An ode to my favourite English getaway
Anyone who knows me will know that ordinarily I make a point of not returning to the same place twice. But one place that I hold a very clear exception for is The Pig Hotel group. Since we started visiting these hotels ten years ago we have racked up 8 visits to 7 of their locations and I find it hard to beat for a perfect 24 hour getaway in the English countryside.
Why choose the Pig?
‘Attention to detail’ is the phrase that comes to mind when answering this question. A stay at any of the The Pig hotels is like being wrapped in the most welcoming cuddle. The branding is exquisite and expertly replicated across all locations: from the re-use of the menus in each location to make crafty add-ons (check out the drinks placemats), to the casual-smart service from team members who clearly love working there.
The rooms
Each room at The Pig has its own personality and each location has a wide range of accommodation options. From grand rooms in manor houses with bath tubs at the end of the bed (The Pig Near Bath), to log-burner warmed lodges in the forest (The Pig at Bridge Place) and converted stables (The Pig in the South Downs), there is something for all tastes. Not a single room option will scrimp on soft furnishings, cloud-comfy mattresses or the ‘Larder’, the Pig hotels take on a mini-bar. Their long-term partnership with Bramley also makes bathing a reliably sumptuous affair and on top of that I have never met a Pig waterfall shower I didn’t love.
The food
The concept at the Pig Hotels is truly locally sourced and home-grown. Each Pig has it’s own extensive kitchen garden, the produce of which feature across the breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails menus.
Each also has its own individually designed ’25-mile menu’ where the ingredients are sourced and showcased from local businesses in the area.
For fans and regulars, there are also reliable staples such as the ‘piggy bits’ snacking plates on offer at every location but it’s always so exciting to see how the team interpret the best of what’s on offer in that region. And in terms of how good the food is? On our first ever stay to The Pig near Bath, we cancelled our second night reservation elsewhere to eat in the hotel restaurant again!!
What Else?
Each location offers a circular walking route to explore the local area, which we have always found to be beautiful and note too taxing! In addition, every hotel also has spa treatment rooms, usually in tranquil shepherds huts in the grounds. The new Pig in the Cotswolds, even has spa heat experiences such as a heated outdoor pool, sauna and steam room.
You can also bring the experience home with the most delicious smelling The Pig candle or a variety of kitchen-garden cook books. The candle is perennially on my Christmas List for that ‘hotel at home’ vibe.
Which Pig to choose?
Truthfully you can go to any one of The Pigs in the litter and have a reliably wonderful experience: at each one, the food, cosy-luxe interiors and relaxed but attentive service is a-given. But I often get asked how to choose between them, so here is my mini-guide to each Pig.
The Pig Hotel (New Forest, Hampshire) – for the original experience
Set in the heart of the New Forest, with wild horses roaming, the first ever Pig Hotel will give you the quintessential experience.
The Pig near Bath (Bath, Somerset) – for a city break vibe
A short drive from beautiful Bath, this hotel allows you to explore the best of the city and retreat to the arms of the hotel. Keep an eye out for the resident herd of deer.
The Pig on the Beach (Studland, Dorset) – for a beachy break
Within walking distance of Old Harry Rocks, this spot takes in the very best Jurassic Coast views. The seafood on the menu is a reason to stay alone.
The Pig at Combe (Mendip Hills, Devon) – for rolling hills and stunning walks
In the middle of the Devon countryside, this spot says come and stay a while – the world can wait. With a second on-site restaurant at The Folly this really is a place to switch off and not leave.
The Pig at Bridge Place (Canterbury, Kent) – for party manor turned woodland retreat
An old party haunt of bands such as The Rolling Stones, this places carries real energy. Grab a lodge in the woodlands and light your log burner in winter or sit on your veranda in Spring listening to only the birds.
The Pig in the Wall (Southampton, Hampshire) – for a city centre stop over
A slightly different take on The Pig concept, this stop has no grounds but offers a stylish option for Southampton Stopovers… maybe for those who are pre-cruise!
The Pig in the South Downs (South Downs, West Sussex) – for wine lovers
With it’s own vineyard, that supplies the other hotels, this Pig is unique. It has a plethora of accommodation options and is dog-friendly.
The Pig at Harlyn Bay (Harlyn Bay, Cornwall) – for wild scenery (and lobsters!)
Set on the wild coast of Cornwall, this hotel offers a cosy haven in Winter and an outdoor feast in the summer with its Lobster Shack restaurant.
The Pig in the Cotswolds (Cirencester, Cotswolds) – for a spa break
The only Pig (so far) to offer a full spa experience with a thermal outdoor pool, sauna and steam room. That’s not the only reason to go as it is nestled in between bucolic Bibury and trendy Chipping Camden. Grab lunch at The Pig and the Village Pub, across the road.
LOOK OUT for two new openings coming in 2025 the first in Stratford Upon Avon and the second in Tunbridge Wells.
Top Tip
Frequently the Pig Hotels will run a mid-week offer for a discounted room rate including breakfast and a meal in the restaurant. Meals are not normally included in the price so this is a really good way to bag a deal. These deals will very often drop straight into the inbox so it is worth
I expect it’s clear by now that I cannot fault this hotel brand, and with new openings in the pipeline we will hopefully visiting for many years to come.
That Holiday Mum x