Why go?
A honey-stoned hideaway in the heart of the Cotswolds where cosy nooks, roaring log fires, and herb-filled gardens make every stay feel quietly indulgent and endlessly charming.
Honeymoon style
A place for honeymooners seeking a wholesome, romantic escape in one of the UK’s most sought-after destinations. Garden lovers, food enthusiasts, and those happy to wander village lanes will feel at home here, with plenty of moments to pause and embrace at a slower pace of life.
Set the scene
The honeyed stone façade of the manor house sets the tone, brimming with heritage charm and understated grandeur. Inside, original wooden floorboards creak softly underfoot, worn flagstones guide you past panelled walls into a powder-pink drawing room where armchairs are grouped – the perfect place to enjoy a slice of homemade cake and tea. Guests drift from the snug, with its roaring log burner, to the fragrant gardens; a mix of creative types, London weekenders and couples quietly relishing the Cotswolds calm.
Outside, the Grade II-listed Arts and Crafts-style gardens, designed by renowned British gardener Rosemary Verey, will take your breath away. Herbs from the kitchen garden, winding pathways and hidden corners spill fragrance into the air and invite exploration. Wellies line the walls to the garden – think morning walks across meadows – while the soft clink of cutlery and faint jazz from the bar create a warm, lived-in atmosphere.
Rooms
The majority of bedrooms are located upstairs, each room individual with buckets of character. Super king-sized beds are soft and inviting, bathrooms feature deep standalone bathtubs and his-and-hers sinks, and every window frames a view of the gardens or village rooftops. Tactile throws and cushions give the rooms a warm and relaxed, lived-in feel.
For honeymooners, the Secret Walled Garden room offers a true hideaway retreat, while Room 1 and Room 6 bring a touch of grandeur, thanks to the spacious proportions and stunning views over the immaculate grounds. There is something memorable in every little detail, from the English wine on arrival to the herbal sleepy tea at turndown.
Food and drink
The Pig Hotels are best known for their 25-mile menus, shaped by a garden-to-plate ethos that feels especially rooted at The Pig in the Cotswolds. Here, abundance is quite literally on the doorstep, with seasonal plates built around foraged treasures and home-grown vegetables from the Kitchen Garden, complemented by English wines, herb-infused cocktails, and local ales.
For an aperitif, the intimate bar, wrapped in floral wallpaper, sets the tone, where bartenders shake up botanical creations from the ‘Home Grown Cocktail’ menu. Dinner unfolds in the pale-green, wood-panelled dining room, where mismatched furniture and generous views of the gardens blur the line between indoors and out. The menu’s ‘caught and cured’ section is a highlight – from smoked trout with beetroot and horseradish to ham hock and parsley terrine – while the signature pork chop with cider sauce arrives as a deeply comforting centrepiece, served with garden greens and all the trimmings.
For a leisurely long lunch, the nearby village pub, also owned by the hotel, is just a short stroll away and the epitome of Cotswolds charm. In colder months, hearty plates can be enjoyed by an open fire. Come summer, couples can dine al fresco in the pretty courtyard garden.
The story
The latest arrival in The Pig’s portfolio settles into the quietly idyllic village of Barnsley, and holds a rich history. Nearby, Arlington Row offers a glimpse into the area’s past, with honeyed cottages dating back to 1380 and standing as a reminder of the region’s once-thriving wool trade. When that industry faded, the landscape was left wonderfully untouched, and at its heart sits Barnsley House. With its mullioned windows and weathered stone, it was once home to the garden designer Rosemary Verey, whose legacy lives on here in the mesmerising gardens, where design and seasonality come together in a quietly timeless style. Among many other creations, Rosemary Verey was perhaps best known for designing the borders at Highgrove.
Family-friendly
Little lovers of the great outdoors will be in heaven here. The walled garden is reminiscent of a Beatrix Potter scene and meadows give children room to explore while parents can enjoy some down-time or a spa visit. Rooms are large and flexible enough to accommodate families without anyone feeling on top of each other.
Spa
At The Pig in the Cotswolds, the brand’s first foray into wellness unfolds with the enchanting Fieldhouse Spa. Tucked along a secret garden pathway, it feels like a discovery, an oasis of calm hidden in plain sight. Couples can drift between the outdoor hydro-pool, steam room and sauna, before retreating to softly curated relaxation spaces that spill out onto a private terrace. Treatments strike that elusive balance between rustic simplicity and indulgence, designed to ground and restore. For the ultimate switch-off, book the 60-minute hot stone massage (which is less of a treatment and more a right of passage) when checking in.
Eco-friendly
Sustainability is at the heart of everything The Pig Hotels do, shaping both their operations and identity. They were among the pioneers of the farm-to-plate ethos in the UK, championing a ‘25-mile menu’ that prioritises locally sourced and homegrown ingredients. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also supports regional producers and celebrates seasonal food, reinforcing their commitment to responsible and community-focused hospitality.
Location
Nestled in the village of Barnsley, the hotel is surrounded by rolling Cotswold hills and picturesque villages. Cirencester, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Bibury are close by. London and regional airports are accessible for a long weekend escape, while the village setting makes you feel a world away from the everyday.
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