Old Ferry Boat By Greene King Inns - St Ives (Cambridgeshire)

Historic riverside inn on the Great Ouse River - England's oldest pub with rooms

History & Riverside Setting

The Old Ferry Boat is considered England's oldest inn, with historical documents recording liquor sales here as early as 560 AD. The building's foundations are thought to be a century older, placing its origins in Anglo Saxon times. Overlooking the Great Ouse River, the inn offers a thatched roof and white stone walls, with a garden and terrace that extend to the water's edge.

Accommodation & Room Amenities

Each room at the Old Ferry Boat includes a TV, telephone, stereo, and ironing facilities, along with a private shower room. Some rooms look out onto the garden, providing a view of the historic grounds. The rooms are compact but clean, with comfortable beds and towels provided.

Dining & On-Site Restaurant

The spacious restaurant serves a range of meals, from traditional favourites to exotic dishes, with seasonal menus available. A full English breakfast is offered daily, with fresh coffee, proper squeezed apple juice, and cooked options like eggs Benedict. The bar stocks well-kept ales and a selection of drinks, and the outdoor dining spaces overlook the river.

Activities & Pet-Friendly Policy

Guests can engage in canoeing, cycling, fishing, and hiking directly from the inn, with the Great Ouse River and surrounding meadows providing the setting. The inn is dog-friendly throughout, allowing pets in the bar, restaurant, and rooms, with country walks on the doorstep. Free on-site parking and free WiFi are available for all guests.

Local Attractions & Family Appeal

The inn is a 30-minute drive from Cambridge city centre, the Duxford Imperial War Museum, and the Whipple Museum of the History of Science. Families can enjoy the garden, riverside walks, and the children's menu in the restaurant, which includes dishes like pasta and burgers. The hotel also accommodates weddings and special events, with staff helping to arrange receptions and celebrations.

• History: England's oldest inn, with documented liquor sales from 560 AD
• Location: Riverside setting on the Great Ouse River, 30 minutes from Cambridge
• Rooms: Garden-view rooms available, each with private shower room
• Dining: Full English breakfast served daily; menu includes traditional and exotic dishes
• Activities: Canoeing, cycling, fishing, and hiking on-site
• Pet Policy: Dogs welcome throughout the inn and in rooms