Herts &amp; Beds


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-location">THE LOCATION</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1172" height="780" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Fanhams-Hall.jpg" alt="Fanhams Hall ware hertfordshire exterior
" class="wp-image-84585" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Fanhams-Hall.jpg 1172w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Fanhams-Hall-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Fanhams-Hall-1000x666.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1172px) 100vw, 1172px" /></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.exclusive.co.uk/fanhams-hall/">Fanhams Hall</a>, is a substantial Jacobean mansion (think sweeping driveway, soaring ceilings and gorgeous feature windows), conveniently located on the outskirts of Ware and a stone&#8217;s throw from the county town of Hertford. One of the seven hotels that make up the luxury hotel group, Exclusive Collection, it has 27 acres of grounds to explore, including woodlands, a wisteria walkway, rose garden, a manicured walled garden (perfect for those blooming gorgeous Insta snaps) and a pretty Japanese garden with a bridge and it’s very own original Japanese tea house.</p>



<p>Throughout the year the grand gates are open for historical tours of the Grade-II listed grounds. Led by Amber, the on-site talented gardener, you can discover the history of the beautiful English and Japanese gardens then round off your visit with a stylish afternoon tea.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1067" height="1600" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Fanhams-Hall-Branding-Day-169_websize.jpg" alt="Fanhams Hall Ware Hertfordshire stained glass windows" class="wp-image-84584" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Fanhams-Hall-Branding-Day-169_websize.jpg 1067w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Fanhams-Hall-Branding-Day-169_websize-534x800.jpg 534w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Fanhams-Hall-Branding-Day-169_websize-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Fanhams-Hall-Branding-Day-169_websize-1024x1536.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 1067px) 100vw, 1067px" /></figure>



<p>It’s a hotel of two halves. Firstly, a courtyard and arched entrance lead to the original mansion house. Once inside you’ll feel like lady of the manor among the dark wooden staircases, stained glass stone-mullion windows, wood-panelled walls, epic fireplaces, and chequerboard floors. Phew! Although many of the spaces are reserved for weddings and functions the opulent Drawing Room welcomes guests for afternoon tea overlooking the lawns. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1600" height="1067" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/FHH-BAR-2_websize.jpg" alt="Fanhams Hall Waqre Hertfordshire " class="wp-image-84587" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/FHH-BAR-2_websize.jpg 1600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/FHH-BAR-2_websize-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/FHH-BAR-2_websize-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/FHH-BAR-2_websize-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></figure>



<p>Then there are the breezy modern additions. Relax with a glass of something chilled in the light-flooded atrium, tuck into a meal in the conservatory or if the sun’s out, dine on the pretty terrace then loll in a double deckchair under the shade of the gargantuan horse chestnut tree. Want something a little livelier? There’s a karaoke ‘klub’ for hire (great fun for a hen do or pre-wedding party), and a fitness room – although no spa if you’re craving a post-workout sauna.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillow-talk">PILLOW TALK</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1600" height="1067" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/vb5117669_Conker_1600x1067-2.jpg" alt="Conker Suite Fanhams Hall Herts" class="wp-image-84620" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/vb5117669_Conker_1600x1067-2.jpg 1600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/vb5117669_Conker_1600x1067-2-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/vb5117669_Conker_1600x1067-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/vb5117669_Conker_1600x1067-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></figure>



<p>With 77 rooms, (many with views over the listed gardens), there&#8217;s something for everyone from petite yet comfortable ‘shoebox’ rooms, to push-the-boat out four-poster whoppers. We stayed in the Conker Suite, a gorgeous space with views of that stunning horse chestnut tree and the gardens beyond. The suite was a mix of old-world charm and modern day comfort with a king-size bed, feature fireplace and swish bathroom with TV above the bath. There was also a well-stocked mini Smeg fridge plus Nespresso machine for that all-important morning coffee. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1280" height="853" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/76913132.jpg" alt="Atrium Fanhams Hall Herts" class="wp-image-84621" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/76913132.jpg 1280w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/76913132-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/76913132-1000x666.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure>



<p>Dinner is a refreshingly casual affair here, so don&#8217;t expect a fine dining experience with fussy dishes that will break the bank. Pick from the all-day menu &#8211; think crowd pleasing club sandwiches and burgers, to pasta dishes and steak (there&#8217;s a kids&#8217; menu, too). Dinner and lunch are served in the conservatory/bar or atrium, where you can choose to sit at a table or in the sofa area, which surrounds a huge modern stone inglenook fireplace. But during the summer, you can take advantage of the warmer weather and share some small plates on the sunny terrace or indulge in a sumptuous afternoon tea.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Fanhams-hall-prawns.jpg" alt="prawn dish" class="wp-image-84511" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Fanhams-hall-prawns.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Fanhams-hall-prawns-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Fanhams-hall-prawns-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Fanhams-hall-prawns-1152x1536.jpg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>For dinner, we ate truffled wild mushroom bruschetta and chilli king prawn panzanella to start, followed by pan seared Coley and butternut squash linguini, washed down with a bottle of house red. For dessert we shared a sticky toffee pudding with honeycomb ice cream. Delicious! </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1331" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Fanhams-Hall-Exclusive-Slider-®-Amy-Murrell-2018-34.jpg" alt="Fanhams Hall Ware Hertfordshire" class="wp-image-84586" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Fanhams-Hall-Exclusive-Slider-®-Amy-Murrell-2018-34.jpg 2000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Fanhams-Hall-Exclusive-Slider-®-Amy-Murrell-2018-34-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Fanhams-Hall-Exclusive-Slider-®-Amy-Murrell-2018-34-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/Fanhams-Hall-Exclusive-Slider-®-Amy-Murrell-2018-34-1536x1022.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></figure>



<p>Come morning, we switched things up and headed to the light-filled pavilion for breakfast. It’s another modern space, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking a pretty pond. Breakfast is buffet style with a good selection of eggs, bacon, sausages, hash browns and veggie options, plus pastries, cereals and juices. While we ate and watched the ducks on the water, an excited wedding party were fuelling up for the day’s big event.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/Hertford-castle-canva-1000x667.jpg" alt="Hertford castle" class="wp-image-79217" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/Hertford-castle-canva-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/Hertford-castle-canva-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/Hertford-castle-canva-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/08/Hertford-castle-canva.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Conveniently close to both Ware and Hertford, Fanhams Hall is perfectly located to explore both towns and the surrounding countryside. We opted to spend time in Hertford, walking around the castle and grounds and browsing the indie shops – including clothes shop <a href="https://www.rubyroomlifestyle.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ruby Room</a> and vintage store&nbsp;<a href="https://magpieamore.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Magpie Amore</a>. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HertfordMiniEmporium/?locale=en_GB">Rossi’s Attic</a> is also worth a visit and full of retro and quirky antiques. </p>



<p>We grabbed a mid-morning coffee and cinnamon bun at <a href="https://www.bradanddills.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brad &amp; Dills</a>, near the market and then checked out <a href="https://www.hertfordmuseum.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hertford Musuem</a> plus the fab waterfront Hertford Theatre, <a href="https://beamhertford.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BEAM</a>. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Hertfordshire-zoo-leopard-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-85177" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Hertfordshire-zoo-leopard-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Hertfordshire-zoo-leopard-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/Hertfordshire-zoo-leopard.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hertfordshire Zoo</figcaption></figure>



<p>If it&#8217;s outdoors you&#8217;re after, <a href="https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/panshanger-park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panshanger Park</a> is just over 5 miles away and offers over 1,000 acres of woodlands, wetlands and grasslands to walk, run, cycle and explore. And if you have kids in tow, <a href="https://hertfordshirezoo.com/">Hertfordshire Zoo</a> is just a hop and a skip away in Broxbourne. Better yet, take advantage of <a href="https://www.exclusive.co.uk/fanhams-hall/packages/roar-snore/">Fanhams Hall Roar &amp; Snore</a> offer and enjoy a night at Fanhams Hall in a family room plus breakfast and zoo day tickets for the whole family (2x adults, 2x children). Kids will also receive a special Hertfordshire Zoo goody bag to take away. How’s that for a memorable family getaway? </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2000" height="1331" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/LR-Fanhams-Hall-Exclusive-Slider-®-Amy-Murrell-2018-110.jpg" alt="Tea House at Fanhams Hall Hertfordshire" class="wp-image-84588" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/LR-Fanhams-Hall-Exclusive-Slider-®-Amy-Murrell-2018-110.jpg 2000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/LR-Fanhams-Hall-Exclusive-Slider-®-Amy-Murrell-2018-110-800x532.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/LR-Fanhams-Hall-Exclusive-Slider-®-Amy-Murrell-2018-110-1000x666.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/herts/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/06/LR-Fanhams-Hall-Exclusive-Slider-®-Amy-Murrell-2018-110-1536x1022.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px" /></figure>



<p><strong>GOOD FOR:</strong> If you like historic properties with period features aplenty, acres of gardens to explore, within easy reach of buzzy towns and calming countryside, Fanhams Hall ticks all the boxes. Plus it&#8217;s spot on for a wedding with loads of space for guests to stay and photo opps galore. </p>



<p><strong>NOT FOR: </strong>Spa seekers or foodies &#8211; if you&#8217;re expecting a steam room and massage with your stay you&#8217;ll be disappointed as there&#8217;s no spa at Fanhams Hall (although bring your workout kit as there is a fitness room). And you won&#8217;t find a fancy named chef or foodie &#8216;experience&#8217;. Dining is a more relaxed set-up, so you can ditch the LBD and stilettos, and slip into your luxe loungewear instead. </p>



<p><strong>THE DAMAGE:</strong> There are 11 different room styles and rates: a &#8216;shoebox&#8217; room is from £109 per night, making it an affordable option for wedding guests or a bed for the night. While at the other end of the scale, you&#8217;ll find suites ranging from £229 &#8211; £289 and family rooms from £219. Dinner won&#8217;t tip the scale, with mains around the £15 &#8211; £20 mark. The afternoon tea is also reasonably priced and available all week, Mon &#8211; Fri, £37.50; Sat &#8211; Sun £42.50. (Afternoon tea for kids under 10 years, £20 all week). &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p><em><strong><a href="https://www.exclusive.co.uk/fanhams-hall/">Fanhams Hall</a>, Fanhams Hall Road, Ware SG12 7PZ. 01920 460511  </strong></em></p>


Muddy stays: Fanhams Hall, Hertfordshire

You may also like