The Old Ship Inn
A traditional Dorset village pub in the heart of historic Upwey
Food • Local Ales • Beer Garden • Live Music • Thomas Hardy Heritage
B & B at the Old Ship Inn - Find out more &
BOOK A ROOM
🍺 The Old Ship Inn, Upwey, Dorset
The Old Ship Inn is one of Upwey's oldest and best-loved traditional village pubs. Situated on the historic Ridgeway in the heart of Upwey, Dorset, it offers home-cooked food, local ales, live music, a welcoming atmosphere and a fascinating connection with Thomas Hardy's Under the Greenwood Tree.
Why Visit The Old Ship Inn in Upwey?
🍺 Traditional 17th-century village inn
🍽 Home-cooked food and Sunday lunches
🌿 Attractive beer garden
🐕 Dog-friendly
🎵 Regular live music and community events
🚶 Perfect stop after exploring Upwey and the River Wey
📖 Featured in Thomas Hardy's Under the Greenwood Tree
🍽 Food at The Old Ship Inn, Upwey
Enjoy Traditional Pub Food in the Heart of Upwey
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing lunch, an evening meal with friends or a traditional Sunday roast, The Old Ship Inn in Upwey offers a welcoming place to enjoy good food in the surroundings of a historic Dorset village pub.
The menu features classic pub favourites, seasonal specials and locally inspired dishes, with a choice of meals to suit different tastes and appetites. After exploring the River Wey, Upwey Wishing Well or the historic village, The Old Ship Inn is an ideal place to stop, relax and enjoy something to eat.
Chicken Supreme
Roast chicken breast, herb stuffing, Rich gravy, served with Yorkshire pudding, Roast potatoes, Seasonal vegetables, Cauliflower cheese
£16.95
Beer Battered Fish & Chips
Chunky chips, garden peas and tartare sauce.
£16.95
Beer Braised Beef Bourguignon
Served with buttery mash and crusty bread.
£19.95
Getting to the Pub
Ideal for Walkers: Situated right at the southern end of the historic Ridgeway path, we make a fantastic start or finish point for local hikes. We are also well within walking distance of the famous Upwey Wishing Well via a pleasant stroll down Elwell Street.
By Bus (No Parking Hassles): We are located directly on the route of the frequent First Bus No. 10, providing easy, direct access from both Weymouth and Dorchester. Leave the car behind and enjoy a drink without the worry of parking.
By Car: For those driving, follow signs for Upwey from the A354. We have a dedicated, free customer car park on-site.
How to Find The Old Ship Inn, Upwey
Nestled in the Dorset countryside just off the A354, The Old Ship Inn is a historic pub in Upwey perfectly situated between Weymouth and Dorchester. Located at the southern end of The Ridgeway (DT3 5QQ), we are highly accessible whether you are exploring on foot, driving, or using public transport.
📖 Featured in Thomas Hardy's Under the Greenwood Tree
Chapter II ("A Journey To Budmouth"), as Dick Dewy is driving Fancy Day into town. Hardy details Dick’s standard routine for dividing up the journey, using the historic inn as his regular resting point:
"The distance between Budmouth and Mellstock was ten or eleven miles, and there being a good inn, 'The Ship,' four miles out of Budmouth, with a mast and cross-trees in front, Dick's custom in driving thither was to divide the journey into three stages by resting at this inn going and coming, and not troubling the Budmouth stables at all, whenever his visit to the town was a mere call and deposit, as to-day."
The Old Ship Inn and Historic Ridgeway, Upwey
Locally, The Ridgeway is the name of the steep, winding road that climbs northwards out of the valley from Dorchester Road and Elwell Street with the Old Ship Inn situated significantly at the start of the climb. Historically significant to the village, it follows the approximate line of an old Roman route heading towards Dorchester.
Discover More in Upwey
➡ Upwey Wishing Well
➡ Upwey Walks
➡ Village Events
➡ Places to Eat in Upwey
