Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns St Ives  Exterior photoOld Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns St Ives  Exterior photoOld Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns St Ives  Exterior photo
Book on our site
up to 10% cheaper
than Booking.com
Check rooms and rates
From94US$ /night
Check-in
01Jun2026Select date
Check-out
02Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Back Lane, St Ives (Cambridgeshire), United Kingdom, PE27 4TG
-
Close to St Ives Bridge
Very good
7.3
7.0
/10
2.3
4.6
/5

Location

Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns is strategically located along the picturesque Great Ouse River, offering scenic views for all guests. This historic inn, believed to be England's oldest, serves as an inviting spot for both locals and visitors alike. With easy access to St Ives and nearby attractions, guests can explore the rich history and natural beauty of the area.

Dining

The Old Ferry Boat features a buzzing pub atmosphere, where guests can enjoy mouth-watering dishes while savouring a selection of local ales. Signature offerings include hearty classics like hand-battered fish & chips and juicy stacked burgers. Weekend deals provide additional savings for diners seeking comfort food or seasonal specials.

Family-Friendly Amenities

This inn caters to families with a welcoming atmosphere, ensuring that children feel at home. The hotel provides outdoor play areas and fun weekly deals for families to enjoy together. Those looking for a memorable dining experience can also take advantage of engaging events like Breakfast with Santa.

Special Events

Old Ferry Boat hosts various seasonal events, from festive brunches to New Year's celebrations, offering guests unique experiences throughout the year. The Christmas Fayre menu features traditional fare, ensuring that guests can enjoy special meals without the hassle of cooking. Weekly specials also provide guests with ongoing opportunities to indulge in delicious food.

Pet-Friendly Services

The hotel embraces pets, allowing guests to bring along their furry companions during their stay. A dog-friendly atmosphere ensures that pets enjoy the same access to the beer garden and outdoor seating areas. This makes family outings seamless, as all members can enjoy the relaxing surroundings together.

Highlights

Location: Great Ouse River for scenic views

Dining: Hand-battered fish & chips offered

Family-Friendly Amenities: Outdoor play areas available

Special Events: Christmas Fayre menu served

“This inn stands out for its historical significance, rumored to be England's oldest, alongside its riverside setting on the Great Ouse. The value extends to meal options, with a family-friendly atmosphere and rooms that welcome dogs, a significant plus. It's a comfortable base for exploring St Ives and the surrounding Cambridgeshire area.”
Hotel logo
Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
View all

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
130 sq. feet 
1 Single bed
Shower
Heating
Double Room
2 persons
130 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Standard Twin Room
2 persons
130 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Heating
Budget Double Room
2 persons
1 Double bed
Click button to see more rooms
Show all rooms
Show all roomsLess

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

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
Show more

Dining Onsite

Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns presents a delightful dining experience, showcasing international cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. With options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, guests can enjoy hearty meals paired with the smoothness of cold cask ales, perfect for casual gatherings or indulgent evenings.
Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns St Ives  Restaurant photo
Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns St Ives  Restaurant photo
Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns St Ives  Restaurant photo

Restaurant #1

International
Ambiance
A welcoming pub setting where friends can gather and unwind.
Key Offerings
Guests can savor hearty burgers and classic pub fare that make for a luxurious afternoon retreat, complemented by a variety of cold cask ales.
Reservation
Not needed
Open daily from 12:00 to 21:00 for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns Location

Back Lane, St Ives (Cambridgeshire), United Kingdom, PE27 4TG
Map view
Back Lane, St Ives (Cambridgeshire), United Kingdom, PE27 4TG
Nearby
Misty Waters
1800 ft
Restaurants
The Old Ferry Boat Restaurant
300 ft
Back Lane St. Ives
Explore St Ives (Cambridgeshire)
Explore St Ives
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
St John the Baptist
St John the Baptist
9 minutes walking
Historic church featuring stunning architecture and serene grounds, perfect for quiet reflection and exploration.
Ferry Lagoon
Ferry Lagoon
15 minutes walking
A tranquil spot ideal for birdwatching, featuring walking paths around the lagoon for leisurely strolls.
Swavesey Windmill
Swavesey Windmill
5 minutes drive
Unique, idyllic windmill setting with picturesque views. Great for photography enthusiasts and picnics.
Far Fen Lake
15 minutes walking
Nature reserve with walking trails around the lake, perfect for family outings and wildlife spotting.
St Ives Golf Club
30 minutes walking
Challenging golf courses surrounded by scenic views, suitable for players of all skill levels. Book tee times in advance.
Raptor Foundation
15 minutes drive
Thrilling bird of prey experiences and flying displays. Ideal for families, with educational opportunities available.
St Ives Lakes Fishery
St Ives Lakes Fishery
20 minutes walking
Fishing lakes set in a tranquil landscape, offering relaxation and a chance to catch local fish. Equipment rentals available.
The Old Ferry Boat Restaurant
The Old Ferry Boat Restaurant
2 minutes walking
Charming pub with a cozy atmosphere serving classic British dishes, perfect for casual dining or special occasions.
The River Tea Rooms
10 minutes walking
Delightful spot for afternoon tea, featuring homemade cakes and sandwiches in a relaxing riverside location.
The Norris Museum
The Norris Museum
10 minutes drive
Museum featuring local history exhibits and seasonal events. Family-friendly with interactive displays for visitors of all ages.
Live Music at The Old Ferry Boat
2 minutes walking
Enjoy live music on select nights, creating a lively atmosphere. Perfect for unwinding after a day of activities.
Getting around
City Centre
St Ives (Cambridgeshire)6 min  ·  2.1 mi
Airports
Cambridge (CBG)49 min  ·  20.1 mi
London Stansted (STN)107 min  ·  44.1 mi
Bus
Bus stop5 min  ·  1400 ft
Want to see Exclusive Early Booking Rate?
Get exlusive rates right now!
Check Rates
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 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 summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Old Ferry Boat, situated in a peaceful rural village near St Ives, offers a charming riverside location, often appreciated for its beautiful surroundings and public footpaths. Guests frequently highlight the good food, especially the breakfast, including options like Eggs Benedict. While some guests have occasionally noted issues with room maintenance, many enjoy the convenient free parking and find the location ideal for a quiet getaway near the river.
Show moreShow less
Review score
Based on 290 verified reviews
7.1/10
Very good
63%
Recommend
Location
9.0/10
Staff
8.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
5.4/10
Facilities
7.2/10
Pros
Friendly staff
Riverside location
Comfortable bed
Excellent food
Cons
Cleanliness issues
Small bathrooms
Noisy rooms
Poor breakfast
Guest reviews
based on 290 reviews
7.1/10
based on 370 reviews
7.3/10
Juliet from United Kingdom
Single
Single Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 05, 2025
8.5/10

charming stay near the river

friendly staffwarm welcomefood selection
the staff was really friendly and helpful . julie, the manager, was very warm and cute. i especially appreciated the assistance with my food selection, it was spot on. i look forward to returning, maybe even for the 'bring and buy' event.
the staircase was a bit steep (it's an old building!), which could be tricky for some.
Location
9/10
the hotel is near the river, a lovely quiet village setting. plenty of public footpaths are nearby. the setting provided easy access to lovely views and provided opportunities for nice walks.
Facilities
8/10
free ample parking is available on site, very convenient. free wifi is also provided . the pub is decorated nicely, it gives a nice atmosphere with an interesting history.
Dining
9/10
breakfast was good and had a nice variety of options. the evening meal was also of good value. the food was excellent (especially the breakfast!) and the staff were attentive.
Rooms
8/10
the room was perfect, it was clean and had plenty of hot water. the room included all the essentials for a comfortable visit. this hotel offers essential accomodation for an affordable price.
0 Helpful
|
Show less
Louis from France
Family with children
Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:November 14, 2025
6/10

Average experience. Some issues with room maintenance

dusty cornerstreet noise
The room i got felt smaller than advertised. also, housekeeping seemed to miss a spot or two. I found a dusty corner. another minor annoyance was the noise from nearby. i could hear people walking in the hall and some street noise filtering through the window. its not terrible, just not the quietest stay.
0 Helpful
Sebastian from Germany
Single
Double Room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed:September 27, 2025
8.5/10

riverside retreat

accommodating staffpeaceful atmosphereample parkingsmall bathroom
i found the staff very accommodating . the riverside location provided a peaceful atmosphere, it was a nice change of pace. i also appreciated the ample free parking available at the inn.
the bathroom was quite small , made moving around a bit difficult.
Rooms
8/10
the room was clean, though the space around the bed was limited. i also noticed the room had fresh towels and toiletries.
Facilities
9/10
free wifi was available and worked well throughout my visit. the on-site parking lot accommodated many vehicles. i noticed several public footpaths are adjacent to the hotel.
Service
9/10
the team members were polite and helpful during check in and check out! the staff promptly addressed my inquiries. the bar staff were relatively quick.
Location
8/10
the location next to the river creates a scenic setting. several pubs are accessible within walking distance. it is convenient to the town center.
0 Helpful
|
Show more
Questions of the users
About Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns
Can I bring a baby to stay at Old Ferry Boat since it mentions children aren't allowed?
15 November 2024
Babies are welcome, but please note that family rooms are not available. The maximum occupancy per room is two guests.
Is Old Ferry Boat a dog-friendly establishment?
10 April 2025
Yes, dogs are allowed, and there's an additional fee of £10 per dog for their stay.
Are there facilities for guests with disabilities?
22 February 2025
Yes, accessible facilities are available on the premises for guests with disabilities.
What time does check-in start, and when does check-out need to be completed?
30 March 2025
Check-in begins at 14:00, and check-out must be completed by 11:00.
How can I request a gluten-free breakfast when booking a room?
5 January 2025
Gluten-free breakfast options are available upon request during your stay.
Is it convenient to travel to Old Ferry Boat using public transportation?
12 January 2025
Public transportation is accessible, with bus routes available nearby. A short walk into the village is necessary.
Are there coffee and tea-making facilities in the rooms?
16 February 2024
Each room is equipped with a kettle, providing coffee and tea making facilities for guests' convenience.
Can guests securely park a motorcycle at the premises?
10 May 2025
Motorcycles can be parked securely in the car park.
Is breakfast served at Old Ferry Boat for hotel guests?
22 June 2025
Breakfast is served for both hotel guests and walk-in patrons at the inn.
What age is required to check into Old Ferry Boat?
1 September 2024
Guests must be at least 18 years old to check in.

Next best alternative

Consider them for your next trip.
Check-in
01Jun2026Select date
Check-out
02Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room