Easy Escapes: The Fish Hotel, the Cotswolds

This estate hotel is as enchanting as they come...

Looking for a charming hotel set in the rolling hills of the Cotswolds? Stick The Fish Hotel at the top of your wish list, says Lisa Oxenham, as she embraces her country-girl roots.

Why go?

This estate hotel is as enchanting as they come, with super-chic rooms and quirky pied-à-terre retreats set on 400 acres of hilly woodland. Perfect for those who enjoy a ramble through vast expanses of countryside with glorious views and cosy evenings around the fire.

You come to The Fish to zone out and escape the digital world, soak up the country air and gather your thoughts.

Must do

If you feel sporty on weekend retreats there is a modest fitness suite, a serene yoga studio and archery. But when you are in grounds this stunning, it’s all about lacing up your trainers for a very scenic jog or borrowing a pair of wellies and roaming the fields. After just 45 minutes, you’ll end up on the High Street of Broadway village with its boutiques, antiques shops and cafes.

As the evening rolls in, most punters get back from their walk and make a beeline for the fireplace, kick off their boots and rest their feet by the fire or huddle up outside with a hot chocolate to take in the after-dark illuminations – trees strung with fairy-lights.

Accommodation

We love the Shepherds Huts – pretty grey caravans with private balconies, cosy living rooms and hot tubs for two. They are the perfect romantic setting in both summer and beneath winter skies.

The Treehouses with rope bridges feel like they’re fresh out of a fairy tale; atmospherically set in the woods, they feature a dash of minimal Scandi design inside and cosy heated floors. On a clear day you can see as far as Wales. The rooms in the Outhouse, Coach House, The Farmhouse and The Stables are large and homely (the same can be said of the beds!)

Hotel restaurant

First class service, delightful cuisine and an unbeatable location. Not only is the restaurant set amidst the trees, but it boasts an Insta-friendly, au naturel-inspired interior designed by Hannah Lohan.

Dinner is a smörgåsbord of traditional British favourites in good-sized portions. Don’t miss the traditional style breakfasts or the Sunday roasts with all the trimmings.

What to pack

The Cotswolds' rainy reputation makes a waterproof, sturdy umbrella and a pair of boots savvy suitcase additions.

Worth a note

You have to be nimble to get to the The Forest Huts, but the public areas are wheelchair accessible and some rooms have been adapted for wheelchair users. Children are catered to – in fact, they’ll lap up the quirky accommodation and there are cots and babysitting available on request. Some of the hotel rooms are dog-friendly, but check availability before booking.

Dress code

Be prepared for excursions and do what the country folk do: layer knitwear and outdoorsy coats that you can casually shed. A Barbour can be costly, but well cared for it can last a lifetime so is worth the investment.

Don’t worry about packing your wellies as the hotel has a whole selection available. And with that you'll just about be prepared.

Travel

If you're coming from London, hop on the train at Paddington and jump off at Moreton-in-Marsh 90 minutes later. Get a 15- minute taxi to the hotel. Voilà.

To book

Rooms start at £120 a night. For reservations and general enquiries, email reservations@thefishhotel.co.uk or call 01386 897855.

The Fish Hotel, Farncombe Estate, Broadway, Worcestershire, WR12 7LH