Old Ferry Boat Hotel
Holywell Holywell Front, Holywell PE27 4TG England
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Avg. C$103 /night, 10/4 - 10/5
C$166
per night
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per night
C$88
per night
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3.5
#1 of 1 hotels in HolywellLocation
Cleanliness
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Value
See why so many travellers make Old Ferry Boat Inn their inn of choice when visiting Holywell. Providing an ideal mix of value, comfort and convenience, it offers a family-friendly setting with an array of amenities designed for travellers like you.
Rooms at Old Ferry Boat Hotel provide a flat screen TV, and guests can stay connected with free wifi.
You can also enjoy free breakfast while staying at Old Ferry Boat Inn. Need a place to park? Free parking is available at Old Ferry Boat Inn.
While staying at Old Ferry Boat Inn, you may want to check out The Old Ferry Boat Restaurant (0.0 km) which is a short walk away.
We’re sure you’ll enjoy your stay at Old Ferry Boat Inn as you experience all of the things Holywell has to offer.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Free breakfast
Hiking
Fishing
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Meeting rooms
Wifi
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Room features
Iron
Flatscreen TV
Bath / shower
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Mid-range
Location
Holywell Holywell Front, Holywell PE27 4TG England
Getting there
170 Restaurants
within 10 kilometers
Reviews
3.5
711 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Tucked away in a picturesque setting, the Old Ferry Boat Hotel captivates many of its guests with its idyllic charm, particularly enhancing dining experiences. Patrons appreciate the tranquil atmosphere and dog-friendly policy, alongside the scenic river views.
Cleanliness and comfort of rooms receive commendations, though opinions on size and modernity vary, and some visitors note small bathrooms. Guests experience a mixed sense of value, with food and beverages generally meeting expectations, but room and service experiences occasionally falling short, due to instances of inconsistent service.
Location
Picturesque
Atmosphere
Tranquil
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Inconsistent
Amenities
Satisfactory
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Detailed Reviews
At first glance this place is idyllic, fabulous location, over looking the river, boats moored just across the grass from the bar, a very quiet location. We arrived around 4 pm and was shown our small double room, (which was the only room available) and at over £100/night was a bit steep. But it was the last week of summer hols and you expect to pay more. However, the mattress was ancient, like it been folded up in storage for a while with a crease across the middle, then it kinda wanted to stay folded? the headboard was all perished the window lock mechanism was broken, so it stayed open, there was a bulb missing in the vanity unit in the bathroom (when reported, they said they would get us a new bulb, before we even finished our sentence, so they was obviously aware) and finally the dust, tops of everything had a nice coating of dust, not to mention the Cobwebs outside on the windows, like it was done up for Halloween. Non of which affected our stay....
The staff were lovely, mostly young people doing their best to please everyone, especially the young man in charge at Breakfast. The food was awesome! Breakfast and Dinner both spot on, for quality and quantity!
i would highly recommend at stay here, we'll be back in winter for a cozy night or two....
The staff were lovely, mostly young people doing their best to please everyone, especially the young man in charge at Breakfast. The food was awesome! Breakfast and Dinner both spot on, for quality and quantity!
i would highly recommend at stay here, we'll be back in winter for a cozy night or two....
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Date of stay: August 2021
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â if you are going out late make sure you arrange to get back in?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Greene King, General Manager at Old Ferry Boat Hotel
Responded Sep 7, 2021
Thank you for taking the time to share this feedback with us, Ian. We're pleased that you loved our location as much as we do and we're glad that you had a positive experience with our team. However, we are very sorry to hear about the disappointing standards of cleanliness and functionality you found in your room. We will certainly look into these issues further and will see what can be done to improve them as we would like to ensure that everything meets your expectations when you visit us next time. Thanks again for bringing your concerns to our attention. We look forward to welcoming you for another great stay in the future!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We booked a Sunday lunch here with a family group earlier this month and we were impressed with the quality of the food. The service was a bit haphazard at times but the food was good and the end result was that we had a great time in comfortable surroundings. The Old Ferry Boat Inn is an olde worlde pub-restaurant, sitting at the edge of the river and has been in existence for many years. It has luckily kept its old world charm and seems to have resisted the current obsession for modernisation that many places have fallen into. It's actually really nice to sit in a fairly dimly-lit room with beams overhead and cracks in the plaster on the wall on a cold winter's day, watching the swollen river outside the window attempt to overflow into the pub's garden. Sunday afternoons seems to be the time that all the local dog owners come in for lunch and pint, with their dogs and gives the establishment a real cosy, family feel. My only negative comment would be that more care be taken by the staff when laying the tables, as almost everyone on our table had dirty cutlery with left-over food still attached and smeary glasses. The young lady who was working behind the bar at the time, really couldn't care less when we pointed this out and asked her to replace the items with clean ones and did not apologise for the fact that they were dirty in the first place. Other staff members were excellent and made up for her attitude though. Lovely food and a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon spent there.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Greene_K1ng, Manager at Old Ferry Boat Hotel
Responded Mar 3, 2020
Hi Margaret K, great to hear you enjoyed your visit to our pub. Please accept my apologies for the cutlery you found dirty on your table. It will be discussed during my next meeting with the team as that is simply way below the standards that we have here. We hope to see you again soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
We were given a very warm welcome on arrival. Our room was newly refurbished and very spacious and light. However it was very bare and bland ... more modern office than vintage inn! It was in desperate need of some stylish touches like pictures, curtains, a second chair, mirror , small table. The bathroom was nice and big too and had a bath. Importantly the bed was very comfortable and once the kitchen fan had been turned off it was nice and quiet. Breakfast was pretty good although very slow arriving. The hotel has a nice terrace and garden overlooking the river and the village is a delight. However I’d give the Sunday roast a miss unless you like wafer thin tasteless meat, leathery Yorkshire puddings (with turkey!?) , poor puddings and all not cheap. Service is good but slightly overpowering by one member of staff . The B&B is probably really good value ... ours was a Virgin Experience gift.
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Date of stay: June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Greene King, General Manager at Old Ferry Boat Hotel
Responded Jun 8, 2021
Thanks for the high rating, it's really appreciated. We look forward to your next visit, take care!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Arrived to be greeted by a friendly staff member who ran through the pub safe procedures in place.
Our table had plenty of space with no other diners close to us, even though there were several other diners in.
Most, if not all, staff were wearing PPE, and several members of the steam could be seen cleaning areas, wiping down door handles etc. but not to the point where it was affecting diners.
Our lovely waitress, Lucy O, brought us menu and drinks and took our order when we were ready! FANTASTIC table service. We all had adults meals and the portions were generous and delicious, especially my vegetarian Mushroom and Ale pie!!
This was only our 2nd meal out during the pandemic, and was very different to our 1st restaurant visit - it felt very, very comfortable and safe!
Thank you to everyone, you are doing a grand job!
We will be back!
Our table had plenty of space with no other diners close to us, even though there were several other diners in.
Most, if not all, staff were wearing PPE, and several members of the steam could be seen cleaning areas, wiping down door handles etc. but not to the point where it was affecting diners.
Our lovely waitress, Lucy O, brought us menu and drinks and took our order when we were ready! FANTASTIC table service. We all had adults meals and the portions were generous and delicious, especially my vegetarian Mushroom and Ale pie!!
This was only our 2nd meal out during the pandemic, and was very different to our 1st restaurant visit - it felt very, very comfortable and safe!
Thank you to everyone, you are doing a grand job!
We will be back!
Read more
Date of stay: August 2020Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Greene King, Owner at Old Ferry Boat Hotel
Responded Aug 23, 2020
Hi Fifi_fab74, great to hear you enjoyed your visit to our pub. I know how much your feedback will mean to Lucy so on behalf of her, thank you very very much! We look forward to seeing you again very soon!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed at the Old Ferry Boat Inn for 2 nights and had a very enjoyable stay. The room was comfortable and clean. The starters and main meals we had both nights were excellent, tasty and hot, definitely the best meals we have had out in a long while. The staff were welcoming and friendly, nothing was too much trouble. All Covid precautions were taken by staff, tables were well spaced and there was plenty of hand sanitiser around. We felt very safe.
We'd like to say well done and thank you to all the staff for making our stay so enjoyable. It can't be easy doing that job during these times but your smiles, enthusiasm and attentiveness made our stay lovely. Thank you.
We'd like to say well done and thank you to all the staff for making our stay so enjoyable. It can't be easy doing that job during these times but your smiles, enthusiasm and attentiveness made our stay lovely. Thank you.
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Greene King, Owner at Old Ferry Boat Hotel
Responded Oct 14, 2020
Hi Suerm7074qf, thank you for taking the time to leave us a review. Lovely to read your comments about your experience, I'll make sure to pass them on to the rest of the team. We look forward to your next visit, take care!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Old Ferry Boat Inn ,Holywell is situated at the end of the road alongside the river Ouse as the name suggests the site of an old river crossing point just a mile or so from St.Ives for a quite restful break this is the place. Basic rooms good heating and plenty of hot water and breakfast for the price unbeatable with a good choice on the menu for lunch and dinner just the steep staircase was the only downside. However, the old beams low ceilings added to the old world atmosphere with open wood fires just the place to sit and read or relax with a drink. Go and be looked after by Toby and his excellent team spoil yourselves.
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Date of stay: March 2020
Value
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip:Â Well off the beaten track ask for large room.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Greene_K1ng, Manager at Old Ferry Boat Hotel
Responded Mar 7, 2020
Lovely to read your comments about your experience, I'll make sure to pass them on to the rest of the team. We can't wait to see you again, have a great day.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We have visited the Ferry Boat several times and always found the food and service was good. Sadly, this was not the case this Sunday evening, without doubt it was the worst experience ever. We booked a table for five people, two who were celebrating a birthday. The pub wasn't busy, but a table we booked wasn't ready. Once seated, we ordered drinks, starters and main courses. Three of us had to quickly make a second choice due to some items being sold out. 20 minutes after ordering ,two soft drinks arrived and a bottle of wine to share. We were notified that no wine glasses were available as there was a problem with the dishwasher. Our starters arrived, still no wine glasses. We were presented with freshly washed glasses after a wait of 40 minutes, they still had water in the bottom. We asked if they could they drained/dried but was told there was no cloth available behind the bar. We helped ourselves to tumblers from the dishwasher rack on the bar. The food served was generally poor, dried out and lukewarm. Four desserts were requested, we waited for another half an hour. We finally decided to leave/ give up. We were told that two desserts were on their way, and if we left we would still have to pay. Reluctantly we sat down again. One dessert was as described, but the strawberry prosecco choux lacked the fresh strawberries and chocolate sauce. On settling the bill, we asked for a receipt. The one given was not for our table. The whole experience was such a shambles that we will never come back. We're just glad that two other friends couldn't make it. In other settings, the staff would be swift to deal with dissatisfied customers, not so here, they couldn't be more disinterested if they tried. I have never felt it necessary to leave a negative review for any establishment. Management:please don't bother replying, we won't be back.
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We arrived for our booked room with our springer spaniel very late. Unacceptable (and unexplained) delays at the channel tunnel and a 30 min queue to traverse the Dartford crossing meant we were very late. The kitchen had yo close at 5.30 due to staff illness but we would have been too late even at normal times. Claire, the manager, who had been in post all of 6 days, could not have been more hospitable and helpful. She used her own phone to help us order a takeaway and provided plates and cutlery and insisted on clearing the debris. They ensured our dog had water and was comfortable.
Our room was dark, quiet, clean and spacious. The ensuite definitely needed attention to the decor and plumbing but Claire has this in hand.
It is a Riverside location which is scenic and ideal for dog walking.
We will definitely return, hopefully to enjoy the restaurant next time.
Our room was dark, quiet, clean and spacious. The ensuite definitely needed attention to the decor and plumbing but Claire has this in hand.
It is a Riverside location which is scenic and ideal for dog walking.
We will definitely return, hopefully to enjoy the restaurant next time.
Read more
Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Greene King, General Manager at Old Ferry Boat Hotel
Responded Sep 18, 2022
Thank you so much Pam for leaving us a review, it was a pleasure to have you stay with us, and we really do look forward to welcoming you back. Glad you made it safely back to Scotland! Claire GM
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
When our wedding anniversary was approaching, we remembered a visit here 20 years ago.And not only the quiet location, but also the tragic story of the love struck girl buried in the bar floor.So we booked a room and a table and were pleased we did.
The room was small but adequate and approached by a short but steep flight of stairs.We had a river view and noted that the management fitted fine mesh on the windows which must be appreciated in the mosquito season.
We went down to the busy bar and chose from the Valentines menu. A starter of small but tasty scallops and bacon for two followed by salmon florentine for my wife and hunters chicken for myself.We finished with sticky treacle pudding and bakewell tart with cream. The bed was soft and we slept well. The next morning we enjoyed a good full english breakfast.
Our thanks to all the staff who did a great job in cooking and serving us. And from me, a thank you to other guests who patiently waited for my slow progress down the stairs.!!
The room was small but adequate and approached by a short but steep flight of stairs.We had a river view and noted that the management fitted fine mesh on the windows which must be appreciated in the mosquito season.
We went down to the busy bar and chose from the Valentines menu. A starter of small but tasty scallops and bacon for two followed by salmon florentine for my wife and hunters chicken for myself.We finished with sticky treacle pudding and bakewell tart with cream. The bed was soft and we slept well. The next morning we enjoyed a good full english breakfast.
Our thanks to all the staff who did a great job in cooking and serving us. And from me, a thank you to other guests who patiently waited for my slow progress down the stairs.!!
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Date of stay: February 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Greene_K1ng, Manager at Old Ferry Boat Hotel
Responded Feb 25, 2020
Lovely to read your comments about your experience, I'll make sure to pass them on to the rest of the team. If you ever need anything else from the team, please feel free to give us a call. Have an awesome day!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
It was a special occasion, a landmark birthday meal, a family gathering in what was supposed to be an idyllic location at a well regarded eatery that started a day of planned celebrations.
However what we received was a joke in terms of an occasion to remember. The booking , that was made in person, over the counter and entered into their system, was no longer in existence. The rather petulant service early on was not impressive. The announcement that no food would be served until an hour after our table was booked for was delivered in a matter of fact manner if slightly apologetically. Apparently everyone was having to wait as they were short staffed in the kitchen. We did get our starters an hour later but then there was a wait of another 35 minutes for the mains - one served with a vastly overcooked steak, one with missing vegetables and drinks ordered never arrived. All in all a shoddy, third rate experience that somewhat took the shine off the celebration.
Conversations with other diners found that just about every party was thoroughly fed up with their experiences and discontent was apparent throughout the restaurant. Requests for the manager to show his face were met with the response that he was busy cooking and had not the time to talk to his customers .
I have sympathy for the young customer-facing staff who were under enormous pressure and for the most part tried to defuse and explain away the establishment’s shortfalls.
I give 2 stars rather than 1 as the food itself was on the whole, overcooked steak apart, good value and perfectly acceptable.
However what we received was a joke in terms of an occasion to remember. The booking , that was made in person, over the counter and entered into their system, was no longer in existence. The rather petulant service early on was not impressive. The announcement that no food would be served until an hour after our table was booked for was delivered in a matter of fact manner if slightly apologetically. Apparently everyone was having to wait as they were short staffed in the kitchen. We did get our starters an hour later but then there was a wait of another 35 minutes for the mains - one served with a vastly overcooked steak, one with missing vegetables and drinks ordered never arrived. All in all a shoddy, third rate experience that somewhat took the shine off the celebration.
Conversations with other diners found that just about every party was thoroughly fed up with their experiences and discontent was apparent throughout the restaurant. Requests for the manager to show his face were met with the response that he was busy cooking and had not the time to talk to his customers .
I have sympathy for the young customer-facing staff who were under enormous pressure and for the most part tried to defuse and explain away the establishment’s shortfalls.
I give 2 stars rather than 1 as the food itself was on the whole, overcooked steak apart, good value and perfectly acceptable.
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Date of stay: March 2022Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â On our experience I would recommend anywhere other than here
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Greene King, General Manager at Old Ferry Boat Hotel
Responded Mar 9, 2022
Davidvictor01, It's upsetting to hear that you did not receive the top-notch service we strive to provide. Regards, Michael and Team OFB.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We stayed here for a night and it was quiet, the room was comfortable and a good size and lacked for nothing. The staff were helpful. We would go again, especially at that price!
We booked a Superior Room and were in Room 5. It is not a huge room, but it is very comfortable and nicely furnished. However there is a drawback as between Room 5 and 6 there is the extractor fan from the kitchen, making it noisy during the day.
"Gravel carpark ,disabled toilet, friendly helpful staff garden over looking river."Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
C$119 - C$142 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
old ferry boat hotel holywell
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandCambridgeshireHolywell
NUMBER OF ROOMS
7
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Old Ferry Boat Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to Old Ferry Boat Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Raptor Foundation (5.2 km), Houghton Mill (National Trust) (6.2 km), and Inflatebounce (5.7 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Old Ferry Boat Hotel?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant.
What food & drink options are available at Old Ferry Boat Hotel?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to Old Ferry Boat Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include Herbie's American Diner, Taj Street Kitchen, and Hartford Mill.
Is Old Ferry Boat Hotel located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.2 km away from the centre of Holywell.
Are pets allowed at Old Ferry Boat Hotel?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to Old Ferry Boat Hotel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Houghton Mill (National Trust) (6.2 km), The Manor (5.2 km), and St Mary's Church with St Benedict (7.4 km).
Does Old Ferry Boat Hotel have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the river view available here.