Review: The Fish Hotel, Cotswolds
Review: The Fish Hotel, Cotswolds
A countryside retreat perfect for a family getaway
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Named after a local legend about a monastery that once stored fish in hillside caves here, The Fish is one of those relaxed luxury hideaways that has become synonymous with the Cotswolds. Just a short drive from London, it’s the perfect weekend retreat, especially for families seeking a mix of indulgence and comfort. Even your dog is welcome here, with the most stylish canine bath on the grounds (complete with a special pooch-friendly shower gel).
Located on the Farncombe Estate, The Fish shares its hilltop home with sister properties Foxhill Manor and Dormy House. While guests at The Fish can’t access Dormy’s spa, they are rewarded with sweeping countryside views and direct walking access to the pretty village of Broadway. On-site, guests can also try classic country pursuits such as falconry, tractor driving and duck herding!
Accommodation includes suites scattered across the Coach House, The Stables and Outhouse. There’s The Hoot for large groups, as well as luxury shepherd huts for two. But our base was one of the hotel’s three stunning treehouses. These are Scandi-chic and spacious – not especially high off the ground, but nestled in woodland, with wraparound verandas that weave around living trees.
The highlight is two outdoor wooden bathtubs, complete with a “Buzz for Booze” button while you wait for the water to fill. Not that you’ll need it, the minibar is packed with complimentary pre-mixed cocktails, snacks and local Purity beer.
Inside, there’s a plush double bed, a cosy lounge area, a full bathroom, and a compact kids’ room: the bunk beds are a quite short, ideal for younger children, who’ll also enjoy thoughtful touches like the book nook and a spaceman nightlight casting constellations on the ceiling.
After a gentle stroll into Broadway, we returned to our treehouse for a beer and a soak before dinner at Hook, the hotel’s seafood-focused restaurant. Our highlights included freshly shucked oysters, torched seabream, a comforting cod kiev with katsu curry, a rich bouillabaisse with squid, cod, seabream, and Cornish mussels and a delightfully light raspberry soufflé.
We ended the evening under the stars on our swing seat, the terrace strung with festoon lights, before turning in for an incredibly peaceful night.
The next morning, breakfast delivered all the classics alongside dishes like shakshuka for a Middle Eastern twist.
We’d also booked the falconry experience. We were introduced to a charming American kestrel (a micro falcon), a graceful barn owl, and an enormous Eurasian eagle owl, a real showstopper. It was incredible to have the birds landing on our outstretched gloved hands, particularly the immense eagle owl.
The Fish is a thoroughly relaxing spot, stylish without ever feeling stuffy. The treehouses and falconry are magical for kids of all ages, and equally enchanting for the kid in all of us.
- Prices from £225 for medium rooms and £595 for treehouses.
- Falconry costs £250 up to four guests.
