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3-star hotel

Samuel Pepys

Discover the Samuel Pepys Wine Bar, Restaurant & Hotel in Harwich. Enjoy a charming stay in a 16th-century building with hearty British cuisine, free Wi-Fi, and welcoming service just steps from the dock. Perfect for ferry travelers and explorers alike.

31 Church St, Harwich CO12 3EA, United Kingdom View on map
9.2/10
Exceptional Based on 389 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free parking Restaurant Bar Smoke-free
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable stay with excellent food and friendly service

Guests appreciate the historic ambiance combined with well-prepared classic British meals and attentive, welcoming staff. The central location and included parking support convenient travel, especially for ferry visitors.

Guests often praise

  • Warm, friendly, and hospitable staff delivering attentive service
  • Generous portion sizes of tasty, classic British dishes in the restaurant
  • Clean, affordable, and well-supplied rooms with a historic timber-beamed setting
  • Included breakfast noted as fresh, piping hot, and satisfying
  • Convenient location near Harwich Dock and train station, with on-site parking

Worth knowing

  • No swimming pool or fitness center available on site
  • The property blends historic character with functional, rather than luxury, accommodations
  • Portion sizes may be large—consider this when ordering meals
  • Pricing reflects good value but does not match upscale hotel luxury standards
  • Smoke-free environment throughout the hotel and public areas

Best for

  • Visitors seeking a charming, historic hotel near Harwich ferry and train links
  • Travellers wanting hearty, well-portioned British cuisine in a relaxed setting
  • Guests looking for a friendly, welcoming atmosphere with helpful staff
  • Those who appreciate a casual, no-frills stay with parking included
  • Guests interested in exploring nearby historic sites such as Landguard Fort and Sutton Hoo
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About this property

Welcome to Samuel Pepys

The Samuel Pepys brand shines brightly as a destination for travelers seeking comfort and hospitality in the heart of Harwich. With a commendable rating of 4.6, this charming establishment is located at 31 Church St, Harwich CO12 3EA, United Kingdom. Its historic preservation as a 16th-century timber-beamed building creates a unique atmosphere that seamlessly combines tradition with modern comfort.

Guests have consistently praised the quality of stay at Samuel Pepys. One reviewer, 'K M', mentioned the neatness and affordability of the room they booked, remarking on the great breakfast that accompanied their stay. The warmth and hospitality extended by the staff, particularly a team member named Lauren, made a lasting impression, enhancing the overall experience.

Other patrons have also shared their delightful experiences regarding dining. 'Eva Lenz' described her visit as the perfect unwinding spot following a long day of travel. The attentive service and inviting ambience offered solace before boarding the overnight ferry to Holland. Moreover, guest 'Mark Jones' noted the hearty portions and scrumptious food served during a Saturday lunch, specifically recommending the black forest cheesecake for dessert enthusiasts.

'Facts TRUMP feelings' provided insights into the excellent value offered by the Samuel Pepys, highlighting great food and incredible staff interactions. The freshness of the full English breakfast and large portion sizes were also applauded, solidifying the sentiment that this establishment prioritizes guest satisfaction.

With amenities that include free Wi-Fi, free parking, and an on-site restaurant and bar, Samuel Pepys caters to a range of travelers. Its proximity to several historically rich attractions—like Landguard Fort, National Trust - Sutton Hoo, and Harwich Redoubt Fort—further cements its status as a prime location for visitors.

In essence, Samuel Pepys stands as a beacon of hospitality, where historical charm meets modern-day comfort. Whether you're embarking on a ferry journey or simply looking for a delightful dining experience, this establishment promises an enjoyable stay marked by excellent service and hearty cuisine.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free parking
Restaurant
Bar
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

KM
K M Jul 15, 2025
10

Stayed the night after catching a ferry from the Netherlands. The room was neat, affordable and well supplied and the included breakfast was great. Lauren, I believe it was, was incredibly hospitable and friendly. Very enjoyable stay overall.

EL
Eva Lenz Jul 04, 2025
10

After a long day of traveling, I found myself at Samuel Pepys, a pub that turned out to be the perfect spot to unwind before boarding the overnight ferry to Holland. The food was excellent, and the service was attentive and welcoming, making me feel at ease after the journey. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a friendly vibe that added to the overall experience. Whether you're looking for a place to relax before catching a ferry or simply want to enjoy some good food in a great setting, Samuel Pepys is a fantastic choice. Highly recommended.

MJ
Mark Jones May 08, 2025
10

We came here for a Saturday afternoon lunch. The staff were very welcoming and friendly. We had the starters and main meals and the portions of everything is massive, so be careful unless you're really hungry! It was worth it though because the food was very tasty. I would also recommend the black forest cheesecake if it is on the dessert specials.

FTF
facts TRUMP feelings Apr 16, 2025
10

Paid £63 for this room, it’s not Windsor castle, but it was clean and functional, staff were great, helpful and chatty, and the food was really good, the full English , which was part of the deal was freshly done, piping hot and very tasty.. not to mention the large portions .. had a mixed grill the previous night, just as good, just as large .. thank you , parking on site and good central location .. thank you

JB
Jason B Apr 09, 2025
8.0

The Samuel Pepys Wine Bar, Restaurant & Hotel is a charming establishment located at 31 Church Street, Harwich, Essex CO12 3EA. Housed in a 16th-century timber-beamed building, it offers a blend of historic ambiance and modern comfort.  Dining Experience: The restaurant serves classic British cuisine with a focus on hearty, home-cooked dishes. Food is available every day:  • Monday to Friday: Midday–2:30 PM & 6:00 PM–9:00 PM  • Saturday and Sunday: All day from midday until 9:00 PM  Guests can enjoy daily specials and an all-day Sunday roast. Dining options include the cozy indoor restaurant or the secluded courtyard garden.  Accommodation: The Samuel Pepys Hotel offers six attractive en-suite rooms, making it an ideal location to explore the historic maritime town of Harwich.  Reservations: To reserve a table or book a room, you can call the establishment at 01255 503 857.  For more information, you can visit their official website:

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find Samuel Pepys

Harwich, United Kingdom

Set in a 16th-century building, this laid-back hotel, restaurant and wine bar is a 3-minute walk from Harwich Dock and a 6-minute walk from Harwich Town train station.

  • Harwich Town 7 min Walk
  • Felixstowe 1 hr 29 Walk
  • Harwich International 49 min Walk
  • Heathrow Airport 2 hr 9 Car · 2 hr 24 Transit
  • London Gatwick Airport 2 hr Car · 2 hr 55 Transit
  • London Stansted Airport 1 hr 13 Car · 2 hr 40 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in United Kingdom. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

National Trust - Sutton Hoo 4,643 reviews

National Trust - Sutton Hoo

Tranmer House, Woodbridge IP12 3DJ, United Kingdom

4.5 · National Park
Landguard Fort 1,879 reviews

Landguard Fort

View Point Rd, Felixstowe IP11 3TW, United Kingdom

4.6 · Fortress
Harwich Redoubt Fort 955 reviews

Harwich Redoubt Fort

B1352, Harwich CO12 3LT, United Kingdom

4.6 · Historical Landmark
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