The History of The Grove Ferry Inn

Originally a coaching Inn dating back to 1831 the Inn took its name from the hand drawn ferry, which took people across The River Stour

Grove Ferry and Upstreet station was on the Canterbury to Thanet branch of the South Western railway. The station was built in 1846 after the line opened and together with the surrounding area was considered for many changes over the next 70 or so years, including replacing the ferry with a bridge and changing the track work configuration, but none actually came to fruition.

The proprietors of The Grove Ferry Hotel not only had the ferry rights but also grew some 17 acres of lavender, which attracted many tourists by train from 1900 to 1930.

During World War II the ferry was replaced with a Bailey bridge, which was removed at the end of the war; reverting back to a ferry. Goods traffic ceased here on 30th April 1960, the station was closed in 1966, and shortly afterwards the river was bridged permanently to replace the ferry.

The Grove Ferry remained in private hands up until the mid nineties when it was purchased by local brewers Shepherd Neame who embarked on a major refurbishment of the property.

The property, bar area and hotel rooms was refurbished again in 2006 into its current guise. In addition several moorings with electrical hook ups were added.

2007 has seen a change of the business ownership to Paul Guilfoyle. Who recently oversaw the renaissance of The Duke of Cumberland Hotel in Whitstable winning multiply awards. Paul brings a team of family and dedicated professionals to The Grove Ferry to once again bring quality hospitality to The Grove Ferry.