Planning your first visit to Soho Farmhouse in the Cotswolds? Or just wondering what all the hype is about? Well, I’ve had the pleasure of staying several times now and am sharing all about what it’s like to visit in this full Soho Farmhouse review!
The first time I visited Soho Farmhouse was on a trip to the UK a few years ago, where we met some friends at Soho Farmhouse for the weekend. Since then, I’ve been back a few more times both with my husband as a romantic stay and with friends. It’s a great way to get outside of the city (if you’re visiting London!) and experience the relaxing and picturesque English countryside.
Here’s my full Soho Farmhouse review!
About Soho Farmhouse
Soho Farmhouse is an exclusive members-only retreat located between Great Tew and Chipping Norton, two charming villages in the Cotswolds region of England. It’s part of the Soho House group, renowned for its trendy private members’ clubs and hotels worldwide.
Soho Farmhouse offers a rural yet upscale getaway experience with a blend of countryside charm and modern amenities.
Of course, as part of the luxurious Soho House network, it’s not exactly a rustic country stay… Guests can take advantage of the beautiful indoor-outdoor pool, movie screening theater, several restaurants (including an upscale Japanese spot!), luxe spa, gym facilities, and so much more.
Can Non-members Visit Soho Farmhouse?
To book a room at Soho Farmhouse, you need to be a Soho House or Soho Friends member… but you can bring up to three guests with you! You and your guests will have access to the entire property and all the amenities that Soho Farmhouse offers during your stay.
So, yes, non-members can visit Soho Farmhouse but must go as a guest of a Soho House or Soho Friends member!
To visit for the day, you need to be a member as well but Soho House members will also be allowed up to three guests for a day visit. However, you can only bring one guest to the pool, steam room and sauna. And only members are allowed access to the gym on a day visit.
How to Get to Soho Farmhouse
Coming from London, Soho Farmhouse is about a 2 hours’ drive away. If you don’t have a car, you can easily take the train from Marylebone to Banbury Station, or alternatively from Paddington to Charlbury Station. There is a taxi line outside Banbury Station, but for Charlbury, you’ll want to pre-book a taxi in advance as this is a smaller station. Soho Farmhouse helped us arrange a taxi from Charlbury making our journey that much easier!
Rooms
The property has 114 bedrooms and offers a range of accommodation options, including standalone cabins, cottages, and suites, each designed with a mix of rustic and contemporary aesthetics.
The “piglets” are the smallest room option — they are cozy and perfect for two people on a romantic getaway.
The cabins are standalone and have one, two, or three bedrooms making them great options for families or groups. Some of the cabins also have bunk beds which could be a fun option for families with kids as these are very child-friendly rooms.
I’ve had the pleasure of staying in a studio cabin and a three-bedroom cabin — both of which I loved. The cabins were both overlooking a picturesque creek with a lovely terrace — one even had a freestanding bath on the private deck!
The largest option is the seven-bedroom farmhouse which sleeps up to 14 people so it would make a great place for a large group of friends for a special getaway!
Soho House rooms are known for being very well-appointed. Need a hair straightener? Eye cream? Toothbrush? Razor? It’s all in the bathroom! And in the room, you can almost always expect a speaker, phone charger, converter, coffee and tea, and even fresh made cookies!
Well, Soho Farmhouse takes it even further for their country escape. Guests can expect umbrellas and wellies (or rainboots as we call them in the US!), bicycles to explore the property, and a loaf of fresh baked bread to enjoy in the kitchen. Plus a wood-burning stove in the living room to make your room feel extra cozy!
Dining
When it comes to food, Soho Farmhouse has pretty much anything you could want… Seriously, I was so impressed with all the options on the property!
Main Barn
The Main Barn restaurant serves food all day long and has many dishes that you’ll see at other Soho Houses around the world. Whether you want light fare like a salad or something heartier like a burger, rotisserie chicken or ribeye, the Main Barn has tons of options.
Hay Barn
Another great barn restaurant option with all-day offerings, and this one has an “Italian-Californian-inspired” menu. Think salads, pizzas, and pastas!
Whenever I’ve visited the Hay Barn, they seem to be having an event in their outdoor space. Once was for a wedding, and another time they had a big outdoor party for the Queen’s Jubilee!
Blake’s Kitchen Bakery
Located near the Main Barn, this cute little bakery is the perfect place to grab a coffee, breakfast, or a sandwich for takeaway.
The Little Bell
This might be my favorite place to eat at Soho Farmhouse! They have a rotating menu that focuses on wood-fired dishes, whole fish and hearty meats that are paired with natural wines. It’s very quaint and charming, and a must visit during your stay!
Pen Yen
I wasn’t expecting to eat delicious Japanese grill dishes at an izakaya in the Cotswolds but that’s exactly what we did at their Japanese restaurant, Pen Yen. From bao buns to sushi and robota grilled items like pork ribs and black cod, we loved all the incredible food at this buzzy dining spot. Make sure to call for a reservation if you’re going for dinner!
Activities
While relaxing in the Oxfordshire countryside is highly encouraged, there are still plenty of activities you can do at Soho Farmhouse!
Take your bicycle out to explore the property, stop to feed the farm animals, shop at the trendy clothing boutique, relax at the outdoor heated pool, or play a game on the tennis courts… And so much more! Here are some of my favorite activities that I’ve tried so far:
Clay Pigeon Shooting
I’m definitely not into hunting but I did find clay-pigeon shooting to be a blast! You can sign up for a session with farmer Frank and he will help you learn how to shoot.
I was surprised how much I improved in a single session and even decided to give it another go on my next visit!
Horseback Riding
Visit the stable to take a horse riding lesson or a group ride around the property. The perfect activity to enjoy the English countryside!
Crazy Golf
While exploring, we came across the 9-hole mini golf course, one of the many fun outdoor activities. It’s secluded and right next to a field of sheep — a great place to have some fun with friends or your kiddos.
Cowshed Spa
What better way is there to truly relax during your country retreat than at a spa? I’ve visited a few times for massages and always had a wonderful experience!
Along with spa treatments, they also have a lovely relaxation room, and a shop where you can buy their signature Cowshed Spa products.
Also, you can book the “Lazy Lake” experience and enjoy a few hours at the hot tubs that overlook the lake and infrared sauna cabins.
Milk Float
Guests can book the milk float which is a cocktail truck that will come directly to your room and a bartender will make craft cocktails!
It’s a really fun experience and a great way to enjoy cocktails from the comfort of your charming lakeside cabin.
The Electric Barn
Check out a film screening at the 45-seat theater that features a full bar and snack kiosk. Be sure to ask for the weekly Electric cinema schedule and book a seat for whichever movie you want to see in advance.
My Soho Farmhouse Review
If you’re looking to experience an English countryside getaway in the Cotswolds, Soho Farmhouse is the perfect place to do so. Whether you want to cozy up to the fire with a cup of tea and relax at the spa, or you prefer to do all the activities like tennis, swimming, and horseback riding, Soho Farmhouse is truly the ultimate Cotswolds experience.
I really enjoyed all my experiences at Soho Farmhouse and can’t wait to visit again the next time I’m in the UK!
What to Wear at Soho Farmhouse
Wondering what to pack for the Cotswolds? On my visits to Soho Farmhouse, I’ve experienced beautiful, sunny days as well as some rainy, dreary weather. England is known for its rainy weather so you’ll definitely want to be prepared for the possibility of rain while visiting the Cotswolds! Think: lots of layers, a raincoat, and all-weather shoes. Although, they have rain boots and umbrellas that guests can borrow.
Overall, Soho House encourages a relaxed dress code but usually everyone looks pretty put together and Soho Farmhouse definitely has a “country chic” ambience. All of the restaurants are casual, except I’d say Pen Yen feels a bit dressier at dinner time.
Make sure to pack swimsuits for the pool and jacuzzi, and athletic clothes for tennis, the gym, spin and workout classes, tennis, and horseback riding!
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