The Ship Inn & Hotel
West Stour, Gillingham SP8 5RP England
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About
#1 of 12 hotels in Gillingham
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The Ship is a privately owned informal country pub, retaining country pub values and atmosphere, whilst offering good quality food, drink and accommodation.The Ship is a proper country pub, and as such has a number of traditional features mixed with plenty of modern touches. We offer a variety of quality dishes using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. The bar serves a varied & interesting selection of real ales, beers, traditional ciders and wines, while our accommodation offers five comfortable en-suite rooms. As featured in both The Good Pub Guide and The Good Beer Guide, The Ship’s unique ambience and stylish but warm décor, offers ample opportunity to relax away from it all, whether you’re simply dropping in for a drink, something to eat, or staying for business or pleasure.The Ship is an ideal base to explore the region and the nearby towns of Shaftesbury, Sherborne and Gillingham are all within easy reach. Local attractions include Stourhead House & Gardens, Longleat Safari Park, The Fleet Air arm Museum and The Haynes Motor Museum. Walkers can enjoy exploring the Stour Valley Way with its nearby footpaths, which pass through the picturesque Dorset countryside
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Internet
Free breakfast
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Special diet menus
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Room features
Flatscreen TV
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Charming
Family
Location
West Stour, Gillingham SP8 5RP England
Getting there
Car HireSee all Gillingham car hire
172Reviews1Q+A20Room tips
ReviewsWe perform checks on reviews.Tripadvisor’s approach to reviewsBefore posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
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We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
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Visited the Ship inn today for lunch with a friend. A very comfortable country pub atmosphere, staff very friendly and welcoming, without being intrusive. Food excellent - I had Mussels, which were delicious, followed by Chicken Caesar salad - plenty of chicken, lovely flavoured bacon and perfectly poached egg. For dessert I had Mango Creme Brulee with a delightful Mango flavoured cream/ice cream to the side. All courses presented well, very good and reasonably priced. Thoroughly recommend this charming place for lunch and would imagine it would also be a lovely place to stay. Many thanks to all at the Ship for both ecellent food and service
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
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Room Tip: Car park on the opposite side of road on a bend, so need to be aware of traffic coming quickly...
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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.
Helpful
I chose the Ship Inn & Hotel for its convenient location to visit Stour Head House and Gardens en route to Cornwall and reserved the room through the Inn’s website, which was flawless. Upon arrival I was welcomed by Nick Cottrell, the chef himself, who took the time to show me to my room and even offered help with my luggage, when, I am sure, it was already busy in the kitchen as guests started to arrive for dinner. Dinner was wonderful: I chose two starters as a main course, the fried chicken with chorizo mayonnaise and a hint of ginger and spring onions and the fresh spring rolls. Not only was the presentation beautiful, but the combination of European and Asian Cuisine made me want to enjoy every flavour of each bite, an exploration of the senses. As a solo traveller I was made to feel very welcome during dinner by the kind waitress. The same with breakfast, when a very cozy space (see fotograph) was waiting for me when I came down from a restful night (en-suite twin room with kettle and ample choice of warm drinks, comfortable mattress). Again, the full English breakfast was freshly cooked and beautifully presented, with eggs from the chicken in the garden. I learned from Sarah Hueber, how she and Nick took over the Inn 10 months ago and all the work and ideas they have put into it since. She showed me round the garden with outdoor seating and a little water font, where they grow herbs and vegetables and keep ducks and chicken. I could feel all the good energy and enthusiam from the duo of owners and I wish them all the success in the world. You can truely sense their passion and professionalism. Please do visit for a stay that will fill your heart and soul with happiness. …
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Travelled solo
Location
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.
Helpful
An excellent night. The food was exceptional and was served with a great deal of charm. My wife and I are professional chefs and we thought the menu and the service was just wonderful. After dinner we stayed the night in a room full of character and slept on a clean and comfortable bed. A really lovely stay indeed.
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Date of stay: April 2023Trip 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.
Helpful
I think the Ship Inn can only go from strength to strength, with such welcoming and capable staff, and of course the food which was outstanding. We also loved the relaxing and “oldie” feel of the place.
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Date of stay: February 2023
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.
Helpful
This is one of the nicest pub /hotel I’ve stayed at, comfortable, clean, lovely location and friendly service. For a short break for visiting the local area (Chatham Historic Dockyard, Rochester, anywhere along the Medway or just the wonderful shopping centre 3mins walk away) it would take some beating. We’ll be back very soon.
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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.
1 Helpful vote
Helpful
Heather W wrote a review Sept 2022
New Forest National Park Hampshire, United Kingdom19 contributions11 helpful votes
Wow what a gem this is!! Stopped in after a visit to a training yard but it was almost there closing time. Was greeted by a friendly warm welcome from the barman and he was more than happy to ask the kitchen if they would still cook us something to eat as we were all starving . We all ordered and it was fabulous food Fresh and tasty Portion sizes just right The burgers were the best I’ve eaten in years 😊 Would definitely recommend and we will pop in again next time we come past
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Date of stay: September 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
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.
Helpful
Really lovely welcome from friendly bar staff. Great sense of humour. Lovely menu, but settled for ciabatta as only wanted a quick lunch. It was delicious with the most amazing chips. Hope to return soon. Why do I have to write 200 characters?
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Date of stay: April 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
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.
Helpful
Taylorplayer wrote a review Jan 2022
Wimborne Minster, United Kingdom24 contributions11 helpful votes
My wife and I stayed one Saturday night at this pub/hotel and also had a Sunday roast the following day. The owner Gavin could not have been more helpful and welcoming! our room was comfortable (the bed was sumptuous!!) although, being picky, it could have more shelving in the en-suite for toilet bags etc. The breakfast was excellent as was the roast on the next day. We can highly recommend a visit, you won't regret it!!! five star service and friendly staff.
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Date of stay: January 2022
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip: We had Room 2 which although at the front of the hotel we weren't disturbed by any traffic...
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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.
Helpful
We dined on a Friday Evening, I had not only the best braised beef I've ever had but also the best dinner that I have ever had when eating out. Booking was easy, the waiter was friendly and helpful and all in all an extremely pleasant evening.
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Date of stay: January 2022Trip type: Travelled with friends
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.
Helpful
Nice place ,nice staff but I think a bit overpriced? Food wasn’t amazing was ok… We had 2 starters (scallops) 2 mains(fish and chips and fish pie) 2 drinks (gin and beer) and we’ve paid £72 for pub food that’s in my opinion a bit too much? Don’t understand why this place is fully booked over the weekend every weekend?! A bit disappointed to be honest.
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Date of stay: November 2021Trip 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.
Helpful
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandDorsetGillingham
NUMBER OF ROOMS
5
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Claim Your ListingTHE SHIP INN & HOTEL - Updated 2023 Reviews & Photos (Dorset)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Ship Inn & Hotel
Which popular attractions are close to The Ship Inn & Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Gold Hill Museum (4.8 miles), Shaftesbury Abbey Museum & Garden (4.8 miles), and Castle Hill (4.4 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at The Ship Inn & 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 The Ship Inn & Hotel?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to The Ship Inn & Hotel?
Conveniently located restaurants include La Fleur de Lys, The White Horse Inn, and The Ship Inn Restaurant.
Are pets allowed at The Ship Inn & Hotel?
Yes, pets are typically allowed, but it's always best to call ahead to confirm.
Are there any historical sites close to The Ship Inn & Hotel?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Gold Hill (4.8 miles).
Is The Ship Inn & Hotel accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.