Review: Ye Old Ferrie Inn, Symonds Yat — A Riverside Gem on the River Wye
Discover Ye Old Ferrie Inn, a 15th-century pub on the River Wye in Symonds Yat West. Seasonal local food, riverside views, and nearby walks in the Wye Valley National Landscape.
What was meant to be a quick stop on the drive home turned into one of those finds you end up talking about for weeks – the kind of pub that reminds you why detours are sometimes the whole point.
Ye Old Ferrie Inn, tucked into the bank of the River Wye in Symonds Yat West, has been here since the 15th century. In its earliest days, travellers crossed the water by hand-pulled ferry – a ritual that still happens just outside its doors. The inn’s beams, stone floors and slightly uneven corners speak to that kind of continuity: a place shaped by movement but content to stay still.
Riverside calm
The view does most of the talking. Tall trees lean over the river, their branches trailing in the current. Canoes drift past in slow motion. The wooden patio juts just above the water, and even indoors every window seems to frame the same, unhurried picture. Dogs are welcome in the slabbed bar area, which somehow feels right – this is walking-country, after all.
Food worth slowing down for
The menu changes seasonally and leans heavily on local ingredients.
We ordered the lamb shoulder roast with red cabbage, sweet-potato mash and crisp roasties – the kind of plate that doesn’t need embellishment. My husband’s breaded haddock arrived perfectly golden, with minted peas and fries that actually deserved the word. The kids had fish goujons and chips, no complaints registered. Happy bellies all round.
Dessert was a delightful Basque cheesecake – rich, creamy, slightly scorched, and finished with wild berry compote. It has a homemade lusciousness to it. Everything tasted deliberate and like it was prepared with love. And while it wasn’t exactly local, my Camden IPA felt right for the occasion – cold, bright, and just bitter enough to cut through the roast.
(I’ve included a photo of the menu below for anyone curious – though, as with all good places, it changes with the seasons.)
Stay a little longer
The inn also doubles as a small riverside hotel, and I can imagine its setting makes it hard to leave. The surrounding Wye Valley National Landscape is all woodland, cliffs and winding trails. A short climb takes you to Symonds Yat Rock, where the valley opens in both directions and peregrine falcons trace the air above the water. Across the bend lies Biblins Bridge, a narrow wooden suspension footbridge that connects both banks with a faint sway – a loop worth planning around.
It’s the kind of place that leaves a special mark. You come for a break, and leave wondering why you don’t do this sort of thing more often.
A pub worth the detour, indeed.
If You Go
Location: Ferrie Lane, Symonds Yat West, Herefordshire (HR9 6BL). The pub sits right on the riverbank – you’ll know you’re close when the road narrows and it feels like you are heading straight into the river itself.
Parking: Take a sharp left at the end of the narrow rowd and you'll find a dedicated car park for guests just beside the pub – free, but space is limited. I can imagine it filling up quite quickly on busy weekends, so arriving early is wise.
Dogs: Welcome in the slabbed bar area and on the terrace, but not in the main dining room. Water bowls and friendly pats provided.
Menu: The menu changes with the seasons and draws from local suppliers – the sort of list that reads simple but delivers far more than it promises. I’ve included a photo of the menu below for anyone curious (though it may have changed since).
Walks nearby: For a short circular route, cross the hand-pulled ferry to Symonds Yat East (this is weather dependent and closed November to April), climb to Symonds Yat Rock for sweeping valley views, then return via the Biblins Bridge footbridge – a slightly wobbly suspension bridge nearby. Allow around two hours at a relaxed pace.
Best time to visit: I’ve only been once, but it’s hard to imagine a bad time of year here – open-air tables for sunny days, log fires for when it’s cold. The kind of spot that holds its charm whatever the weather. Do note that food is not served outside, though – so you would be best ringing ahead to book a table if you're planning on travelling down there for a meal (we only just about secured a table when we visited, and that's because we got there before 12!).
About me...I'm Lorna Rose and, by day, I work in the tech industry, but in my heart of hearts, I've always been fascinated by the story that food tells. The magic of a well-cooked meal, the way a simple dish can bring people together, spark conversation, and create lasting memories. On Happy Bellies, I set out to explore and find hidden gems, so that I can indulge in telling stories around food that will make you want to go out and create your own foodie adventures.
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