Hyll Hotel review, Cotswolds

Arriving on a dazzling sunny autumn day, Hyll Hotel was in all its glory, cobalt blue skies reflecting on the stunning Cotswolds stone honey exterior set within 60 acres of meadow, woodland and view-filled hills. The main house is Grade II-listed, with adjoining former outbuildings. Named after the old English word for an “elevated position”, the Hyll has views across the Cotswolds.

 

The vibe has an irresistible combination of rustic country house and Scandinavian minimalism, perfectly encapsulating the concept of “hygge”. The interiors have been designed by Manchester-based Youth Studio, who have taken inspiration from Antwerp design houses. 

 

They have skilfully created a contemporary, uncluttered and cosy space with stylish furnishings in a neutral colour palette. Local artists have work displayed on the walls. There is ambient background music and the relaxation spaces have huge stylish sofas with piles of cushions which almost beg you to sink into them and curl up, read a book with a cafeteria of fresh coffee, a cup of tea or something stronger (or even nod off for a snooze if you fancy).

Hyll smells divine – the creative team has created a signature scent through Verden that lingers deliciously in the air through diffusers and filters. 

 

Co-owner Paul Baker feels like the custodian of the Hyll’s future. He muses, “There’s been a lot of work to do here over the last two years; she needed some love and attention, which is what we’ve given her”.

 

And this element of extra care was apparent throughout my stay. Staff at the Hyll were attentive, unobtrusive and friendly. There is a family feel to the Hyll, which is unusual in such a high-end new venture. 

 

Individuals or couples looking for a relaxing escape.

 

 

There are 26 rooms, including eight bedrooms in the main manor house, alongside lounges, a restaurant, a snug and a bar. The adjoining former outbuildings feature a further four suites and 14 contemporary-designed rooms overlooking the courtyard.

I was happy to retreat and relax in my fabulous scandi-influenced contemporary room, uncluttered and diffused in muted grey tones, which boasted its own lounge area piled with cushions, a stunning en suite bathroom and best of all, a drawer packed with all my favourite confectionery. Quiet and comfortable, I enjoyed a fabulous night’s sleep.

 

Details make Hyll so special, such as Verden toiletries, a Grind coffee machine, and a retro radio was already tuned in to Classic FM when I walked into the room. Some specially curated meditation sessions were sent to my phone to enjoy in the privacy of my personal space.

 

But a masterstroke was two beautifully put together little Hyll books on my bedside table, one called Do Nothing and the other, Do Something, each offering tips, ideas and illustrations, depending on which mood you are in.

 

As a busy journalist with relentless deadlines, I found the invitation to “Do Nothing” was too tantalising and acted on it without hesitation for the duration of my time at Hyll. The hotel encourages a late check-out, so you can maximise your stay, which fits their ethos of retreat, relax, unwind. I extended my return journey back to London twice before it eventually came time for me to leave.

 

At the heart of Hyll is its restaurant. The hotel has a gem in head chef Mark Coleman. He serves a changing menu built on local produce and an unfussy approach to preparation, as the menu states, much of what’s on at Hyll, is grown or made close by. Vegetables from the Drinkwater’s farm next door, fruit from orchards near Oxford and tomatoes from the glasshouses of Evesham.

Some things come from a little further away, like charcuterie from the legendary Salt Pig in Kingham or the celebrated cheeses of Kingstone Dairy. All are chosen with care, depending on the season and what’s good, states the menu. 

 

My fresh, creamy burrata starter had it all going on, followed by my crisped chicken poussin dish with accompanying delectable greens, which were cooked to perfection with flavours and textures just right. At breakfast, I was delighted to discover that breakfast, a delicious Full English included Old Spot sausage and dry-cured bacon, lived up to all my expectations.

 

There was a wide choice of dishes, including Scotch Woodcock and Buttermilk Pancakes. The menu’s Mark’s Bakery Pastries and Sourdough with artisan jams, marmalade and Hyll honey were equally tempting.

 

The space is so seductive that it is tempting to just sink into a sofa for the duration of a stay, but guests are invited to roam the hotel’s expansive fields and woodlands. In the boot room, you’ll find Private White V.C. jackets available for use during your walks, along with Le Chameau wellies to keep you comfortable on your journey.
 
In the drawing room, shelves are stacked with an eclectic selection of minted new books, courtesy of the in-house literary partner Borzoi in Stow-on-the-Wold, and you are invited to select a complimentary book.
 
They plan to make literature one of the USPs of the hotel. Next week on Thursday, October 30, Hyll Hotel will debut the first edition of its new monthly literary and arts  Supper Club, an evening celebrating culture, creativity and conversation. Before even checking in, you are asked your favourite book genre, and it will be left on your bed. There will be book supper clubs held monthly.
 
However, if you do want to stretch your body with an invigorating walk around the 60-acre estate. There were many minutes lost at dusk watching Red Kites dart across the picture-perfect vista.
 
Looking to the future, Hyll is expanding with the addition of treatment huts in the grounds (near the hotel’s helipad!) and an events barn in 2026, which will serve as a beautiful venue for weddings, performances, and private events.

 

This gorgeous oasis of comfort and calm is located in Charingworth, just outside Chipping Campden in the North Cotswolds. The nearest village, Ebrington, is a 15-minute walk away and a 20-minute drive to the market town of Broadway. It is a perfect spot to explore this idyllic area.  

 

The nearest station is a 15-minute drive to Moreton-in-Marsh, Birmingham airport is 37 miles away from Hyll, Bristol airport is 77 miles away and London Heathrow is 92 miles. 

 

Verdict: From the minute I stepped into Hyll hotel, fragrantly scented with candles, and oozing serenity, I felt my tense, city-stressed shoulders drop, and calmness enveloped me.  I’m sure in a few months it will be completely booked out by word of mouth, but I was one of the lucky ones to be an early guest, and as Simon Cowell would say, it’s a yes from me.