Overview

Families seeking a warm and welcoming stay in the beautiful countryside of Cotswolds will be delighted by The Fish Hotel in Farncombe. This country hotel offers interconnecting family rooms, suites, and tree houses in the forest. Spread over an estate of 500 acres, the hotel serves as an ideal base for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation with plenty of onsite family activities and nearby attractions for day trips.

Activities

Farncombe is an excellent location for those seeking an adventure amidst the breathtaking views of the Cotswolds and surrounding areas. In addition to exploring the magnificent 500-acre estate, children can enjoy various outdoor activities at the Fish Hotel with Farncombe Adventures. These activities are available throughout the week during school holidays. The younger kids (aged 4 to 8) can ride buggies and burn off steam. The older ones (8 years and above) can try archery, while those over 12 can enjoy clay shooting. The entire family can even experience the thrill of hovercraft rides, with 12 years and above being able to pilot and ten years and above being able to ride. Even children from 4 years old can learn the basics of falconry through lessons.

The Fish Hotel also has something to offer for adults, with the onsite Dormy House Spa catering specifically to wellness and relaxation. Experts at the spa provide various experiences catering to the mind, body, and soul. The centre has been designed so guests can indulge in holistic experiences, including crystal sound baths and forest bathing. You can also receive personalized treatments and therapies. All classes and treatments are designed to equip guests with the knowledge and skills necessary to enhance their health and wellness by implementing modest, observable improvements in daily life. It sounds like bliss!

Food

The Fish Hotel’s Lounge is a lively centre with three distinct spaces, each featuring a cosy fireplace and comfortable nooks. Families can gather here for lunch, enjoy a cappuccino during the day, and then have drinks in the evening. The menu offers a variety of items, from delicious pizzas to smaller dishes and nibbles, alongside bubbly beverages for adults. The Lounge opens onto an outside terrace with stunning views, perfect for enjoying the evening.

If you’re staying on a Sunday, book a table at the Hook restaurant in the hotel for a popular Sunday lunch that brings families together. Enjoy roast beef, pork chops, salmon, and seasonal vegetables with Yorkshire pudding and plenty of sauce. Vegetarian options include miso-roasted cauliflower and gnocchi, while seafood lovers can savour cod Kyiv and Cornish mussels.

If you’re up for a four-mile walk, The Bakehouse is a rustic kitchen in a 17th-century cottage in the village of Broadway. They serve homemade food, wines, organic lagers, speciality teas, and artisan coffee using fresh and in-season local produce.

The Swan Inn is another popular destination for locals and tourists who can relax in cosy nooks or on the charming outdoor terrace. The all-day menus offer sandwiches, pizza, fish and chips, and more, with set menus for lunch and children’s menus including roasts, pasta, burgers, and more, each dish guaranteeing one of their five a day. The terrace area is a great place to soak up the ambience of summer concerts and festivals often staged on the village green, and live music nights are guaranteed to keep families entertained.

Accommodation

The larger rooms in the recently refurbished Coach House are perfect for families and furry friends. Inter-connecting rooms are available upon request, and a mix of bright and neutral designs create a blend of modern Scandinavian and cosy country living. Each room features a king or super king-sized bed and has numerous extras, including a Nespresso coffee machine, intelligent T.V. Samsung, free WiFi, and an en suite with Temple Spa toiletries. Bathrobes and a hair dryer are also provided for added comfort.

Also located in the Coach House are the Veranda Rooms. These open-plan, ground-floor suites come with a small outdoor space. Two Veranda Rooms have a large walk-in shower, while two have a shower over the bath. These rooms can be interconnected, making them perfect for families, and one suite is even dog-friendly. All the same features are provided as in the larger rooms.

If you want something unique, why not stay in one of the three treehouses? Set amongst the beautiful forest, each treehouse has a separate room with bunk beds for two children and an open-concept living and bedroom area. Two heated outdoor baths are on the terrace, wrapped around an oak tree. An intercom system allows you to order room service straight to your tub, ensuring ultimate relaxation. Each treehouse also has underfloor heating, so you’ll never be cold. To add to the fun, a rope bridge connects two treehouses. These treehouses are perfect for a family outing or a getaway in the great outdoors.

Nearby

If you’re exploring the beautiful countryside of Farncombe, be sure to visit Broadway Tower & Park. It’s a family-owned destination in the Cotswolds with 200 acres of parkland, offering a fun and inspiring way for families to experience English history. Your ticket will grant you access to the Tower Museum, roof platform, and Deer Park, and you can enjoy a leisurely picnic while exploring the grounds. It’s a truly memorable day out.

If you’re a train enthusiast, you’ll love the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, just a 20-minute drive away. This heritage steam and diesel train ride takes you on a beautiful journey through the Cotswolds, using part of the former Great Western Railway’s main line. Volunteers operate this 28-mile round-trip railway, and you’ll pass by charming villages and get breathtaking views of the Malvern Hills and beyond. It’s a delightful way to experience the charm of the Cotswolds.

The Cotswold Motoring Museum is a must-see for those who love classic cars. It’s just 20 minutes from the Fish Hotel and offers a fascinating journey through time, exploring the history of 20th-century motoring. The collection of rare vehicles and classic memorabilia will give you a nostalgic glimpse into life on the road as it used to be.

The Fish Hotel is ideally located, with plenty to do just a short drive away. Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of Shakespeare, is only 25 minutes away and offers boat trips down the River Avon and the chance to learn about the history of this famous writer. Blenheim Palace is only a 40-minutes away and offers 2,000 acres of land to explore, including stunning formal and pleasure gardens, a butterfly house, and the famous Marlborough Hedge Maze.

Summary

The Fish Hotel at Farncombe Estate offers a cosy retreat for families. The hotel has interconnecting family rooms and tree houses for children. It’s a 500-acre rural hotel surrounded by forests, perfect for exploring the Cotswolds. Onsite activities like hovercraft riding, archery, and falconry keep children entertained. Nearby towns and attractions include a steam railway, a motor museum, and a historic tower.