It’s about four miles outside of Cirencester. You’ve probably seen the pictures—the honey-coloured stone, the wisteria that looks like it was painted on, and those gardens that basically redefined English horticulture in the 80s. But honestly, Barnsley House Cirencester is currently going through its most significant identity shift since Rosemary Verey first picked up a trowel here in the 1950s.
If you’re planning a trip to the Cotswolds in 2026, you aren’t just visiting a hotel; you’re stepping into the newest chapter of THE PIG group’s takeover. They’ve rebranded it as THE PIG-in the Cotswolds, and it’s a big deal for anyone who cares about where they sleep.
The Rosemary Verey Legacy (And Why It’s Not Just for Garden Nerds)
Most people know Barnsley House because of Rosemary Verey. She was a legend. We’re talking about a woman who advised King Charles III (back when he was Prince of Wales) on his Highgrove gardens and supposedly gave Elton John some pointers, too. She lived here from 1939 until 2001, and the four acres she left behind are arguably the most influential private gardens in England.
The famous Laburnum Walk is the one everyone wants to see. It’s an archway of yellow flowers that looks like something out of a dream in late spring. But there’s also the Knot Garden and the "Potager"—which is just a fancy French way of saying a very organized, very pretty vegetable garden.
- The Temple: It’s a Neo-classical stone structure brought here stone by stone from Fairford Park.
- The Style: Verey mixed formal structure with "luxuriant" (read: slightly wild) planting.
- The Status: It’s Grade II listed, meaning they can’t just go in and pave over it.
The gardeners today, some of whom worked with Verey herself, are still using horse manure from ex-champion jockey Willie Carson’s local stud. That’s the level of detail we’re talking about.
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What Actually Changed with THE PIG Takeover?
In early 2024, the property was bought by THE PIG group. This was a massive shift. Before, Barnsley House was a bit more "white tablecloth" and formal. Now? It’s lean, green, and much more relaxed.
The hotel reopened in late 2024 after a sensitive refurbishment. They didn't gut the place—thankfully. Instead, they leaned into that "lived-in" luxury they're known for. You’ll find 24 bedrooms now, scattered across the main house and some garden buildings. They’ve kept the roll-top baths (some even look out over the gardens), but the vibe is less "museum" and more "wealthy friend's country pile."
The Food: The 25-Mile Rule
THE PIG has one rule that they actually stick to: if they can't grow it in the garden, they source it from within 25 miles. Basically, the menu changes based on what the head gardener and the chef find that morning.
You’re eating what’s in season right now. In the summer, that means heritage tomatoes and fresh herbs. In the winter? Root veg and hearty local meats. They even took over The Village Pub across the road. It’s their first-ever pub, and it serves "proper" British classics. No foams, no tiny portions—just good ale and local pies.
The Fieldhouse Spa: A Different Kind of Relaxation
Most Cotswold spas are buried in basements. Not this one. The spa at Barnsley House Cirencester is tucked into the trees. It’s called the Fieldhouse Spa now.
It’s got:
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- A hydrotherapy pool that's outdoors (yes, even when it's chilly).
- A sauna and steam room with views of the meadows.
- Treatment rooms that feel more like garden sheds than clinical offices.
They use natural products, and the whole point is that you feel like you’re in the middle of a field, not a medical facility. It’s open to non-residents too, which is a nice touch if you’re just staying nearby in Cirencester.
Getting There and Staying There
It's easy. If you're coming from London, the train from Paddington to Kemble takes about an hour and 20 minutes. From there, it's a quick taxi ride.
If you're driving, it's roughly 90 miles from London. Once you're in Barnsley, you're pretty much equidistant from Cirencester and Bibury. Cirencester is great for the Corinium Museum and the Roman history, while Bibury is... well, it’s Bibury. It's beautiful, but it's usually packed with tourists. Barnsley feels like the quiet, sophisticated cousin who knows where the good wine is hidden.
Is it worth the price?
Look, it's not cheap. Rooms can go from £250 to well over £600 depending on the season and the suite. But you're paying for the garden access and that specific "Pig" atmosphere. It’s one of the few places where the staff doesn't wear ties and you can actually put your feet up on the furniture without feeling like you're committing a crime.
Surprising Details Most People Miss
- Ancient Ridges: The land in the kitchen garden still shows "ridge and furrow" patterns from Saxon times. It actually helps with the drainage.
- The Cinema: There’s a private cinema room in the house. It’s small, cozy, and perfect for a rainy Cotswold afternoon.
- No Kids at Dinner: They usually have a policy about young kids in the main restaurant during breakfast and dinner to keep things quiet. If you have the whole family, The Village Pub across the road is where you want to be.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to experience Barnsley House Cirencester without the £500 price tag, book a table for lunch at the restaurant. It gives you a chance to walk the gardens—which are technically only for guests—without needing to stay overnight.
Pro tip: Visit in late May for the Laburnum Walk or early October for the autumn colours in the potager. Also, if you’re staying, ask for a room with a "garden view"—it sounds obvious, but some rooms face the courtyard, and you really want to wake up looking at those Verey-designed borders.
Check the official website for THE PIG-in the Cotswolds for mid-week deals, as they often drop prices slightly during the "off" months of January and February when the gardens are in their structural, skeletal beauty.