My husband and I love a UK staycation, especially when we get to take cute Falcon along for some family time, and he actually found The Fish Hotel via PetsPyjamas, which are basically our pet concierge and over the years have found us some amazing dog friendly places to stay, and Falcon always appreciate the extra little treats they send and what the hotel leaves for him.
What stood out for us on booking is how much access Falcon would have across the estate, he could eat with us, relax with us, as well as play in the forest and fields surround the country bolthole, as well as being a beautiful yet relaxing place for us to unwind to just enjoy taking it easy for a few days with stunning panoramic views.
The Fish Hotel’s Amazing Location
I’ve been wanting to stay in the Cotswolds for a while and what makes The Fish Hotel a great place is its location, especially when you are travel with a dog, as the country hotel is nestled in the private four-hundred-acre Farncombe Estate, which means there is plenty to keep your canine friend entertained.
Plus, the hotel has an incredible Boot Room, sponsored by The Muck Boot Company, which has everything you will need – wellie boots, rain macs, as well as a selection of maps for some great local walks, and a shower to wash down your dog, as a mucky dog is always a happier dog, right!
We did a number of the walks, my favourite was the 45 minute walk to the cute high street of Broadway Village that took us through the estate, woods and local countryside. This village is also super dog friendly lots of the shops and cafes will let you go with your pooch. I would total recommend the Broadway Deli, not only is this place Instagram cute, it has a yummy menu utilising local food.
Back on the estate, there is also a dog agility course, but Falcon preferred watching me run around it like a loon, he was more impressed with sniffing out rabbits!
The hotel is also a great base to explore the many adorable villages of North Cotswolds, with the famous B’s of Burford, Bidbury, Broadway, and Bourton-on-the-Water not far away. I would also recommend Lower Slaughter and Stow on the Wold – but I have a whole blog coming on the cutest villages to visit.
Our Medium Room at The Fish Hotel
There are a number of dog-friendly rooms at The Fish Hotel, ranging from eight medium rooms, one Veranda room, one small suite, one big suite and one Treehouse for £30 a dog a stay, or free if you book with PetsPyjamas. However, these get booked up very quickly, and we were sadly in the last medium room, located in The Stables, which I have to be honest was a little on the small side, especially for the price, and if we were to return I would love a large suite with a wood-burning stove or a private patio, or even the tree house as they do look amazing.
The Scandi-style room was comfortable enough, if not a little noisy, it seemed like all the dogs had been grouped together and next doors barked a lot. It had all the mod-cons, like a TV, Nespresso coffee machine, comfortable king size bed, and small but nice shower over a bath, what it didn’t have was any character, it could have been anywhere, not a luxury country retreat in the Cotswolds.
Coming without a dog, check out the adorable Hilly Huts, which have under floor heating, en suite bathrooms, and a lounge area with a sofa and wood burner, and some even have their own private hot tubs and Boaty McBoatface comes with its own boat to float around the very tiny pond.
Eating at The Fish Hotel
What we always look for in a dog friendly hotel is whether we can dine with Falcon by our side, we don’t ever like the idea of leaving him in the room, and at The Fish Hotel your four legged pals can eat with you at the laid-back lounge-like bar with its instagram-worthy interiors and incredible 360º fireplaces, which is so cosy to sit next to after a long walk, with a hot chocolate and a good book.
The bar menu had things like fish and chips, beef burgers and curry, which were all delicious, as well as pizza, which you can also order as room service. If you are planning on eating in the bar and have a dog, reserve a table and specify where, we like somewhere a little quieter so Falcon will actually stay calm, he does attract a lot of attention with those Bowie eyes!
The hotel also has a seafood restaurant, Hook headed by Chef Martin Burge, which has a gorgeous luxurious laid-back natural inspired interior. This place is a gaustro feast, if you love seafood you will love it, and if like me you love a great dessert you will be in heaven. Don’t worry dog owners, you might not be able to dine in the luxurious setting of the restaurant but you can still order off the menu in the bar.
For breakfast, which is always an important factor for me on whether I’ve actually enjoyed a hotel, is great – tons on offer including a full breakfast and a Continental buffet, with porridge, cereals, fruit, pastries and cooked-to-order eggs, as well as toast brought to your table, along with teas and coffees. For dog owners this is served in the bar and ask nicely and the staff will bring you a sausage for your dog.
How Dog Friendly is The Fish Hotel?
While our medium room might have felt a little small for a three night break, what I did love about staying at The Fish Hotel was how dog friendly it was, from its ‘dunk your dog’ wash tub with luxury doggie shampoo and warm water, to its many hydration stations dotted around, and its wonderful little gift pack for Falcon that included a ball and treats, as well a very comfortable bed, towel and bowls waiting for us in our room.
To be fair to The Fish Hotel there wasn’t many places dogs weren’t allowed, except the Hook and one of the lounges, Falcon could go everywhere with us, which was really nice, and every time a member of staff saw him he got lots of love and treats, so he was very spoilt.
For me, what really won me over was the gorgeous rural location, the thoughtful maps that the hotel had created, as well as the amazing staff. I would love to visit again, but only in a larger room. I would also like to make time to enjoy the afternoon tea as they even do a special doggie version and I am sure that Falcon would love that.
Have you been looking for a dog friendly hotel in the Cotswolds? As The Fish Hotel on the 400-acre Farncombe Estate might be for you!
The Fish Hotel, Farncombe Estate, Broadway, WR12 7LH
