Business Details
Historic Hotel in Symonds Yat with Fine Dining & Events
The Old Court Hotel is a family-run establishment nestled in the heart of Symonds Yat West, Wye Valley, Herefordshire. With a rich history dating back to its construction around 1570, the hotel combines 16th-century charm with modern comforts. Our dedicated team, led by Jono and Victoria Smith-Milne, brings over 30 years of hospitality experience to ensure every guest enjoys a welcoming atmosphere and exceptional service. The hotel features two well-stocked bars, a historic Tudor Dining Room, a large function suite for weddings and events, and beautifully maintained gardens. We offer a range of accommodation options, including period rooms with four-poster beds, self-catering apartments, and a three-bedroom cottage. Located within the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, we provide easy access to the River Wye, Wye Gorge, and nearby attractions like Tintern Abbey.Our menus showcase locally sourced ingredients, including pedigree Hereford Beef and traditionally reared lamb, prepared on-site to highlight seasonal flavours. Whether visiting for leisure, a special event, or to explore the region's heritage, guests can expect an authentic Old English Inn experience rooted in tradition and hospitality. The hotel's legacy is intertwined with historical figures such as General John Simcoe, founder of Toronto, whose mausoleum lies in the nearby St Dubricius Church. We remain committed to preserving the property's character while delivering contemporary comforts and personalised service.
Services
Accommodation
Dining
Weddings
Function Rooms
Self-Catering
Highlights and features
- Family-run with over 30 years of hospitality experience
- Historic Tudor Dining Room for unique fine dining experiences
- Scenic location within the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Tailored weddings with civil ceremony licensing and event management
- Locally sourced ingredients showcasing Herefordshire's culinary heritage
What people say
Wonderful fine dining experience
Exceptional wedding venue
Beautifully kept gardens
Friendly service
Authentic Old English Inn
Services
Accommodation
Our historic hotel offers diverse accommodation options including compact doubles, feature rooms, four-poster suites, and self-catering apartments in a 15th-century barn annexe. All rooms include en-suite facilities, flat-screen TVs, free high-speed broadband, and Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries. The property retains authentic 16th-century character while providing modern comforts.
Dining
The Old Court Hotel provides exceptional dining experiences across three distinct venues: the Tudor Dining Room for fine dining, a light conservatory for casual meals, and the Cotswold Bar for traditional pub fare. Menus feature locally sourced ingredients like Hereford Beef and seasonal produce, all prepared on-site by skilled chefs.
Weddings
We specialise in bespoke weddings within our historic setting, offering two licensed venues accommodating 40-110 guests. The Elizabethan Suite and Tudor Dining Room provide elegant backdrops, complemented by tailored packages including breakfast options, free room hire, and anniversary stays. Our experienced team manages every detail for seamless celebrations.
Function Rooms
The Elizabethan Function Room serves as an ideal space for corporate events, conferences, and private celebrations. With civil ceremony licensing and dedicated management support, we provide flexible layouts, modern amenities, and scenic surroundings to enhance business meetings, team-building retreats, or social gatherings.
Self-Catering
Our self-catering options include one-bedroom apartments in a converted 15th-century barn and an eight-person holiday cottage. Each property features private garden areas, kitchen facilities, and comfortable living spaces while maintaining proximity to the main hotel's amenities and the Wye Valley's natural attractions.
People
Jono Smith-Milne
Co-Owner
Jono co-owns Old Court Hotel with Victoria, bringing over 30 years of hospitality experience. He focuses on operational management and guest experience, ensuring the hotel maintains its historic charm while meeting modern expectations through dedicated service and attention to detail.
Victoria Smith-Milne
Co-Owner
Victoria co-owns Old Court Hotel with Jono, combining hospitality expertise with a passion for preserving historical properties. She oversees event coordination and daily operations, ensuring guests receive personalised service within the hotel's authentic 16th-century setting amidst the Wye Valley's scenic beauty.
Questions
Does the hotel offer wedding packages?
Yes, we provide tailored wedding packages including venue hire, breakfast options, and special anniversary offers. Our dedicated team manages all aspects of your event.
What accommodation types are available?
We offer compact doubles, feature rooms, four-poster suites, self-catering apartments, and an eight-person holiday cottage across our historic main building and converted barn annexe.
Is the restaurant open to non-residents?
Yes, our Tudor Dining Room, conservatory, and Cotswold Bar welcome both guests and external visitors for breakfast, lunch, and evening meals featuring local produce.
What historical significance does the hotel have?
Built circa 1570, the hotel has ties to General John Simcoe, founder of Toronto, and Thomas Gwillim, ADC to General Wolfe. The property retains original architectural features and historical connections.
Are there payment options for bookings?
We accept major credit cards and bank transfers. Specific payment terms apply for event bookings, with deposits required for weddings and large functions.
What nearby attractions exist?
The hotel's location provides easy access to the River Wye, Wye Gorge, Tintern Abbey, Forest of Dean, and Monmouth. We also offer packages with local attractions like Kingfisher Cruises.
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