Forthay Bed and Breakfast

Wonderful Easter break in the Cotswolds made much more comfortable and special by staying at Forthay. Charming and comfortable accommodation and completely looked after by our host, who made us feel most welcome and catered to our every need without hesitation including delicious breakfasts. Lovely walks straight out from the house and we left feeling thoroughly relaxed, armed with their home-made muesli. We hope to return one day!

Having been impressed by the Web Site, we were very disappointed with the reality. “A warm welcome with tea and cakes” is the heading on one page. None was offered. The “Dog friendly” page indicates that complimentary dog treats will be offered on arrival and that dog beds and bowls will be provided in the room. None of these things were provided. Evening meals are shown as being available, apart from Wednesdays and Saturdays. When we tried to book a meal, we were told that they no longer provided this service. Why has the Web Site not been updated? Guests are invited to enjoy drinks at the licensed bar. We saw no sign of a bar and were given no indication that one existed. If there were hens in the garden, busy laying eggs for breakfast that day, as indicated, they were very quiet. We saw no sign of them. Nonetheless the breakfast menu offered a wide choice and was well presented and cooked. Unsurprisingly, for a building of such an age, the stairs challenge the north face of the Eiger for steepness. A warning to this effect should be shown on the Web Site, as they are likely to be unsuitable and very much of a risk for elderly people. As it was, we were left to struggle up them with suitcases and a dog, with no offer of help from our host, who led the way. Access from the car park to the house is across a muddy unlit lawn. This represents a hazard at night especially, as the owners dogs, obviously use it and leave evidence behind. Also croquet hoops, etc. are in place and could be tripped over in the dark. The weather was very autumnal during our stay. There appeared to be no heating of any sort and our room, the breakfast room and the “snug” were uncomfortably cold. The only wardrobe in our room was full of clothes, presumably belonging to the owners. If they needed to make use of it, surely, it should have been locked. Overall, the house and grounds have a somewhat neglected look. This is a shame, as it is a property of great character, situated in a quiet rural setting, with easy access to many places of interest.

Very disappointing. Although situated in a nice rural location the property did not live up to expectation. Worn and grubby with the owner's clothes in the wardrobe. The worse thing was a lack of basic hygiene as we found the cat on the dining room table at breakfast licking the remains left on plates from a previous guest's breakfast. There were dog turds on the lawn which had to be crossed to the entrance. Certainly not worth the money. Lacking attention to detail.

The B&B is certainly dog-friendly as advertised. The owners dog bit me on the leg, so not quite so people-friendly. Be careful if you decide to stay there. Being an old house, the headroom is low in places. The water pump is noisy and wakes youup if anyone turns on a tap or flushes the toilet at night.

My friend and I spent a week hiking the Cotswold Way in May, 2022, stopping at bed and breakfasts. The Forthay was far and away the nicest of all of our stops. The house is the iconic Cotswold manor house, beautiful facade, bedecked with flowers and shrubs, nestled in the countryside, surrounded by fields and woods. Outside is a sizable lawn area, quite the right size for a game of croquet, which is offered. The "snug", a comfortable sitting room on the first floor, contains a library of books and travel guides, with soft, overstuffed chairs and sofas. My friend and I stayed upstairs in the Wallace and Gromit room, with twin beds, very cozy and spectacular views of the countryside. Charles and Debs are superb hosts. We enjoyed a delicious dinner the first night, with good wine and irresistible dessert of homemade tiramisu. The breakfast featured the traditional cooked variety, but with locally sourced sausage, locally baked sour dough toast, and Charles' homemade orange marmalade. Since we spent more than one night, I was able to devote another breakfast to Debs' homemade granola, which is apparently quite popular and keeping the couple busy with filling orders for their six different kinds. It's hard to imagine a more beautiful, comfortable, inviting place to stay in the Cotswolds, especially if one is on a walking holiday.

What a beautiful place to spend a quiet peaceful New Year’s Eve. Driving from London we were a little bit freaked out arriving in the dark driving along some very narrow and steep dark country lanes, but the cottage was absolutely worth it! A real little countryside gem. The rooms were quaint and clean, and we made best friends with Humphrey the cat. Lots of lovely little Christmassy touches all around the place, and breakfast in the lovely dining room was the perfect way to start the new year. Our hosts Charles and Debs were delightful. We’ll be back when the weather is better to do some walks around the beautiful surrounding hills and lanes.