By Sunny Andrea
It’s been a busy time what with the festive period and long working hours and so sometimes it’s just nice to purely relax and get out of the city. I always say that weekends are made for switching off, slowing down, and spending proper quality time together — and our recent family stay at Fanhams Hall in Hertfordshire was exactly that kind of escape.
Tucked away in the Hertfordshire countryside, yet still surprisingly easy to get to, Fanhams Hall feels like a hidden pocket of calm. From the moment we arrived, it was clear this wasn’t just a hotel stay, but a place designed for lingering moments, relaxed conversations, and indulgent comfort — the perfect setting for a family weekend away.
We stayed in the main house and had a beautiful family bedroom. The room which immediately set the tone for the experience. There’s something special about walking into a building that carries both history and warmth — elegant without feeling stiff, grand without being intimidating. The interiors strike a lovely balance between classic charm and modern comfort, and everything feels beautifully cared for.
Our family bedroom was spacious, thoughtfully laid out, and instantly inviting. It felt like a room you could genuinely settle into rather than just sleep in. The two double beds were incredibly comfortable, with crisp linens and a sense of quiet that made winding down effortless. The beds were complete with thick warm and cosy blankets and beautiful lush soft and comfortable pillows! Practical touches were clearly considered, making it ideal for a family stay, while still feeling indulgent and luxurious.
I have a thing about hotel bathrooms and where this hotel did not disappoint. Complete with a rain shower and bath tub, heated towel rail and although no bathrobes, the hotel did have thick and warm towels and Molton Brown shower toiletries.
One of the standout things about Fanhams Hall is its atmosphere. It’s calm, unhurried, and quietly impressive. The hotel manages to feel both refined and relaxed — a rare combination. There are plenty of spaces to explore, from elegant indoor areas to the beautifully kept grounds outside, which are perfect for a gentle stroll or simply sitting and soaking up the surroundings.
The service throughout our stay was warm and attentive without ever being overbearing. Staff were friendly, welcoming, and genuinely helpful, which always makes a hotel experience feel more personal and memorable.
Dinner at Fanhams Hall was a real highlight. The setting itself adds to the experience — intimate, atmospheric, and perfectly suited to a leisurely evening meal. The menu felt carefully curated, with a focus on quality ingredients and well-balanced flavours.
Our meal was beautifully presented and, more importantly, genuinely delicious. Each course felt thoughtfully put together, with flavours that were comforting yet refined. It was the kind of dinner where you don’t feel rushed — where conversation flows easily and the experience becomes part of the memory of the weekend itself. The dinner portions were plenty and the menu had a lovely selection of foods ranging from burgers to pastas and meat and vegan options. There was also a children’s menu for smaller mouths. The Katsu burger was delicious and served with seasoned fries, the pan fried chicken breast was a favourite and served with Kale and a bean and chorizo stew like accompaniment. Very delicious and good portioned food and all enjoyed in the beautiful drawing room.
Breakfast the following morning was equally impressive. There’s something special about starting the day slowly, especially after a restful night, and Fanhams Hall does breakfast exceptionally well. A generous selection was on offer, catering to different tastes, and everything felt fresh and well-prepared. For breakfast Lakeside Pavillion lays out a beautiful cooked full English breakfast and there were also other options on a menu which included Berry pancakes, eggs Benedict poached eggs with avocado on sourdough toast and a couple of other options. It was really nice to have these extras included as part of the breakfast and where if you are looking for something more healthy then they will of course the cereals and fruits on offer alongside pastries and breads. There was a lovely selection of hot drinks, ranging from tea’s coffees, hot chocolate and juices. It was definitely a very substantial breakfast and certainly want to keep you going through to lunchtime and a lovely selection, especially if you have children.
It was the perfect way to ease into the day — relaxed, satisfying, and unpretentious. Sitting down together as a family, enjoying good food in a peaceful setting, felt like a luxury in itself.
Our family weekend at Fanhams Hall flew by and honestly was everything we hoped it would be — restful, comfortable, and genuinely enjoyable. It’s a place that encourages you to slow down, reconnect, and savour the experience, whether that’s through a great night’s sleep, an excellent meal, or simply enjoying the calm of the surroundings.
If you’re looking for a countryside escape in Hertfordshire that combines character, comfort, and thoughtful hospitality — whether as a family or a couple — Fanhams Hall by The Exclusive Collection is a place I’d happily return to and wholeheartedly recommend. It’s also an ideal wedding venue with acres of land, beautiful lakes, ducks and outside lawn games.
For more information on this beautiful and historic Jacobean building, and to book your stay, do checkout their website https://www.exclusive.co.uk/fanhams-hall/