Business Details
20 Years
experience
Your Historic Retreat in the Wye Valley
The Old Court Hotel is a family-run establishment nestled in the heart of Symonds Yat, Wye Valley, Herefordshire. Acquired in 2006 by Jono and Victoria Smith-Milne, who bring over 30 years of combined hospitality experience, the hotel blends historic charm with modern comforts. Built around 1570, this 16th-century property retains its authentic English Inn character, featuring two well-stocked bars, a Tudor Dining Room restaurant, and beautifully maintained gardens. Our accommodation options range from compact doubles to four-poster rooms and self-catering apartments, all equipped with en-suite facilities, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary high-speed internet. The hotel specialises in hosting weddings and events in its Elizabethan Suite, which accommodates up to 110 guests, while also offering a tranquil retreat for visitors exploring the Wye Valley.We pride ourselves on sourcing local ingredients, including pedigree Hereford beef and traditionally reared lamb from Risbury Court Farm, to create seasonal menus that cater to diverse tastes. Our dedication to preserving the hotel's heritage is matched by our commitment to providing exceptional service, ensuring every guest experiences the warmth and authenticity that define the Old Court. With over 450 years of history, the hotel has hosted notable figures such as General John Simcoe, founder of Toronto, whose legacy is preserved in the nearby St Dubricius Church. Whether seeking a romantic getaway, a venue for special occasions, or a base for exploring the Forest of Dean, guests find a welcoming atmosphere where history and hospitality converge.
Services
Accommodation
Fine Dining
Wedding Venues
Function Rooms
Self-Catering
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We offer 16th-century character with modern comforts across 22 en-suite rooms.
- Our Tudor Dining Room serves locally sourced Herefordshire cuisine in historic surroundings.
- We host weddings for up to 110 guests with free room hire and anniversary stays.
- The hotel provides direct access to the Wye Valley's scenic walking and river trails.
- Our family has over 30 years' experience in hospitality management and event planning.
What people say
Wonderful historic setting
Exceptional food quality
Attentive staff
Beautiful gardens
Perfect wedding venue
Services
Accommodation
The Old Court Hotel offers 22 en-suite rooms including compact doubles, four-poster suites, and self-catering apartments in a 15th-century barn annexe. Each room features flat-screen TVs, free high-speed internet, and Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries. The historic setting combines period features with modern comforts for visitors exploring the Wye Valley.
Fine Dining
Dining options include the Tudor Dining Room's fine cuisine, conservatory lunches with river views, and traditional pub meals in the Cotswold Bar. We source pedigree Hereford beef and lamb from Risbury Court Farm, serving seasonal menus with daily specials. The wine list features handpicked selections to complement our locally inspired dishes.
Wedding Venues
The Elizabethan Suite accommodates weddings for up to 110 guests with tailored packages including breakfast, drinks, and free room hire. The historic setting features four-poster bedrooms, beautiful gardens, and civil ceremony licensing. Couples receive a complimentary anniversary stay and expert planning support from our 40-year experienced team.
Function Rooms
The Elizabethan Suite serves as a versatile space for conferences, birthdays, and corporate events with capacity for 110 guests. The dedicated function manager arranges catering, audio-visual equipment, and accommodation packages. Adjacent gardens provide breakout areas for networking or relaxation during business events.
Self-Catering
Our 15th-century barn annexe offers one-bed apartments and family cottages with kitchen facilities, wood-burning stoves, and private gardens. These self-contained units provide flexibility for longer stays with broadband access and proximity to the main hotel's amenities while maintaining tranquil surroundings in the Wye Valley.
People
Jono Smith-Milne
Co-Owner
Co-owner of Old Court Hotel since 2006 with over 30 years' hospitality experience. Specialises in event management and wedding coordination, ensuring seamless execution of functions from intimate gatherings to large celebrations.
Victoria Smith-Milne
Co-Owner
Co-owner and hospitality professional with extensive experience in hotel management. Focuses on guest relations and daily operations, maintaining the hotel's historic charm while implementing modern service standards since acquiring the property in 2006.
Questions
Does the hotel offer wedding packages?
Yes, we provide tailored wedding packages for up to 110 guests with free room hire, breakfast options, and a complimentary anniversary stay. Our experienced team assists with all arrangements.
What dining options are available?
Dining includes the Tudor Restaurant's fine cuisine, conservatory meals with river views, and traditional pub fare in the Cotswold Bar. Seasonal menus feature locally sourced Herefordshire produce.
Is the hotel accessible for disabled guests?
Accessibility information isn't detailed in the text. Given the historic building's age, some areas may have limited access. Contact us directly for specific requirements.
Can I host corporate events at the hotel?
Yes, the Elizabethan Suite accommodates conferences and business events with audio-visual equipment, catering services, and 22 en-suite rooms for delegates in a scenic Wye Valley setting.
What historical significance does the hotel have?
Built circa 1570, the hotel hosted General John Simcoe (Toronto's founder) and Thomas Gwillim, ADC to General Wolfe. The property's history connects to Norman heritage and local aristocracy.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Mark Hyett
Dec 13, 2021
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Service was good as there were quite a few xmas parties going on, food was fair but the sprouts must of the been shown the hot water and they jumped out!! I've never had literally raw sprouts which is a shame.
Phillip Bailey
Dec 12, 2021
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Fantastic hotel, beautiful room, great food and all the staff without exception were outstanding. We'll definitely be going back absolutely loved it
Angie Hauxwell
Dec 08, 2021
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Lovely friendly atmosphere was enchanting. The lady that meets you at the door is very polite and welcoming.
Kevin the Duty manager was fantastic and helped us with a wide knowledge of the venue. All round pleasant. And waiting staff are delightful
Kevin the Duty manager was fantastic and helped us with a wide knowledge of the venue. All round pleasant. And waiting staff are delightful
Rosie D.
Nov 20, 2021
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Stayed here last minute with my partner and had high hopes for the place. The room was lovely (we stayed in the Elizabeth) but absolutely boiling hot on arrival. To the point where we turned the heating off and had to open all the windows even during this cold weather. Other than that the room was lovely, clean and thankfully the lady who greeted us gave us good directions to get to it! We booked dinner for the evening as we are looking for a place to host a family reunion meal for 30 in the new year and wanted to try their food. We had a combination of specials and their hot board. It wasnt
J. Bidmead Photography
Nov 07, 2021
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We have eaten here numerous times when on holiday and also photographed a wedding here. It is a truly beautiful building with beautiful grounds. Jono and Tori are fantastic hosts. We really can't wait to go back again.
Ian Calderwood
Oct 21, 2021
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We had high hopes for this wonderful location. The staff were very efficient and the food tasted great. However I think the chef was in love as we say in Austria, my main coarse, the lamb casserole came without its dumpling and my apple crumble was cold. Two other observations one of the waitresses had a top on where the shoulders were not covered, I'm sure if one of the male waiters turned up in a vest he would be sent home to change. The other observation was that when serving drinks the glasses were being held too close to the rims so the fingers were where the mouth would be when drinking.
