfect for leisurely paddling or fishing trips.
Raptor Foundation
10-minute drive
Wildlife sanctuary dedicated to the conservation of raptors. Offers thrilling displays and opportunities to learn.
Yoga at Gateway Centre
5-minute drive
Relaxing yoga sessions available for all levels. Ideal for unwinding after a day of exploration.
The Old Ferry Boat Restaurant
2 minutes' walk
Charming lakeside eatery known for its delicious British fare and cozy atmosphere. Reservations recommended.
The Kings Head
5-minute drive
Traditional pub serving hearty meals with a local twist. Family-friendly with vegetarian options available.
Strawberry Field
10 minutes' drive
Creative café offering homemade pastries and light meals. Enjoy outdoor seating in a scenic setting.
Theatre Royal
10-minute drive
Historic venue featuring live performances, including plays and concerts. Check schedule for upcoming events.
St Ives Golf Club
10-minute drive
18-hole golf course offering a fun and challenging game. Open to beginners and advanced players alike.
The Cambridge Folk Club
15-minute drive
Intimate venue hosting live music performances. Ideal for a relaxed evening out with a friendly atmosphere.
Getting around
City Centre
St Ives (Cambridgeshire) 6 min · 3.4 km
Airports
Cambridge (CBG) 49 min · 32.4 km
London Stansted (STN) 107 min · 71 km
Bus
Bus stop 5 min · 400 m
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-22:00
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.
Breakfast
A american breakfast is served and charges are applicable.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Year renovated:
2012
Number of rooms:
9
Former name
Old Ferry Boat St Ives
Reviews and Ratings
Feedback about Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 290 verified reviews
7.1 /10
Very good
63 %
Recommend
Breakfast
7.6/10
Cleanliness
7.6/10
Comfort
7.5/10
Facilities
7.2/10
Free WiFi
8.1/10
Location
9.0/10
Paid Wi-Fi
5.4/10
Staff
8.5/10
Value for money
7.8/10
Pros
Quiet location
Comfortable ambience
Good value
Cons
Tired accommodation
Small room
Guest reviews
based on 371 reviews
7.3/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
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FAQs
About Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns
What are the check-in and check-out times at Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns?
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 11:00.
How far is Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns from the centre of Cambridge?
The hotel is 30 km from the centre of Cambridge.
What dining options are available at Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant that serves a variety of traditional and exotic dishes.
Is Wi-Fi available at Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns?
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
What activities can guests enjoy at Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns?
Guests can enjoy activities such as cycling, fishing, canoeing, and hiking.
Does Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns offer on-site parking?
Free private parking is available on-site without the need for a reservation.
Which attractions are near Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns?
Nearby attractions include Duxford Imperial War Museum (30 km) and Whipple Museum of the History of Science (7 km).
What room amenities are provided at Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns?
Rooms include a flat-screen TV, coffee/tea-making facilities, and a private shower room.
What is the restaurant's breakfast offering at Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns?
A full English breakfast is served daily for an additional charge of 12 GBP.
What is the historical significance of Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns?
The hotel is considered England's oldest inn, dating back to Anglo Saxon times.