09-05-2025
Hotel Review: The Pig, Cotswolds
Pull up to the 17th century honey-hued manor house, push open the heavy wooden door and you're immediately enveloped into The Pig's world. Friendly staff greet you while you drink in the quirky interior design.
Previously called Barnsley House, this is the latest hotel to be co-opted into The Pig family. And they have made clever use of the building's grand proportions, beautiful gardens, and excellent location to create a dreamy mini-break destination.
Rooms and facilities
The house is grand, so the rooms are big and furnished with The Pig's trademark mix of comfort and cool. Bedrooms are decorated in flock wallpaper from House Of Hackney, with wood panelling, velvet cushions, wool throws and a mix of brown wood and white painted furniture adding to the eclectic vibe. Full of delightful touches, there are Roberts radios, coffee machines, a pink striped paper bag full of sweets and the fluffiest, whitest towels this reviewer has ever seen.
The bathrooms are equally impressive. Our room (No2) had one the size of a small apartment with on-trend pink sanitary ware, duck egg blue walls and a chaise lounge to recline on.
The real 'wow' rooms are out in the gardens with their own separate lounges and Instagram worthy features like outdoor baths or private terraces.
Spa facilities
This Pig is the only one in the hotel group that offers a true spa experience. Head to 'The Fieldhouse' and you'll find thermal facilities (large outdoor hydrotherapy pool and indoor steam and sauna rooms). You can unwind in the indoor relaxation room or by the outdoor fire and seating area. Both have views out over rolling countryside.
Treatments use Tribe517 products - created in the Welsh aountryside - and take place in rooms that have a rustic look but are ultra comfortable. I had a therapist called Lily who was excellent.
Food & drink
The Bar is cosy and cool with plush green velvet chairs, worn leather banquettes and a full cocktail menu with drinks utilising local spirits and beers. (My personal favourite is The Barnsley Spritz with Sapling gin, Campari, orange bitters and soda.) If you fancy drinking al fresco, you can sip yours on the sunny terrace under a parasol.
Dinner in the restaurant uses fresh, local food with much of it grown in the hotel's garden. It's a relaxed affair. Breakfast features a groaning buffet table with lots of healthy and homemade offerings like rhubarb compote and granola. Shots of apple cider vinegar await healthy types. Oh, and there's very good people watching.
Hotel highlights
The beautiful Arts and Crafts style garden was originally designed by horticultural legend Rosemary Verney. It feels relaxed, inviting and inspirational with an abundance of plants, ponds, covered walk ways and a big bronze pig.
Who is it for?
Romantic mini breaks, long languorous girl's lunches, and a great summer staycation.
What to do nearby
Visit the aptly named The Village Pub which is only a few minute's walk away. Stroll around beauty village of Barnsley or go a little further afield to buzzing Cotswolds towns Burford, Bourton-On-The-Water and Bibury. The garden centre at Burford is well worth a visit.
Drawbacks
You need to book to use the steam, sauna and hydrotherapy pool facilities even if you are a hotel guest.
