Tucked away on the Farncombe Estate amidst the rolling green hills of the Cotswolds, The Fish Hotel offers a tranquil respite from the busy tourist hotspots of the English countryside’s most iconic Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. More of a huddle of original buildings and stylish new huts than a traditional hotel, there’s something about The Fish that feels like you’ve stumbled upon the set of Dirty Dancing — especially when you’re strolling up from your cabin in the trees to the main lodge with its wooden gazebos that overlook the grounds, fairy lights twinkling in the trees to guide your path. What’s more, all dogs find their place in the pastoral picture, from teacup terriers to gentle giants.
THE LOWDOWN
The Fish offers a clever combination of luxury glamping and boutique hotel, with its sprawl of sizable shepherd’s huts and treehouses kitted out with everything you’d expect from a five-star bolthole. You may be sleeping among the trees (with skylights perfectly positioned above your bed for stargazing) but you can pick up the phone or hit the ‘buzz for booze’ button conveniently placed beside the hot tub and room service will be with you in a jiffy. The beds are large and squishy, the complimentary minibar is restocked each day, and soft and fluffy robes await when you climb out of the rolltop bath that sits at the foot of the bed.
Travelling with a four-legged companion? Your dogs are welcomed with open arms here; the hotel staff dote on them and even present your pup with their very own bowl of treats at breakfast. Two Hideaway Huts, one treehouse, and a scattering of rooms and suites are dog friendly, where your dogs will be greeted with their very own bed, bowls, treats and towel upon arrival. They can accompany you everywhere apart from the main restaurant, but there’s a dedicated room for doggy dining and wherever you perch in the bar or on the terrace, staff will bring over a bed and treats for them. There’s even a fenced-off pooch playground where they can run around and enjoy wooden agility equipment. So, there’s really no excuse to leave your dog at home.
TELL US ABOUT THE ROOMS
We stayed in a dog-friendly Hideaway Hut, which is really two shepherd’s huts sandwiched together for maximum space and comfort. Inside, there’s a big comfy bed, huge bathtub, small seating area, wood-burning stove and an ensuite bathroom. The decor is simple, with white painted, wood-clad walls lending Scandinavian inspirations to a classic English countryside aesthetic. Outdoors, there’s a hot tub, fire-pit and swinging seat in the private garden, which is where I spent most of my time lounging with a book, dog curled up beside me.
The Fish’s array of accommodations also includes more secluded Hilltop Huts, a particularly romantic hut with its own private lake and rowing boat, family-friendly treehouses, and rooms and suites dotted throughout three separate buildings (The Outhouse, Coach House and Stables). There’s something for everyone, depending on your preferred level of outdoorsy.
THE FOOD & DRINK?
Named after a local legend of a monastery that stored its fish within cool caves beneath a hill, The Fish sticks with its theme when it comes to its restaurant, Hook. Known across the Cotswolds for its seafood-heavy menu, this landlocked eatery does an excellent job of convincing you that you’re right beside the ocean. Indulge in oysters before tucking into both classic and inventive seafood dishes — and make sure you save room for their delicious desserts.
If you’re feeling less peckish or prefer room service, the bar menu is more relaxed albeit no less delicious with burgers, salads and fries to choose from. Large groups can dine privately in the log cabin-esque Deck, which is dressed for winter in an après ski themed ensemble, and there’s also a Tipsy Tea offering of mid-afternoon cocktails and sweet treats.
A continental breakfast can be feasted on in the comfort of your own room or cabin, with bread, cheeses, yoghurt pots and pastries delivered at your chosen time. Alternatively, a cooked breakfast with options including The Fish’s take on a full English, eggs cooked various ways, and just-right porridge is served in the restaurant, accompanied by a generous buffet spread.
ANYTHING ELSE TO NOTE?
The real beauty of a stay at The Fish involves borrowing a pair of wellies and grabbing a map and pack of sweets from the boot room before setting off to explore the Farncombe Estate and wider local area. The historical town of Broadway is just a half-hour stroll downhill; weave along picturesque paths and through green meadows to discover antique and independent shops, cafés and galleries galore. Keep your eyes peeled for deer roaming wild as you scale the hill back to the hotel.
“Your dogs are welcomed with open arms here; the hotel staff dote on them and even present your pup with their very own bowl of treats at breakfast.”
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