The Conham Ferry runs from Beeses to the Hanham side of the river, and is the oldest river ferry crossing on the River Avon. We are delighted to carry on the tradition by operating the ferry during our opening hours.

Situated beside a deeply running river Avon below a steeply wooded bank, Beeses is a haven of tranquility where generations of city dwellers have - for a few hours, anyway - put the cares of the city behind them. Just as in the old docks, visitors who have not made the trip upriver from the Feeder to Conham for a few years will find that the views, with perhaps the exception of the chimney on Troopers Hill, have changed dramatically.

The big house, Conham Hall, was demolished in 1971, and it now makes a fine place to take your fishing rod for the afternoon.

This area is full of history. Persecuted Baptists once held secret meetings in the woods nearby, and you can still see the crumbling remains of old copper works established here in the 18th century. The river at Conham was once the scene of an appalling tragedy. During World War I, a steamer called Emily brought a party of 130 poor children on a trip to Beeses. Just before the return trip, the skipper thought, perhaps foolishly, that he would give the kids a little more excitement by blowing the ship’s hooter.

Some of the children panicked at the noise and jumped into the river. Although most were either rescued or managed to scramble ashore, two boys and two girls were tragically drowned. In Victorian times, visitors to Beeses (sometimes known as Bees) would take their tea in the big house, still there today but no longer used for catering.

A big sign - “Bees Tea Gardens” - would inform you that you had reached your destination. Today’s cream teas are enjoyed in a building erected in the 1960s. It was Anne Beese, a Christian lady who discouraged the drinking of alcohol, who first opened the tea gardens way back in 1846.

The railway navvies then working on Brunel’s newly opened Great Western Railway (you can still hear, and just spot, the trains rushing by today) were no doubt very grateful for a thirst-quenching cuppa.

In 1851, Thomas and Hannah Beese were living at The Ferry House - there has long been a river crossing here - along with their four children. Forty years later, their son George, who had seven children, was running the place. When he died in 1895, his wife continued the business. Gilbert Bruton was her ferryman, rowing customers across the river, just as someone does today, from the Conham towpath. Before World War II, this crossing cost just one old penny - now it’s 25p each way. There was once a small cabin on the Conham side, near the towpath, where you could buy sweets and chocolates.

Beese children attended Crews Hole school on the other side of the river. But they were often late for classes in winter when the Avon flooded - something the river still does today. In the 1920s, the business was sold to the Plumpton family.

Now run by newcomers Phil and Lindy Leahy, Beeses open six days a week from April to September. Phil told Bristol Times: “We have experienced a tremendous amount of goodwill from local people since taking over.

“As a riverside bar selling alcohol, we now put on monthly quizzes, an open mic night and live music. These have proven very popular, and may be moved to weekly or fortnightly in future.

“With our new decking and a small marquee, Beeses is a popular venue for wedding receptions, as its unique location offers newlyweds something a little different.”

Our fully licensed free house and tea gardens are available for private bookings, corporate events, birthday parties and wedding receptions.