Black Buoy Inn, Wivenhoe — Top Rated (8+) from $162| BestHotel.net

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Black Buoy Inn Wivenhoe Macro Details photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

Black Buoy Hill Wivenhoe, Wivenhoe, United Kingdom, CO7 9JL

Close to Colchester Castle

Great

8.3

/10

Accommodations

The Black Buoy Inn offers two individually furnished bedrooms, each with ensuite facilities. Guests enjoy views over the rooftops of old Wivenhoe, showcasing the pub's romantic and nautical history. Room rates range from £115 to £145 based on occupancy.

Dining

The Black Buoy serves daily meals in a relaxed pub setting, renowned for its legendary Sunday roasts. Guests can explore a diverse selection of real ales available at the bar. An outdoor area includes 'Chopper's Drop', a seasonal bar that enhances the dining experience in summer months.

Location

Situated close to Wivenhoe Quayside, The Black Buoy is a Grade II listed building with historical significance dating back to 1732. Its location offers convenient access for visitors to Wivenhoe and the University of Essex. The pub's quirky interior spans multiple levels, creating a unique social environment.

Entertainment

The Black Buoy provides entertainment options including a dartboard, snooker table, and a purpose-built stage for live music performances. Regular beer festivals attract both locals and visitors alike. Additionally, a piano is available for public use, enabling casual musical enjoyment.

Accessibility

The hotel's residential accommodations are situated on the first floor and accessible via a steep staircase. This ensures a distinctive experience for guests who appreciate historical architecture. Limited parking availability is an additional consideration for visitors.

Highlights

Dining: daily meals and legendary Sunday roasts

Entertainment: purpose-built stage for regular live music

Accommodations: two beautiful, individually furnished bedrooms

Historic: Grade II listed building from 1732

Must-do experiences

Take a stroll along the River Colne for scenic views at sunset.
Taste the renowned Wivenhoe crab at The Black Buoy inn.
Explore the secret gardens of Wivenhoe Park for a peaceful escape.
Visit the Wivenhoe Quay for charming shops and art galleries.
Join the local market on Saturdays for fresh produce and crafts.

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Select your room type

Black Buoy Inn offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Family Room Private Bathroom

2 persons

165 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Double Room Private Bathroom

2 persons

110 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Black Buoy Inn offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.4/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Allergy-free rooms
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

Hiking
Cycling

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Outdoor dining area

Children

Board games
Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Live entertainment
Night club
Garden area

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries
Sink

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
CD player

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

Discover a delightful culinary experience at the Black Buoy Inn, where authentic British fare takes center stage in a warm and welcoming environment. Featuring a charming restaurant and bar with a beautiful garden, it's perfect for families and travelers seeking satisfying meals accommodated to various dietary preferences.

Restaurant

British pub cuisine

Ambiance

Family-friendly setting with a cozy atmosphere ideal for both casual family dining and intimate gatherings.

Key Offerings

Enjoy a menu that includes popular traditional pub food alongside frequently changing imaginative dishes, catering to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.

Reservation

Not needed

Lunch and dinner; open Monday to Friday 12:00 - 15:00, 12:00 - 21:00 on Friday and Saturday, and 12:00 - 17:00 on Sunday.

Black Buoy Inn Location

Black Buoy Hill Wivenhoe, Wivenhoe, United Kingdom, CO7 9JL

Map view

Black Buoy Hill Wivenhoe, Wivenhoe, United Kingdom, CO7 9JL

City landmarks

Gallery

Sentinel Gallery

2400 ft

Landmark

Essex Wildlife Trust Fingringhoe Wick

1.5 mi

Garden

The Beth Chatto Gardens

2.4 mi

Landmark

Bourne Mill

2.6 mi

Landmark

Abbots Activity Centre

2.5 mi

Landmark

National Trust

2.6 mi

Landmark

Bourne Pond

2.6 mi

Museum

Hollytrees Museum

3.4 mi

Landmark

St. John Russian Orthodox Church

2.9 mi

Church

St. Andrews Church

2.9 mi

Gallery

firstsite

3.3 mi

Church

St. Botolph's Priory

3.3 mi

Museum

The Castle Museum

3.6 mi

Landmark

Colchester War Memorial

3.4 mi

Landmark

St. John's Abbey Gate

3.3 mi

Landmark

The Claudius Gateway

3.4 mi

Landmark

Colchester Arts Centre

3.6 mi

Landmark

The Minories Galleries

3.4 mi

Landmark

Colchester's Natural History Museum

3.4 mi

Museum

Roman Circus Centre

3.4 mi

Church

Lion Walk United Reformed Church

3.4 mi

Church

St Helen's Chapel

3.6 mi

Landmark

Colchester Town Hall

3.6 mi

Landmark

Xtreme Gaming

3.4 mi

Landmark

Dutch Quarter

3.6 mi

Nearby

Church

St Mary's

800 ft

Restaurants

The Olive Branch

700 ft

1A Station Road

Explore Wivenhoe

Local Activities and Dining

Sentinel Gallery

9 minutes' walk

Contemporary art exhibitions showcasing local and national talents. Admission is free, making it an ideal stop for art lovers.

Essex Wildlife Trust Fingringhoe Wick

25 minutes walking

A nature reserve offering diverse wildlife and scenic walking trails. Great for bird watching and nature walks.

The Beth Chatto Gardens

8 minutes' drive

Famous gardens featuring unique planting schemes. Perfect for garden enthusiasts; admission fees apply.

Bourne Mill

12 minutes' drive

A historic watermill with beautiful gardens. Offers insights into local history and picturesque spots for photos.

Kayaking at Abbots Activity Centre

10 minutes' drive

Thrilling kayaking experiences on the serene waters. Rentals available, suitable for all adventure levels.

Spa Day at a Local Spa

15 minutes' drive

Relaxing spa services for a rejuvenating experience. Ideal for individuals seeking calm and tranquility.

The Olive Branch

3 minutes' walk

A cozy spot featuring Mediterranean cuisine, with fresh ingredients and a warm atmosphere. Reservations recommended.

The Greyhound

5 minutes' drive

Traditional English pub serving classic dishes and local ales. Family-friendly with outdoor seating available.

Colchester Arts Centre

15 minutes' drive

Vibrant arts venue hosting music gigs, theater performances, and art exhibitions. Engaging experiences for all ages.

The Mercury Theatre

12 minutes' drive

Offers a diverse lineup of plays and musicals. An ideal destination for an evening of culture and entertainment.

Getting around

City Centre

Wivenhoe9 min · 2300 ft

Airports

London Stansted (STN)90 min · 37.2 mi

London Southend (SEN)109 min · 44.8 mi

Bus

Bus stop3 min · 700 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 16:00-23:00

Check-out

from 07:00-11:00

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no extra beds provided in a room. There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Black Buoy Inn from previous guests about their experience.

Review score

Based on 60 verified reviews

8.2/10

Great

85%

Recommend

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Comfort

8.9/10

Facilities

8.4/10

Free Wi-Fi

10.0/10

Location

9.4/10

Staff

9.0/10

Value for money

8.1/10

Sebastian from Germany

Single

Double Room Private Bathroom

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:November 21, 2025

6/10

clean roombroken remotethin walls

the room was very clean, it had everything i needed.

the tv remote didnt work, annoying. also, the walls are thin. i could hear the people next door talking until late at night and again early in the morning. this did not make for a restful sleep.

0 Helpful

FAQs

About Black Buoy Inn

What is the distance from Black Buoy Inn to London Stansted Airport?

The hotel is located 61 km from London Stansted Airport.

What are some nearby attractions to Black Buoy Inn?

Nearby attractions include Colchester Castle (9 km) and Colchester Zoo (13 km).

What is the check-in and check-out policy at Black Buoy Inn?

Check-in is from 16:00 and check-out is by 11:00.

Does Black Buoy Inn offer on-site dining?

The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving British dishes and a bar/lounge area.

What amenities are included in the rooms at Black Buoy Inn?

Rooms include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, DVD player, electric kettle, and a private bathroom with free toiletries.

Is parking available at Black Buoy Inn?

Free private parking is available on-site, with prior reservation required.

What recreational activities can guests enjoy at Black Buoy Inn?

Guests can enjoy activities such as hiking and cycling in and around Wivenhoe.

What are some restaurants located near Black Buoy Inn?

Nearby restaurants include Tollgate Fisheries, Valentinos Bistro, The Rose & Crown, Tudor Tea Rooms, Maison Mollie, The Olive Branch, and The Greyhound Pub, all within 0.5 km.

What type of breakfast is served at Black Buoy Inn?

Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast at the hotel.

Is Wi-Fi available at Black Buoy Inn?

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.