You know that feeling when you drive up a winding hill, the trees start thinning out, and you realize you’ve basically left the real world behind? That’s the Farncombe Estate. Honestly, the first time you pull up to The Fish Hotel Cotswolds, it doesn't even feel like a hotel in the traditional sense. It feels more like a very posh, very sprawling village that someone accidentally dropped onto a 400-acre Cotswold hillside.
It’s quirky. Really quirky.
Most people head to the Cotswolds looking for that "The Holiday" aesthetic—low ceilings, damp stone, and maybe a fireplace that smells like 1950. The Fish does things differently. It’s "Scandi-meets-Country," which sounds like a marketing buzzword until you’re sitting in a Geodesic dome looking at the stars, or staying in a treehouse that has a copper bathtub on the deck. It’s not trying to be a dusty museum. It’s trying to be fun.
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The Room Situation: Beyond Your Standard Four Walls
Don't expect a long corridor with numbered doors here. The Fish Hotel Cotswolds is fragmented. You’ve got the Stable rooms, the Hideaway Huts, and the genuine showstoppers: the Treehouses.
If you're booking, you have to be specific about what kind of vibe you want because the experience varies wildly depending on where you drop your bags. The Huts are tiny but cozy—think high-end shepherd's huts with underfloor heating. They’re positioned in a way that makes you feel like you’re the only person on the estate, even though there’s probably a family eating scones just three hundred yards away.
Then there are the Treehouses. These aren't the rickety plywood things you had as a kid. We’re talking about massive structures built into the canopy, complete with twin outdoor baths. It’s a bit of a flex, sitting in a hot bath while looking out over the Vale of Evesham. Is it pricey? Yeah. Is it worth it for a milestone anniversary? Probably. The detail in the woodcraft is impressive, and the privacy is unmatched compared to the more communal areas near the Lodge.
For those traveling with dogs—and let’s be real, it’s the Cotswolds, everyone has a dog—The Fish is famously obsessed with them. They have a "Doggie Menu" and a dedicated agility course called "The V.I.Pooch." It’s one of the few places where having a Golden Retriever with you doesn't feel like a logistical nightmare.
Eat, Drink, and the Seafood Question
People always ask: "Is it called The Fish because it only serves fish?"
Short answer: No.
Longer answer: The name actually comes from the medieval monks who used the hill to store their fish in the cool air, but the main restaurant, Hook, does lean heavily into the maritime theme. Chef Martin Burge has put together a menu that feels sophisticated but doesn't require you to wear a tie. It’s "laid-back luxury," which basically means you can eat top-tier Cornish mussels while wearing your muddy Barbour jacket.
The design of Hook is wide open, lots of light, and a massive open kitchen where you can see the chefs sweating over the grill. If you aren't a seafood fan, they usually have a solid dry-aged steak or some kind of miso-glazed aubergine that holds its own.
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The Bar and the "Boot Room"
The bar is the heart of the place. It’s got a massive 360-degree fireplace in the middle. It’s the kind of spot where you end up talking to a stranger about hiking trails while drinking a gin and tonic made with local botanicals.
One thing that genuinely sets this place apart from other Cotswold stays is the Boot Room. It’s a partnership with Muck Boot Company. Basically, you don't need to pack your own heavy, mud-caked boots. You just go to the rack, find your size, and head out onto the trails. It’s a small detail, but it’s one of those things that makes you realize they’ve actually thought about the guest experience instead of just the bottom line.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Location
The Fish is technically in Broadway, which is arguably the "prettiest" village in England. But you aren't in the village. You’re on the Farncombe Estate, which sits high above it.
This is an important distinction.
If you want to walk into Broadway for a pint at the Lygon Arms, it’s a steep walk. Going down is fine. Coming back up after a couple of local ales? Not so much. Most guests end up staying on the estate because there is just so much to do. You’ve got archery, axe throwing (strangely therapeutic), and miles of private trails.
The "Broadway Tower" is just a short hike away. It’s this weird, wonderful Gothic folly built for Lady Coventry in 1798. On a clear day, you can see across sixteen different counties from the top. It’s one of those views that makes you feel very small in a very good way.
Why it Works (And Where it Doesn't)
Nothing is perfect. If you’re looking for a silent, library-like atmosphere where children are seen and not heard, The Fish might annoy you. It’s popular with young families and groups of friends. It can get loud during Sunday lunch.
The "hilly" nature of the site also means you’re going to be doing a lot of walking. Even just getting from your room to breakfast can involve a bit of a trek. They do have a fleet of Land Rovers to shuttle people around, but if you have mobility issues, you definitely need to call ahead and make sure they put you in a room close to the main Lodge.
Real Talk on Pricing
Let’s be honest: the Cotswolds has become wildly expensive. The Fish Hotel Cotswolds isn't a budget stay. However, compared to its sister property down the road, Dormy House, it is significantly more accessible. You’re getting access to the same 400-acre playground for a fraction of the price of the "ultra-luxe" spots nearby.
It hits a sweet spot. It’s premium enough to feel like a treat, but casual enough that you don't feel like you're being judged for having a bit of mud on your jeans.
The Farncombe Connection
Because The Fish is part of the wider Farncombe Estate, you get this weirdly cohesive experience. The estate is family-owned, and you can tell. There’s a level of care in the landscaping and the maintenance of the dry-stone walls that you just don't see at corporate-owned hotel chains.
They also have "The Hill," which is their version of a social hub. They host outdoor cinema nights in the summer and pop-up events that make the whole place feel like a high-end summer camp for adults.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you're actually planning to head down there, don't just wing it. The Cotswolds is a "book in advance" kind of place, especially on weekends.
- Request a "View" Room: Not all rooms have the valley view. If you’re staying in the Stables, ask for something facing the hills rather than the courtyard.
- The Broadway Hike: Take the path from the hotel down into Broadway village. It takes about 25-30 minutes. It’s stunning, but wear the borrowed Muck Boots—the Cotswold clay is no joke and will ruin your white sneakers in seconds.
- Book Hook Early: Even if you're a guest, the restaurant fills up with locals and people staying at other hotels. Don't assume you can just wander in at 7:00 PM on a Saturday.
- Mid-week is King: If you can go on a Tuesday or Wednesday, the price drops significantly and you’ll have the trails to yourself.
- The Screen Room: There’s a tiny private cinema on-site. You can actually book it out. It’s a great shout if the British weather decides to do what it does best (rain).
The Fish represents a shift in British hospitality. It’s moving away from the "stiff upper lip" service of the past and toward something more experimental and relaxed. It’s a place where you can do a gin tasting in the afternoon and then go sit by a fire pit and toast marshmallows.
It’s not trying to be a palace. It’s a hillside retreat that feels genuinely lived-in. Whether you’re there for the design, the dogs, or just to get away from your phone for forty-eight hours, it delivers.
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Your Cotswold Checklist
- Check the weather, but pack for everything anyway.
- Download the estate map on your phone before you arrive; signal can be spotty in the valleys.
- If you're bringing a dog, let them know your breed so they can have the right-sized bed ready.
- Set an alarm for sunset. The way the light hits the honey-colored stone on the estate is why people travel from across the world to see this tiny corner of England.
- Visit the nearby village of Chipping Campden after you check out—it’s less "touristy" than Broadway but just as beautiful.
Next Steps for Your Trip Planning
- Check Availability: Look at the mid-week rates for the Hideaway Huts if you want the best value-to-vibe ratio.
- Map the Route: If you’re driving from London, plan a stop in Burford on the way; it’s the gateway to the Cotswolds and has some of the best bakeries in the region.
- Pack Accordingly: Bring layers. Even in summer, the wind on the Farncombe Estate can get chilly once the sun goes down over the vale.