Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns in St Ives (Cambridgeshire), England
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Key details
About the Property
Back Lane, St Ives (Cambridgeshire), PE27 4TG,
-
Near the River Great Ouse
Very good
7.5
7.0
/10
2.4
4.7
/5
Guests recommend Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns
Dog-friendly policies
Riverside location
Character-filled pub
Local artisanal food
Artisan beer selection
"The quintessential English pub - aged oak beams, quirky floor plan, plethora of nooks & crannies - even its own ghost!"
Debora E from United States
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"Corner bedroom with river views."
Andrew from United Kingdom
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"Beautiful setting and vegitarean friendly!"
Bangbangfandango from United Kingdom
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"Great portions , great choice of meals , hot and delicious ? and a speedy service with a smile ?."
Rebecca B from United Kingdom
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"Excellent location with lovely walks nearby."
Keith from United Kingdom
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Historic inn on the Great Ouse River - believed to be England's oldest inn
History & Heritage
The Old Ferry Boat by Greene King Inns was built in Anglo Saxon times, with historical documents recording liquor sales as early as 560 AD. Its foundations are thought to be a century older, and the building features a thatched roof and white stone walls. This inn is considered England's oldest inn, offering guests a stay steeped in over 1,400 years of history.
Location & Activities
The inn overlooks the Great Ouse River and is a 30-minute drive from the center of historic Cambridge and the Duxford Imperial War Museum. Guests have direct access to riverside walks, meadows, and birdwatching, with on-site activities including canoeing, cycling, fishing, and hiking. The surrounding village of Holywell features thatched cottages and country paths, making it a base for exploring the Cambridgeshire countryside.
Dining
The spacious restaurant serves a mix of traditional pub classics and exotic dishes, with seasonal menus and hearty options. A full English breakfast is offered daily, and the outdoor terrace provides scenic riverside dining. Guests can also enjoy a range of Greene King ales and cask beers at the bar.
Rooms
Rooms are tastefully furnished and include a TV, telephone, stereo system, and ironing facilities, with private shower rooms. Some rooms overlook the garden, and all offer free Wi-Fi and tea-and-coffee-making facilities. The accommodation is located away from the bar and restaurant, ensuring a quiet night's sleep.
Pet-Friendly & Family
The Old Ferry Boat is a dog-friendly inn where pets are welcome in the pub and guest rooms, with direct access to countryside walks. Families appreciate the children's menu and the large garden with river views, while budget-conscious travelers benefit from affordable meal options. On-site parking is available at no charge, and the inn hosts family celebrations and weddings in its function room.
Highlights
History: England's oldest inn, dating to 560 AD
Location: Overlooking the Great Ouse River, 30 min from Cambridge
Dining: Full English breakfast & seasonal riverside dining
Activities: Canoeing, cycling, fishing, and hiking on-site
Pet-Friendly: Dogs allowed in rooms and pub with walks from the door
Must-do experiences
Stroll along the River Great Ouse for scenic views and photo ops.
Savor the local delicacy, St Ives' cheese platter at The Spice Island.
Visit the timeless St Ives Market on Thursdays for unique finds.
Explore the captivating exhibits at the St Ives Museum and Gallery.
Take a scenic walk to Houghton Mill, a historic National Trust site.
Select your room type
Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns features a range of room types across England, from double and family rooms to suites, with breakfast, free cancellation, and special offers included
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
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your stay in England now!
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns provides amenities to make your stay in England comfortable and memorable
Facilities: Very good
7.3/10Review score
General
No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
No pets allowed
Sports & Fitness
Canoeing
Hiking
Cycling
Fishing
Guest Parking
Private parking is possible on site for free.
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
Show more
Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns: Location in England
Back Lane, St Ives (Cambridgeshire), PE27 4TG,
Explore St Ives (Cambridgeshire)
Local Highlights Near Old Ferry Boat
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Misty Waters
7 minutes' walk
A tranquil nature reserve, ideal for birdwatching and photography, featuring scenic walking paths.
St John the Baptist
9 minutes' walk
An iconic church known for its stunning architecture and rich history, perfect for architecture enthusiasts.
Swavesey Windmill
5 minutes' drive
A historic windmill dating back to the 18th century, offering a glimpse into traditional milling methods.
The Norris Museum
10 minutes' drive
A local history museum featuring exhibits on the region's cultural heritage and artifacts, plus free admission on some days.
Cambs Boat Hire
20 minutes' walk
Boat rental service offering a variety of options for scenic waterway exploration along the River Great Ouse.
Raptor Foundation
10 minutes' drive
An exciting venue for bird of prey enthusiasts featuring daily flying displays and educational talks.
The Old Ferry Boat Restaurant
2 minutes' walk
A cozy pub known for hearty meals and classic British dishes, perfect for relaxed dining with river views.
The Abbot's Elm
5 minutes' drive
A charming eatery serving locally-sourced dishes in a rustic setting, recommended for its vegan options.
The Commemoration Hall
10 minutes' drive
A versatile venue hosting live shows, exhibitions, and community events suitable for all ages.
St Ives Music and Comedy Club
10 minutes' drive
A lively spot featuring weekly performances, including comedy nights and live music, perfect for a fun night out.
Getting around England
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
Guest Reviews and Ratings
What previous guests said about staying at Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns.
Review score
Based on 298 verified reviews
7.1 /10
Very good
62 %
Recommend
Breakfast
7.8/10
Cleanliness
7.7/10
Comfort
7.6/10
Facilities
7.3/10
Free WiFi
8.2/10
Location
9.1/10
Paid Wi-Fi
5.4/10
Staff
8.7/10
Value for money
7.9/10
Pros
Attentive staff
Historical charm
Cons
Inconsistent food quality
Maintenance issues
Guest reviews
based on 387 reviews
7.5/10
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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