The Ship Inn

The Ship Inn descritpion
Just 5 minutes from the Channel Tunnel, The Ship Inn offers free parking, free Wi-Fi and a traditional pub restaurant. Situated in Sandgate, the inn is a mile from Folkestone Harbour.
Set in a Victorian cottage, the rooms all feature a private bathroom and tea and coffee facilities. All rooms have a TV, hairdryer and DVD player, and some have wonderful views out over the English Channel.
The cozy Ship Inn Restaurant serves a varied menu, featuring homemade specials and local produce. The bar offers a range of real ales and beverages. Delicious cooked breakfasts are served daily in the courtyard or on the terrace.
With Dover Ferry Terminals just a 15 minute drive away, Ship Inn is only yards from Sandgate’s sandy beach. Historical Canterbury is a 20-minute drive away, and picturesque Hythe can be reached in just a 5 minute drive.
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Facilities of The Ship Inn
Outdoors :Terrace
Pets :Pets are not allowed.
Activities :Golf Course (within 2 miles) | Fishing | Windsurfing | Canoeing | Hiking | Cycling | Bowling | Diving | Snorkeling
Food & Drink :Restaurant | Bar
Internet :Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.
Parking :Free!Free public parking is available at a location nearby (reservation is not needed).
Services :Fax/Photocopying
General :Non-smoking Rooms | Designated Smoking Area
Reviews for The Ship Inn
Review 1:The room (top floor suite) was excellent with all the facilities you'd want. Great view and very comfortable. Very nice people, very nice pub, good restaurant (although I did not eat there), great breakfast.
Review 2:It was quite a small room. The mattress was too soft for us. We did have to wait 20 minutes to check in at the bar as the staff are unable to check in I assume.
Review 3:Beautiful view and lovely room.
Review 4:Parking is hit and miss on the road behind but we got in and the owner was going to move his car for us if we hadn't!
Review 5:Fabulous location and the top floor room was superb. Excellent meal in the attached restaurant which was very reasonably priced. This pub is Folkestones best kept secret!
Review 6:Nothing we really didn't like. Lounge had a Velux window that didn't seal well so a bit drafty, but very high winds that weekend.
Review 7:Comfy clean room and bathroom. Seperate Lounge (although across a landing) with sea view. Great food, ate there both nights. Back bar with a real log fire. Good (recorded) music playing in the bar , Newspapers there
Review 8:Check in is through a not particularly nice pub so poor first impressions. Parking is a bit of a lottery.
Review 9:Wendy was very helpful and welcoming, as was her husband. Breakfast was excellent in nice room right by the sea. Rooms in a separate building were fine once you got there.
Review 10:Dining room access a little idiosynchratic
Review 11:A better than expected room. A proper double with space to move around. Great double window direct view to the sea. Some nice touches, like fresh milk in a mini fridge, a telescope. Property right on the beachline
Review 12:There are never any free parking spaces around the hotel. We had the downstairs room and the first thing we had to do was to close the curtains because the people who sat in the restaurant next door could see right into our room. We had trouble sleeping because the fridge in our room was very noisy. Breakfast was very basic.
Review 13:amazing sea view; very comfortable Victorian-style bed; one of the nicest host that we have ever encountered abroad, certainly the nicest in our 7-8 trips to England so far.
Review 14:Stayed here twice before and every time is just perfect. Very clean and comfortable room, breakfast very filling, host very friendly. 20 mins walk into Folkestone if you follow the beach, very nice indeed. Also found nice little Indian restaurant just around the corner. Absolutely would return.
Review 15:The staff couldn't be more friendly, the room was spotless and definitely up to hotel standard. The restaurant food was really great - we will return in the future. Really convenient for travel to the Channel Tunnel.
Review 16:We could not get the wifi to work in the room which was frustrating. It worked in the restaurant at supper & breakfast.
Review 17:Easy to find. Excellent location for the Euro Tunnel. The room & breakfast were faultless. We ate a delicious evening meal in the pub restaurant which was excellent value - the young staff were professional & efficient - the chef has trained a great young deputy!
Review 18:having to leave
Review 19:The Property and Owners are very welcoming and accomodating because we were delayed. It is in a great location with seaviews. Access to the traditional pub and also a great contemporary style restaurant. The Room was quiet and very clean, the bed extremely comfortable, everything you needed (inc fridge, corkscrew, hairdryer, tea/coffee etc), warm and cozy on a cold evening. Great for access to the Channel tunnel and Dover. Nearby Folkestone was also nice for a wander around. Breakfast was also excellent.
Review 20:T.V. instructions should be available. I had to go and seek a member of staff to help put on the T.V. It wasn't working at first.
Review 21:Location good to visit a relative
Review 22:WiFi wouldn't work
Review 23:The location of the hotel directly at the sea front is excellent and the view from our window was incredible! There was even a powerful spyglass on a tripod in our suite, so we could watch the huge ships passing by on the horizon, which was a great fun :) The breakfast was delicious. It was served by the owner herself who turned out to be lovely lady open for a friendly conversation.
Review 24:Nothing - the whole thing was perfect!!
Review 25:Absolutely fantastic location!! The staff at The Ship Inn were so lovely too and even though we arrived fairly late in the day they helped us settle right in!! The breakfast in the morning was amazing too - best mushrooms I have ever had :)
Review 26:Suite would be improved with lockable door at bottom of stairs. Wi Fi would not connect.
Review 27:Fantastic top floor suite with wonderful sea views. Attentive & friendly staff. Super food in modern restaurant with lovely seafront views.
Review 28:Everything - the pub is a proper pub with excellent beer and the accommodation is comfortable, spotless and right on the sea front. The sea view from the large windows is perfect. The food in the restaurant was delicious as was the hearty breakfast. The owner and all the staff were great.
Review 29:An interesting combination of very traditional "untouched" pub, plus a very contemporary and excellent restaurant with a superior quality set of bedrooms furnished to a high standard. Thoroughly enjoyed, would recommend without heaitation.
Review 30:Only mentioning this to help the hotel improve, not really a critisism, bedroom a little too crowded with a sofa and an easy chair. Restaurant staff need a little more training in correct etiquete (removing unrequired covers etc)
Review 31:Nice and friendly staff. Welcoming and relaxed atmosphere in bar and restaurant.
Review 32:The only downside is that there is limited free car parking close to the hotel, but there is a public pay and display car park about 100 yards down the road.
Review 33:The sea view from our room was wonderful. The lady owner was very friendly and nothing was to much trouble for her to assist us with. A true hostess! Beds were extremely comfortable, and the breakfast was delicious.
Review 34:There is no private parking and finding a space on the street is not easy. There is no separate reception and we had to wait some time in a rather dingy bar before being taken to our rooms.
Review 35:Accommodation in a cottage next to the pub. A very well appointed room with extras such as a telescope and a superb sea view.
Review 36:Restaurant didn't have great deal of choice for us, but the food was excellent! !
Review 37:We were met by Wendy, who showed us our rooms..Top floor, (a little harsh on legs that aren't too good), but worth every step! A lounge with TV and sofa etc, and a bedroom that was beautiful, and what topped it off was the sound and sight of the sea. We will definitely return!!!! Excellent breakfast too!!!
Review 38:Nothing it was all Very good would stay again perfect. Parking is an issue due to the local councils desire not to encourage tourism by having a park and no return within 2 hours makes live difficult but that's not a reflection on the hotel.
Review 39:Room was very nice and on ground floor which made it easier food is great beer is nicely kept, roof terrace as well provides a nice sun spot overlooking the beach - all good
Review 40:The Ship Inn was a lovely guesthouse. We had no complaints, the room was right on the seafront with a comfy bed and a great breakfast in the morning. Even though it's a pub to the front, the rooms are located at the back so this shouldn't put you off. The owner was very helpful and we'd definitely come back again.
Review 41:Entrance to rooms could do with a bit of a tidy up.
Review 42:Very good food in restaurant and extrely helpful and friendly staff. Down by the beach and great views pver the Channel
Review 43:A little 'tongue in cheek' - noisy headboard, had to secure with pillow for two hours or so.
Review 44:Amazing host and staff. Room very clean and comfortable. Breakfast excellent. Will stay again for sure - highly recommended.
Review 45:All fine
Review 46:Quirky old pub at the front, a great restaurant at the back. We had the Seaview room and wow what a Seaview. Staff here are all excellent and we thought the restaurant was excellent!
Review 47:Rooms are separate to the pub, which was a proper locals pub, stairs and hallway to the room was very poor and in serious need of decoration and cleaning unlike the which was fine
Review 48:Location, size of room, great bed, great food
Review 49:We arrived on a Friday evening. Parking is on street around the pub and it was a while before we could find a space.
Review 50:Excellent food in restaurant. Comfortable room on top floor.
Review 51:Staff were friendly and helpful. Evening meal exceptional. Requested an early breakfast and wasn't expecting a full English but that was what we had. Set us up for the long drive to Nancy in France.
Review 52:Nothing to not like here.
Review 53:First impressions of the bar area give a misleading concept of the overall facility. because you would never expect the lovely cottage room, the fantastic restaurant, the fresh clean open air deck area and the attentive and helpful staff. This is one of the best places to stay in the whole of the UK.
Review 54:Besides the beautiful sea view the room looked out onto a small terrace used by the dining area which on a warm evening personally I feel would have felt an intrusion.
Review 55:Fantastic sea view to wake up to almost touching distance. Lovely touches like the big china cups on the hospitality tray, plenty of fresh milk in a jug in the fridge. Spotlessly clean room and bathroom, smelt fresh with nice linen and towels.
Review 56:We stayed in the deck room which was wonderful with ocean views in the morning and easy access to the restaurant. Bed is super comfortable with lots of cushions and blankets, good tv channel choice and wifi. Restaurant food was delicious and staff were lovely
Review 57:We enjoyed everything about the hotel, the proprietor was a lovely host, her breakfasts were fabulous. The room was great with sea views and the bed very comfortable. My partner enjoyed sampling the real ales..
Review 58:The fridge could be a little noisy at times but is better than not having one at all.
Review 59:The landlady made us feel very welcome when we arrived and nothing was too much trouble. The room was in a separate cottage from the pub so there was no noise and the addition of a hairdryer, iron and ironing board was very thoughtful.
Review 60:Having to go outside the property to access the restaurant meant we had to put on coats to go to breakfast., and on one occasion use an umbrella as it was raining heavily. Only had one dinner as we found it extremely expensive and ambiance in the dining room was in our opinion NIL. Entrance to the accommodation was scuffy, looked old worn and in need of renovation. Was titled a cottage but in reality was more like a boarding house.
Review 61:Staff, particularly Wendy the owner were very friendly and efficient.Left early and were given a packed breakfast as we left before breakfast time.
Review 62:Has no car park and nearest free car park some 500 yards away. On street parking possible but needs very good luck and quick action.
Review 63:Location next to sea and room with sea view
Review 64:Situated on the beach front we stayed on a beautiful evening which showed it off at its best. Good beer, good food and very friendly mine hosts. The room was ideal and the bed exceptionally comfortable.
Review 65:chef seasoned the steaks way TOO much with pepper!
Review 66:The comfy clean beds and the great views of the beach. The food in the restaurant was top notch if a little pricy
Review 67:Just had a problem with the continual noise from the in room fridge which was annoying during the night.
Review 68:The staff were very fruendly & the brwakfast was superb. Nothing was too much trouble.
Review 69:Room cluttered, could do with ejecting large drawers and fitting fridge against wall!
Review 70:The evening meal was really excellent. Our room was small but very clean and quiet. Sea sounds lulled us to sleep.
Review 71:Only one problem,the wetroom shower flooded the floor,the drain couldn't cope with the water.
Review 72:Brilliant sea views,spotlessly clean rooms,very comfortable bed attached to a pub - perfect ! Food in restaurant excellent,beautifully cooked sea food,friendly owners and staff. Will stay again. Thanks to all.
Review 73:Nothing
Review 74:Very friendly and helpful staff. Wendy and Stuart made us feel very welcome. Our bedroom was spacious and very comfortable. We also had a lounge with large screen TV and a fridge with drinks and fresh milk.
Review 75:We had a very comfortable stay in the top room, with amazing views of the Channel. The breakfast and evening meal were delicious. The staff were pleasant and chatty.
Review 76:Parking poor, even in winter it was difficult to find a spot because they don't have a car park. 930 breakfast finish at weekend would be better than 9am. Rooms slightly smaller than they look on the photos.
Review 77:Friendly staff made it a home from home. Brilliant sea view. Mini fridge and telescope in room. Good shower. Room temperature just right and small windows you can open for air. Lovely breakfast included.
Review 78:Parking - very limited on-street parking. Access to room via street thro dingy corridor. Internal access seemed to have been compromised by a flood.
Review 79:Friendly owners. Restaurant attractive, festive decorations lovely. Seafood choices fantastic. Room spacious, sea view enhanced by telescope in room! Bars full of character, good selection of real ales and ciders. Room was a real surprise after uninspiring approach. Excellent breakfast provided by Wendy. Family ownership an obvious bonus.
Review 80:The interior of the cottage, which comprises the accommodation next to the pub itself, is a bit offputting when you first enter and climb the stairs to the top floor 'suite'. The 'suite' is in fact two separate rooms , not self contained.
Review 81:The bedroom & bathroom were well decorated & furnished. Good sea view from main bedroom; excelent view across the Channel from the living area (2nd bedroom). Breakfast was excellent - limited choice but well cooked & presented
Review 82:Slightly disappointed with evening meal, we both ordered the fish andchips. However very pleasant dining room and reasonably priced wine.
Review 83:Convenient location on sea front. Managed to park in side street so nottoo far to carry luggage.Used the bus to pop into Folkestone, a frequentservice. Minutes from Eurotunnel and therefore an ideal overnight stopbut would also be a pleasant base to explore the region.
Review 84:We stayed in the top floor rooms. A lovely spacious suite - the old attic of the cottage, grat sea views. Comfy bed, tv in bedroom and in sitting room - good tv reception. Wifi was good. Good breakfast too.
Review 85:Great location, right by the esplanade Traditional pub with great ales A separate restaurant with a good selection of food and wines - our steak at dinner was delicious, as was the full English breakfast Accommodation is separate in the cottage next door, so nice a quiet.
Review 86:Parking possible directly outside the accommodation, but on our arrival no spaces so had to carry luggage a fair way from the high street; lot of narrow stairs to the to the Channel Suite; no coffee table in living room so nowhere to put cups; suite windows could be cleaner.
Review 87:Delightful landlady Wendy, spacious and extremely clean accommodation, perfect breakfast with high quality and tasty produce, the beach on your doorstep, very comfortable bed, fresh milk and soft drinks in the fridge a lovely touch.
Review 88:the old part of the inn was in need of some TLC and the food was a bit exspensive.
Review 89:nice room friendly staff great views from the restaurant, outside deck and room.
Review 90:Parking can be a bit of a problem, though there is a public car park about 150 meteres away. To get to the rooms you have to go outside the building and around to the rear, okay in fine weather, if it had been raining it wouldn't have been so good.
Review 91:The Location, The Food, The Room, The Welcome. When we walked into the pub our first impression was "Hmmm", but then remembered it is a very old and popular inn. Right on the seafront, we had the Seaview room and the views were excellent (if its stormy weather they could possibly be a bit daunting) the room is extremely comfortable, the bed even more so. We ate in the restaurant on our first night and the food was excellent quality, well cooked and presented. Beakfasts were very good as well (though would prefer full sausages to chipolata's). Staff and hosts were always efficient, very pleasant and accomodating. We would definitely return here when we were staying in the area.
Review 92:Just the general look of the property but don't let that put you off. You will be pleasantly surprised.
Review 93:The staff were friendly and Wendy the host was fantastic. Overlooking the sea. The restaurant served excellent food and the rooms.were first class.
Review 94:Charming little real ale pub with lovely hosts. Our room was on the top of the house with wonderful views of the beach and sea. Excellent cooks in the kitchen. Very friendly atmosphere.
Review 95:The Ship has no car park but there are plenty of places to park nearby.
Review 96:Friendly welcome, good food, local ales, excellent location right on the beach.
Review 97:the lady, Wendy assuming owner or manager was very kind, hospitable and caring. It was for wedding anniversary for us and certainly enjoyable with great location and cleanliness of the room as well as good standard of accommodation. On a clear and bright day it could be much more enjoyable. Great service and great location. Thank you Ship inn management
Review 98:The 'skinny' sausages served at breakfast
Review 99:The location was excellent and Wendy and her husband have put a lot of love and effort into making this a very charming place to stay.
Review 100:Car parking could be difficult , but we were lucky on this occasion
Review 101:Loved the room on the top floor, had a lounge and bedroom, comfortable bed with quality linen, modern wet room with rain shower, just perfect. Biggest surprise was the resteraunt, very contemporary with great sea front views. Try the Skate Wing for a fab evening meal or the crab and prawn salad at lunch. We will definitely return.
Review 102:The corridor to the lodging area was a bit tatty. My room was on the second floor with a lovely view from a large velux window over the bay.
Review 103:This is a small traditional pub with a good bar atmosphere and a newly built restaurant area with wonderful views over the sea. The food was good and the staff, local and friendly. The owners could not have been more welcoming.
Review 104:Parking is a slight problem
Review 105:Very warm welcome, nothing was too much trouble. Lovely bedroom with very comfortable bed, great wetroom with quality toiletries.
Review 106:Nothing apart from couldn't get wifi in room
Review 107:Friendliness and helpfulness of staff Food in restaurant Lovely comfortable room Great "takeaway" breakfast as we had an early start
Review 108:Some of the communal areas we were taken through on the way to our room were a bit shabby and led us to expect a rather shabby room. Happily the room was wonderful.
Review 109:We had the suite at the top of the building with lovely sea views, bedroom, wet room and sitting room, 2 large TVs. Most unexpected at this price. We only stayed 1 night and had a family party in the evening so we only ate breakfast but it was excellent.
Review 110:The room was lovely with a fantastic view of the sea. The restaurant wasbeautiful and the food was delicious. We had Fish and Chips....verygood. Very friendly hosts with every wimp answered. Thank you
Review 111:No Parking; poor wifi
Review 112:Large, comfortable suite. Great view of English Channel. Good food, quality service, bright and cheerful dining room Personable hosts.
Review 113:Stayed for one night en route to Italy and to be honest it was perfect. Lovely upstairs terrace overlooking the channel, nice restaurant and beautiful room (ask for the sea view). Definitely book again,
Review 114:Very friendly welcome. Excellent restaurant food. Lovely location withviews by sea front. Departed early to catch Eurotunnel, and were leftvery good picnic breakfasts to take. Really good hospitality.
Review 115:There was nothing that we disliked about the place at all! Although visitors should be aware that there can be parking issues, but don't let that stop you staying here!
Review 116:Wendy and Stuart were as always excellent hosts. The Room was magnificent and I would like to recommend anyone visiting this area to stay here. Just not when we are going!! This place has to be one of the best values for money in the country!
Review 117:our stay was faultless
Review 118:The sea view suite with excellent views was breath taking. The cleanliness, comfort & facilities available was higher than our expectations. Excellent breakfast with friendly & prompt service. Overall a very pleasant stay & look forward to returning in the future.
Review 119:It would have been nice to have had a small fridge in the room as it was quite hot.
Review 120:We stayed in the channel suite which had a bedroom at the back and a small lounge at the front. The views were amazing. The bed was one of the best that I have ever slept in. The breakfast was freshly cooked and tasty and the hosts were really friendly. We have already made plans to go back.
Review 121:The sea view and the breakfast
Review 122:Too short a stay.
Review 123:The beers and food.
Review 124:We had a lovely meal in the restaurant and a very nice breakfast in the morning and the views were brilliant
Review 125:The whole experience and as usual our takeaway breakfast was great.
Review 126:We LOVE it all !!!!
The Fine Print
Guests that would like to eat at the Ship Inn Restaurant are advised to book a table in advance.