A Charming Escape: My Stay at The Bush Hotel in Farnham

Set in the charming town of Farnham, my recent stay at The Bush Hotel felt like the perfect countryside reset. Farnham has a quiet beauty about it, with cobbled streets, historic buildings, and a relaxed pace that makes it ideal for a weekend escape. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours wandering, stopping at independent shops and cafés, all while surrounded by postcard-worthy scenery.

Dating back to 1618, The Bush Hotel is a family-owned hotel full of history and charm. Many of its original features are still in place, which gives it a lot of character, but it’s also been updated in all the right ways to make your stay comfortable. Think cosy spaces, warm interiors, and roaring fires that make it feel instantly welcoming. With 95 individually designed bedrooms, each room has its own unique feel.

The hotel also makes dining easy, with the Garden Restaurant and Oak Lounge open throughout the day. Whether it’s lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea, the menu changes with the seasons and offers something for every mood. In 2023, a newly refurbished event space was introduced, now offering modern conference facilities as well as a beautiful setting for weddings and special occasions.

Location-wise, it couldn’t be more convenient. There are direct train links to London, easy access to the Surrey Hills for walking and cycling, and Farnborough Airport is close by. It’s also well connected to the M3, A3 and A31, making it easy to reach by car. And if you’re travelling with your dog, they’re more than welcome too, which adds to the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

From the moment I arrived, the welcome felt genuine, from reception through to my room. I stayed in a Vintage Garden View Room, which was impressively spacious while still feeling cosy. True to its name, the room overlooked the gardens, and I was lucky enough to catch a bright, sunny afternoon. As the day faded, the sunset across the greenery was a standout moment.

In the room, I was greeted with a plate of fresh fruit and bottled water, a thoughtful touch from the hotel. After taking some time to unwind, I explored the grounds before heading to dinner.

Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant didn’t disappoint. I started with a baked ciabatta served with olives, balsamic vinegar and olive oil, simple and full of flavour.

For the main course, the seared duck breast was a highlight, served with braised red cabbage, sautéed greens, and a chilli and mango salsa that brought everything together beautifully.

Dessert followed with a salted caramel cheesecake (with popcorn!) and rich toffee sauce, exactly the kind of indulgent ending you hope for.

What makes this stay memorable is how effortless everything feels. The comfort, the setting, and the attention to detail all come together in a way that makes you want to return. With its central location near Farnham’s town centre, available parking, and genuinely kind staff, it ticks every box.

It’s the kind of place I’d happily come back to again and again.