Surrey


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where"><strong>WHAT? WHERE?</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="720" height="480" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/11/Barnett-Hill_girl-with-suitcase-720x480.jpg" alt="Barnett Hill, Guildford, Surrey" class="wp-image-36652" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/11/Barnett-Hill_girl-with-suitcase-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/11/Barnett-Hill_girl-with-suitcase-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/11/Barnett-Hill_girl-with-suitcase-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/11/Barnett-Hill_girl-with-suitcase-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/11/Barnett-Hill_girl-with-suitcase-787x525.jpg 787w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2021/11/Barnett-Hill_girl-with-suitcase.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></figure>



<p>Idyllically tucked away in the Surrey Hills just a few miles from Guildford and yet seemingly miles from anywhere, Barnett Hill is a luxury four-star hotel that&#8217;s perfectly positioned for a country escape.</p>



<p>The Queen Anne mansion &#8211; once home to Frank Cook, the grandson of travel tycoon Thomas Cook &#8211; is on a 26-acre estate, with a mix of formal gardens and woods.</p>



<p>There&#8217;s a restaurant and spa, and the hotel is a popular spot for afternoon tea &#8211; particularly in the summer when tea can be taken in the gardens or on one of the sunny terraces. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>THE VIBE</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="720" height="480" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/10/Barnett-Hill-2021-84-720x480.jpg" alt="Interiors styling at Barnett Hill, near Guildford, Surrey" class="wp-image-37431" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/10/Barnett-Hill-2021-84-720x480.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/10/Barnett-Hill-2021-84-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/10/Barnett-Hill-2021-84-150x100.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/10/Barnett-Hill-2021-84-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/10/Barnett-Hill-2021-84-787x525.jpg 787w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/10/Barnett-Hill-2021-84.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></figure>



<p>The Grade II-listed mansion was built in 1905 &#8211; a handsome red brick house with steep-pitch roofs and elegant dormer windows. Inside the styling is elaborate but also cool and contemporary. </p>



<p>All the hallmarks of a classic luxury hotel are here, but without any of the stiffness. Children are welcome, as are dogs. It&#8217;s rare a day goes by that one pooch or another isn&#8217;t seen in the bar or gardens. </p>



<p>The checkerboard floor and grand dome ceiling in the main entrance create a striking entry, offset with plenty of greenery.</p>



<p>The Oak Room Restaurant gives it all away in the name. The walls are lined with gleaming oak panels, and a stone fireplace creates a grand centrepiece. Next door is the 1905 Bar – named for the year the mansion was built – with a sleek polished-stone bar down one side. It’s well-stocked with a great selection of local artisan gins. Both rooms lead out to the terrace which look out over the formal gardens to the woodlands beyond.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/08/Barnett-Hill_64.jpeg" alt="The Oak Room Restaurant at Barnett Hill, near Guildford, Surrey" class="wp-image-27550" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/08/Barnett-Hill_64.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/08/Barnett-Hill_64-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/08/Barnett-Hill_64-720x480.jpeg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/08/Barnett-Hill_64-150x100.jpeg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2020/08/Barnett-Hill_64-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The Oak Room Restaurant is open for breakfast (7-9.30am), lunch (12noon-2.45pm) and dinner (6-9pm) every day with menus that focus on seasonal food that where possible is sourced from the Surrey Hills. The food is excellent, and the service attentive and friendly.&nbsp;</p>



<p>A set menu &#8211; with options for two-courses (£28.50) or three (£33.50) &#8211; is available for lunch and dinner Monday to Thursday. There&#8217;s also an a la carte menu, and as I stayed on Friday we ordered from this.</p>



<p>You can nibble on mixed marinated olives, a selection of warm breads and smokehouse nuts. But we dived straight into the selection of six starters. Choices included Hampshire stream trout, beetroot salad, field and forest mushrooms and duck liver parfait. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-AE-344.jpeg" alt="Food at Barnett Hill, near Guildford, Surrey" class="wp-image-46927" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-AE-344.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-AE-344-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-AE-344-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-AE-344-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-AE-344-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-AE-344-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>I went for the Oak Hall prawn cocktail &#8211; a retro combination of prawns, crayfish, avocado mousse, caviar and a bloody mary sauce &#8211; and damn fine it was too, fresh and flavoursome, and ever-so-pretty on the plate. My OH went for the soup of the day &#8211; pea veloute &#8211; which stole the show. It was silky smooth, light and ridiculously delicious. It took all my self-control not to wrestle it off him and drink the lot myself. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-AE-357.jpeg" alt="Food at Barnett Hill, near Guildford, Surrey" class="wp-image-46928" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-AE-357.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-AE-357-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-AE-357-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-AE-357-400x267.jpeg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-AE-357-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-AE-357-788x525.jpeg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>For mains, I chose the pan roasted salmon with shellfish bisque, sea vegetables, baby potatoes sorell and lemon oil. He chose the Surrey Hills rump of lamb with dauphinoise potatoes, broccoli, roasted carrots and a red wine and rosemary jus. Both were gorgeously presented, perfectly cooked and totally yummy. Other choices included Surrey Hills filet of beef, winter vegetable wellington, roast breast of chicken and sweet potato gnocchi.</p>



<p>The dessert menu is equally as tempting &#8211; we shared a whipped lemon curd with blackberries, créme de mure and shortbread and a biscoff cheesecake. Both were lovely.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>STAY</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-2021-16.jpg" alt="Bedroom at Barnett Hill, near Guildford, Surrey" class="wp-image-46930" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-2021-16.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-2021-16-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-2021-16-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-2021-16-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-2021-16-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>There are 56 bedrooms and suites spread across the Mansion House, Courtyard and Gardener&#8217;s Cottage. Each room is individually styled with luxury as the central theme &#8211; think grand four-poster beds, freestanding bathtubs, luxe velvet furnishings and quirky accessories. Colour schemes range from vivid and contemporary cerise to cool and calming ice grey.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-NEW-15.jpg" alt="A room at Barnett Hill, near Guildford, Surrey" class="wp-image-46929" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-NEW-15.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-NEW-15-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-NEW-15-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-NEW-15-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/04/Barnett-Hill-NEW-15-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>I stayed in the Frank Cook Suite in Barnett Hill&#8217;s Mansion House &#8211; a huge corner room with double aspect views across much of the gardens and woods. There&#8217;s a super-king bed with all the luxury accessories you&#8217;d expect, but the showpiece is the huge freestanding bathtub that sits in the corner with views out two windows. Just be careful as you climb in and out!</p>



<p>In the bathroom, there&#8217;s a walk-in rain shower and luxury toiletries from TempleSpa. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>ANYTHING ELSE</strong></h2>



<p>The Utopia Spa at Barnett Hill offers a range of treatments including manicures and pedicures, massage and facials in one of two treatment rooms. <a href="https://surrey.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/cafes/review-pamper-patisserie-barnett-hill-guildford-surrey/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">I can highly recommend a Swedish massage and afternoon tea</a>. Bliss. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>KID-FRIENDLY?&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/01/Barnett-Hill-Teepee-High-Res-8-wr.jpg" alt="Barnett Hill, near Guildford, Surrey" class="wp-image-44220" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/01/Barnett-Hill-Teepee-High-Res-8-wr.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/01/Barnett-Hill-Teepee-High-Res-8-wr-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/01/Barnett-Hill-Teepee-High-Res-8-wr-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/01/Barnett-Hill-Teepee-High-Res-8-wr-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/01/Barnett-Hill-Teepee-High-Res-8-wr-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/01/Barnett-Hill-Teepee-High-Res-8-wr-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Families are well catered for at Barnett Hill &#8211; and there are some great options that includes The Gate House (sleeps 4) and the Gardener’s Cottage (which sleeps up to 8). There are also family rooms and suites, where children can sleep in super cute teepees (£40 extra per night)</p>



<p>Children will also receive a welcome rucksacks with crafty kits, and they&#8217;re treated to mini-bathrobes for that true hotel experience. During the school holidays, the restaurant and terrace open at 6pm for family dining.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>AND DOGS, TOO?</strong></h2>



<p>There are dog-friendly rooms at Great Fosters and a dog bed plus two bowls are provided for pooch. Dogs are welcome in the bar, on the terraces, in The Hive if it&#8217;s raining. Cost is £40 per stay.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>DISABILITY ACCESS</strong></h2>



<p>The restaurant and bar and amenities are on the ground floor, Barnett Hill has rooms with disabled access. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>OUT &amp; ABOUT</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/03/Watts-Gallery-6-please-credit-Leonie-Maya-Isaac-1000x667.jpg" alt="An exhibition at Watts Gallery, Surrey" class="wp-image-46408" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/03/Watts-Gallery-6-please-credit-Leonie-Maya-Isaac-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/03/Watts-Gallery-6-please-credit-Leonie-Maya-Isaac-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/03/Watts-Gallery-6-please-credit-Leonie-Maya-Isaac-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/03/Watts-Gallery-6-please-credit-Leonie-Maya-Isaac-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/03/Watts-Gallery-6-please-credit-Leonie-Maya-Isaac-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/surrey/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/03/Watts-Gallery-6-please-credit-Leonie-Maya-Isaac.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Watts Gallery is worth a visit. <em>Picture credit: Leonie Maya Isaac</em></figcaption></figure>



<p>Barnett Hill is in the heart of the Surrey Hills with plenty of great walks and cycle routes. The hotel has put together a&nbsp;<a href="https://issuu.com/alexanderhotels4/docs/cycle_guide_single_pages?e=34221756/64400592">guide</a>&nbsp;with well-mapped cycle routes of varying distances and rider abilities.</p>



<p>You&#8217;re also not far from the <a href="https://silentpooldistillers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Silent Pool Gin Distillery</a>, <a href="https://www.denbies.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denbies Wine Estate</a> and some lovely National Trust venues including <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/polesden-lacey" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polesden Lacey</a>, <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/hatchlands-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hatchlands Park</a> and <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/surrey/winkworth-arboretum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Winkworth Arboretum</a>. <a href="https://www.wattsgallery.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watts Gallery</a> is also nearby and well worth a visit.</p>



<p>In Guildford, just a few miles away, there&#8217;s also the <a href="https://www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk/whats-on" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yvonne Arnaud Theatre</a>, <a href="https://glive.co.uk/Online/default.asp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">G Live</a> and the <a href="https://electric.theatre/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Electric Theatre</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>THE MUDDY VERDICT</strong></h2>



<p><strong>Good for:</strong> Romantic weekend, spa retreat with the girls, family getaways, active getaways.</p>



<p><strong>Not for:</strong> Barnet Hill is in the countryside with access via narrow country lanes, so if you&#8217;re after a more urban getaway this isn&#8217;t for you.</p>



<p><strong>The damage:</strong> A Sunday supper and stay is from £199 per room, Dinner B&amp;B with £40 towards dinner is from £239. A two-night stay including £40 per person towards dinner each night, and breakfast, plus a 55 minute treatment starts at £658 in a comfy king. </p>



<p><em><strong>Barnett Hill Hotel, Blackheath Lane, Wonersh, Guildford GU5 0RF&nbsp;</strong></em><a href="https://www.alexanderhotels.co.uk/silent-pool-gin-afternoon-tea-experience/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong><em>alexanderhotels.co.uk</em></strong></a></p>


Review: Barnett Hill, near Guildford

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