I stayed at the enormous countryside manor hotel with cosy rooms, Japanese gardens and karaoke club
YOU’LL find this majestic manor hotel tucked away in the Hertfordshire countryside with beautiful gardens and cosy rooms.
Read on to find out more about Fanhams Hall and everything you can do there from exploring the beautiful Japanese garden to table tennis and even karaoke.
Where is Fanhams Hall?
One mile outside of the pretty town of Ware in East Hertfordshire is the sprawling Fanhams Hall which is set on a 27-acre estate.
The former manor house that dates back to the 14th century has since been built upon and as enormous as it is, if you didn’t know if it was there, you’d never stumble upon it by chance.
After driving through winding country roads you’re welcomed in with the grand driveway that leads towards the beautiful hotel.
It’s a true countryside spot with manicured grounds where you’ll see wildflowers, ducks, ornate Japanese gardens with its own tea house, a wisteria canopy, croquet lawn, and water features – along with the occasional dog walker too.
What is the hotel like?
Fanhams Hall is a Jacobean mansion which oozes charm, history and luxury. Inside are wooden panelled walls and formal dinners take place in the elegant Drawing Room.
For drinks, there’s the grand conservatory which has its own outdoor terrace and patio.
There are some rooms reserved for events, but you can poke your head in to admire them if nobody’s there and you’ll want a glimpse of the Long Gallery.
It was formerly a picture gallery inside the main house and has oak panelling and a vaulted ceiling with impressive, sparkling chandeliers.
The hotel itself is enormous, as are the grounds, so don’t be surprised if you lose your bearings at first.
What is there to do there?
Of course exploring the gardens is a must. But on a rainy day, head upstairs where you’ll discover the Energy Zone which has a foosball table, table tennis as well as a pick n mix sweet station, soft drinks, and refillable tea and coffee.
If you’re staying in a larger group, you may want to hire out the Karaoke Klub which has disco balls, a private bar, popcorn and even a slushie machine.
Outside is a small fitness room with free weights, running and rowing machines and bikes.
Fanhams Hall is a five-minute drive away from the centre of Ware. Here, take a stroll down the high street and pop into its shops like Noire, Sparkles of Ware and The Sage Garden along with plenty of pubs and coffee shops.
In the springtime check out the local lido, or take a walk along the River Lea to see the barges, boats and swans.
Ware is also a 20-minute drive away from Hertfordshire Zoo where you can see big cats, lemurs, meerkats and reptiles.
What is there to eat and drink there?
For dining, head to the Drawing Room for an intimate setting and tasty food.
The menus change seasonally, and while we were there, we indulged in juicy steak that came with a side of salad and fries, as well as a creamy mushroom pasta with crispy pieces of parmesan cheese.
At the bar, you can choose anything from a refreshing glass of white wine, to sweet rosé, a gin and tonic and a choice of beers on draught.
In the morning, head to the pavilion for breakfast where there are both hot and cold options with all the classics like fried eggs, toast, beans, mushrooms, sausages and bacon along with croissants with jam.
For those who are a fan of tea, you’ll be thrilled that there are Teapigs which come in a choice of flavours and you get your own tea pot – there are various milks on offer too. Feel free to refill your juice, tea and coffee as often as you’d like.
A traditional afternoon tea is popular here where guests can sample a selection of sandwiches from dill and salmon to egg mayonnaise, fresh cakes and gateaux.
Don’t forget the scones which come in flavours like vanilla and lavender and enjoy a cup of tea on the side- this starts from £40 per adult.
What are the rooms like?
There are rooms and suites both in the main building and in the courtyard of the hotel.
Each vary in size and design from the smaller Shoebox room aimed at solo travellers to the large Chestnut Suite which has a four-poster bed.
I stayed in the luxurious Bonsai Room which has cosy mustard accents, a comfy king-size bed. Its two windows make it light, airy and provide sweeping views across the lawn.
There’s also a mini SMEG kettle and fridge with a few complimentary cans, there was also a coffee machine, snacks and the room has free WiFi and air con too.
The most lavish part was the ensuite where that you can watch TV from the bath, then there’s the huge shower which has side jets and Molton Brown toiletries.
For those who want to bring their furry friends, you can. There is a £40 per stay extra charge, which includes room access and a special welcome pack for dogs.
Room rates start from £126. See https://www.exclusive.co.uk/fanhams-hall/ for more.
Is Fanhams Hall family-friendly?
Yes. The Family Rooms come with two double beds and sleep two adults and two children – making them an ideal choice if you’re travelling with the kids.
The rooms are in the main mansion house and have a large bathroom too, some have a shower, some come with both a shower and bath.
Is there access for guests with disabilities?
Some parts of the courtyard building are accessible, with one fully accessible room which has been adapted with a wet room and handrails.
You can request this room when making your booking and for more information, call the hotel directly.
The lift inside the main building is a lift next to the Conservatory Bar – from there guests can reach the Energy Zone and some third-floor bedrooms.