Mr & Mrs Smith

We were in one of the later parts of the building – Georgian I think – in a very spacious, high-ceilinged room, the walls covered with period paintings and prints. Just a bit incongruous then to have a load of trashy celebrity magazines laid out for us in the room.  There is a great spa facility. Sitting in the winter rain in the outdoor Jacuzzi right next to a very warm indoor pool is a nice and refreshing experience. It also builds up the appetite which was more than satisfied in the excellent Bess Brasserie, where they offer wine by the 50cl carafe,  so you're not forced to choose between consuming a whole bottle each or the more expensive wine by the glass.

We booked here as the hotel was listed as pet friendly. In the room was a bowl and rug. Also the review stated pets not in any hotel room; the hotel was extremely accommodating as we ate in the courtyard with Maisie for our evening meal and breakfast. Brilliant.

Wonderful spa treatments and some really good offers. Staff at the hotel were friendly and attentive, and food was lovely. Breakfast is very good with a great choice of dishes.

Go during spring, the lambs in the adjoining field are so cute.

There was no evidence of a lift – if you have difficulty with very steep stairs probably best to call them in advance and request one of the two rooms on the ground floor.

We had a great day out going to the the CR Mackintosh house and museum at No 78 Derngate in Northampton in the morning, and then driving to Canons Ashby National Trust in the afternoon. The latter is very close to Fawsley Hall. We enjoyed our stay – be prepared for lots of stairs if your room is on the top floor. Also the door was not easy to close and and lock, without slamming it closed.

The champagne afternoon tea in the Great Hall is definitely worth having. Ours was wonderful, sinking bodies into sumptuous sofas, and teeth into a delightful array of finger sandwiches, dainty cakes, scones, jam and cream was a delicious way to start our 4-day break. We'd booked the latest available time so were also treated to the Great Hall, being prepared for the evening with the open fire and numerous candles lit all beautiful, Mr Smith and I kept returning there for our night caps, whilst baby Smith (12 months) slept. Regardless of how many guests were there, we always found a quiet atmospheric spot to sit and enjoy our drinks and each other’s company. We even talked about using the backgammon set that was tantalizingly left on a nearby table, but never got around to it. Oh and the junior suite in the main house (room 14) is significantly better than those in Knightly Court, most of which don't have baths (not great with a baby). It's certainly worth asking if room 14 is available if you're planning on booking a junior suite.

What a fabulous weekend we had at Fawsley Hall. Upon arrival we were underwhelmed by the reception area and worried that the website's historic sweeping beams and 4 poster beds were all too good to be true. Thankfully, we were then taken to our room via The Great Hall and any initial concerns were instantly allayed. Lush, muted tones adorn this room, and massive sofas with antique coffee tables provide the lavish backdrop for games of Scrabble and Trivial Pursuit to while away the evening. This room is simply breathtaking.
We spent the whole of our weekend at the hotel, with its impressive grounds and stately homeliness we were reluctant to venture out. At Equilibrium we ate the finest of meals (I strongly recommend the Goat cheese starter and Scallops main!) and if you ask reception for a DVD player they also provide you with some films. Although describing it as a DVD library may be a slight exaggeration; there were about 20 movies and only a few exceptional.
This hotel is a truly wonderful experience and I'd return in a heartbeat.

During our wonderful and romantic stay at Fawsley Hall, we went out for a long walk, and happened upon the Windmill at Badby, which was handy as we had worked up a bit of a thirst and an appetite. As first impressions count, all I can say is the Windmill met all expectations being a thatched country pub, and our delight continued once we entered as the log fire was roaring away, and it was a bit of a chilly day! We had a drink and decided to have a meal, and we were pleased to see that all tastes/life-styles were catered for on the menu. We can recommend the homemade steak and kidney pie and the spinich and ricotta tortellini...oh, and the homemade apple and rhubarb crumble is a must!

Hotel was wounderful and seithing with history! Staff were wounderful and very helpful. The only thing that blighted the weekend was having to eat in the, pub style resturaunt.The food was average and the Eaton Mess desert was a Mess and very dissapointing. The main resturaunt was fully booked and you could only get Sirloin Steak in the pub style resturaunt. We tried to get fillet but it was not on the menue.
Also please check your bill before leaving as overpayment can happen!

However it is a place to spend long weekends walking the grounds and visit Oxford for lunch,or Blenheim Palace. Maybe just have a swim and relax in the hotel pool & spa. We did it all!

What a location! Absolutely stunning! The hotel was lovely, although I agree with other comments regarding the service, which is well meaning but not as effortless as it could be. We had dinner in the Bistro which was full and atmospheric. On the face of it the menu looks a bit dull, but it more than made up for it in quality. The cinema room was a brilliant end to the evening and comes highly recommended (especially if you are lucky as we were and and up being the only ones using it). A highlight was the Canons Ashby National Trust property which is smaller than its grander neighbours such as Blenheim Palace but very interesting and full of country house charm.

For any Miss Smiths out there... We visited last weekend for a wedding and the hotel was breathtakingly beautiful and perfect for a winter wedding – especially with a dusting of snow everywhere. Our friends used the Georgian Knightley Court. This is a great self-contained venue in the grounds, which felt exclusive despite the Main House having other guests. The room we stayed in was lovely (with an exceptionally comfortable bed) and the breakfast was very tasty. I do agree though that the service, although very friendly, can be rather on the slow side, but the place was otherwise really great.

I have to agree with the previous comment that the service was a little poor at Fawsley Hall – very slow indeed. My partner went to the bar to order drinks and was told to sit down as a waiter would come over. We then waited at least 15 minutes before giving up and going back to the bar! The bistro was pretty much empty and the menu a bit uninspiring. Shame, as the hotel is in every other way completely beautiful, with a lovely setting. 

Fawsley Hall is set in beautiful grounds. Our room had a lovely four-poster bed and we made use of the excellent spa facilities. We had lunch and high-tea at the hotel which was really good - even if the service was a little poor. We went white-water rafting in Northamptonshire which was a great way to earn a massage and The Windmill pub on Main Street (+44 (0)1327 702363), in the closest village, Badby, does an excellent pub lunch. Make sure you sneak a peak at the Fawsley chapel in the grounds. It's like stepping into an episode of Who Do You Think You Are?

Whilst on our recent stay at Fawsley Hall we found the fantastic Granary Tea Room (+44(0)1327 361730), a 10-minute walk from the hotel. It's located just a few mins before Fawsley hall on the approach road. As well as being a small conference centre, they also serve lunch and cream teas. Food is locally sourced, staff are very friendly and the view from the patio is of the open countryside. We opted for a platter of mackerel pâté, local cheese, hand-carved ham, fresh homemade bread, local pork pie and yummy chutney – only £15, for a very large platter for two people. They also serve sandwiches, salads and soups. It certainly set us up for our walk to the nearby village for a quick pint in the Windmill Inn.

The countryside surrounding Fawsley Hall is beautiful. We walked from the hotel to Fawsley Church and spent a lovely time watching sheep and their lambs from the daffodil-filled graveyard, it was very peaceful and a great place to get away from it all. We then walked the Knightley Way to the village of Badby. The walk got our hearts beating just enough to feel we had earned the delicious pub meal at the Windmill Inn (I can recommend the home-made pate), where we sat outside in the sunshine (in March!). I think this walk would be fantastic in May/June when all the bluebells are out and I am tempted to return just to see how beautiful it will be. In the afternoon we drove to Bicester Village. Well worth a visit if you have time. The choice of shops is great and the discounts are fantastic. Approximately 40 mins from Fawsley Hall.

When we visited Fawsley Hall we were advised to do the Knightley Way walk which was fantastic. We collected a walking guide from reception and followed the map, which took us across beautiful countryside until we reached the village of Badby where there was a great little pub called The Windmill serving real ales, pub grub and a roaring fire. Perfect for a Saturday afternoon. The walk is approx 45 minutes each way. Beware though, during winter months it is muddy – wellies are advised!

Highly recommend taking a one hour shooting lesson with Honesberie Shooting, which the hotel can organise. We did this (just us and our shooting teacher) and had a brilliant hour clay-pigeon shooting. Beautiful setting, excellent teaching from beginner to advanced. Wonderful fun.