The Cotswolds have always been my favourite place to retreat to when the hustle and bustle of London life gets a bit too much. As someone permanently scared by an ex-boyfriend telling me a 2-star hotel is fine on holiday, since “it’s just somewhere to lay your head,” luxury hotels are very important to me. My mother always loved to be surrounded by beautiful things and would always say if the hotel was not more amazing than her house, she wasn’t leaving. She made a great point and firmly cemented my love for glorious places to stay.

This is why I chose The Fish. Wonderfully quaint and perched high above the village of Broadway on the spectacular 500-acre Farncombe Estate in the Cotswolds, this distinctive retreat has earned a reputation as one of the region’s most unique places to stay. After a substantial £4 million transformation, The Fish has become a stylish destination where Scandi-country chic interiors sit effortlessly alongside rolling hills, woodland trails, and some of the Cotswolds’ finest views.

My wife Sam, our toddler Xavier and I spent a night at The Fish in late August, and from the moment we minced in, it felt like the perfect countryside getaway.

Unlike many traditional country house hotels, The Fish has a playful, individual character. Set across a collection of beautifully restored Cotswold stone buildings including The Coach House, The Stables and The Outhouse, the hotel feels intimate and relaxed while still delivering an experience that feels like pure escapism. Beyond the main buildings are the property’s celebrated Hideaway Huts, Hilly Huts and Treehouses, all thoughtfully designed to immerse guests in the surrounding landscape.

What immediately stood out when we arrived were the bountiful apple and pear trees lining the pretty garden walkway to the entrance of the hotel. We marvelled at the cozy sophistication of the interiors and the warmth of our welcome by the kind staff.

Natural timbers, soft textures, warm lighting and muted earthy tones create spaces that feel effortlessly elegant. Every corner has clearly been considered, from the inviting lounges and reception areas to the carefully curated decorative touches that make the hotel feel both luxurious and wholesome.

Our room was equally impressive. Spacious, beautifully furnished and joyously comfortable, it embodied the hotel’s understated style. Large windows framed the surrounding countryside while the décor combined modern design sensibilities with cosy touches that encouraged relaxation from the moment we unpacked. Travelling with a toddler can cause quite a few conundrums and sleeping issues, but everything was perfect for our family stay. From the extra large bed for cosleeping in comfort, to the little crib if we needed it and the enticing bathroom complete with an ample tub and powerful separate shower.

The grounds themselves are undoubtedly one of the hotel’s greatest assets. The Farncombe Estate offers a remarkable sense of space and tranquillity. Early evening strolls reveal sweeping views across the Cotswold countryside, while winding woodland paths encourage exploration and adventure. Xavier delighted in discovering nature along the trails, while Sam and I appreciated the opportunity to slow down and enjoy the fresh country air.

The estate’s extensive range of activities adds another layer of appeal. Guests can choose from archery, axe throwing, clay shooting and falconry, or simply spend time wandering the beautiful landscape. I personally, mainly go to places to eat all the foods. And The Fish did not disappoint here.

As memorable as the shamelessly scenic setting was, dinner proved to be the highlight of our stay.

The restaurant was bathed in lots of beautiful natural light and had that inviting sense of being somewhere familiar and comforting. The soul-reviving scent of pie wafted towards our table as we gazed out towards the emerald green trees and reminded us why we love holidaying in the British countryside.

To begin, I chose the mussels cooked in a white wine, cream and parsley sauce. They were exceptional. The mussels themselves were plump and fresh, while the sauce struck a perfect balance between richness and delicacy. Every element felt carefully judged, creating a dish that was both comforting and refined. Dipping our crispy fries into the silky sauce at the end was so sublime, it felt somewhat illegal.

For the main course, I opted for the ribeye steak served with triple-cooked tallow-fried chips, shallot salad and Béarnaise sauce. It was outstanding. My toddler tried to steal most of it, which is always a sign the food is exceptional. The steak arrived beautifully cooked, perfectly marbled with fat, deeply flavoursome and expertly rested. The tallow-fried chips were among the best I’ve tasted, crisp on the outside, fluffy within and packed with savoury, Unami-rich depth. The sharpness of the shallot salad cut through the richness perfectly, while the silky Béarnaise sauce brought the dish together with classic French elegance.

Dessert was no less impressive. The chocolate fondant, paired with raspberry sorbet, delivered exactly the contrast I hoped for: a rich, molten centre balanced by the bright acidity of the fruit. Equally memorable was the sticky toffee pudding served with a banana ice cream. The pudding was indulgent without being heavy, while the banana ice cream added an inventive twist that elevated a much-loved British classic. Both desserts were somewhat otherworldly and had us rolling back to our room with smiles on our faces.

By the time breakfast arrived the following morning, we found ourselves wishing we had booked a longer stay. Crisp pastries, fresh fruit platters, and cheeses galore were just to start before we feasted on full English breakfasts and a cheese-adorned smoked kipper that paid homage to the hotel’s sprightly name.

There was even a “Tiddlers” breakfast for mini humans with cute breakfast dishes like a mini full English and dippy eggs and soldiers – Xavier’s firm favourite.

The Fish Hotel just works because it offers more than simply accommodation. It delivers an experience that combines sassy design, divine dining, the fabulous English countryside, and the chance to take a break from all the strains and stresses in your life.

Our late summer visit may have lasted only one night, but it left a lasting impression. The Fish Hotel is exactly the kind of place that reminds you why the Cotswolds remain one of Britain’s most beloved destinations – especially for Londoners like us who try to avoid driving for too long with an excitable toddler in tow. For anyone seeking a home away from home that is slightly nicer than their home, you may be on to a winner here.