The Trout at Tadpole Bridge Review: Everything You Need to Know Before Booking
During our weekend in The Cotswolds, we stayed at The Trout at Tadpole Bridge, a beautiful riverside inn tucked away in the countryside.
When looking for the best hotels in the Cotswolds, I spent a while browsing through Booking.com and the images for the Trout at Tadpole bridge immediately caught my eye and I knew we had to stay there!
We were looking for a peaceful escape with plenty of character, delicious food, and a cosy atmosphere and this hotel delivered on all three!
From homemade cookies waiting in our room to a cosy dinner by the fire and one of the comfiest beds we’ve slept in, it ended up being one of our favourite parts of the trip!
If you’re looking for a cosy countryside stay in The Cotswolds, here’s everything you need to know before booking.
📍 Location: Buckland Marsh, Oxfordshire
🏨 Hotel Type: Riverside countryside inn
💰 Price Range: £150–£300 per night (depending on season. Expect to pay more in the Summer!)
⭐ Best For: Couples, weekend escapes, dog-friendly stays
🐶 Dog-friendly: Yes
🚗 Parking: Free on-site parking
📶 WiFi: Complimentary WiFi throughout (works great)
First Impressions & Arrival
Arriving at the hotel felt exciting (even though it was freezing cold), especially as it was our first time visiting The Cotswolds.
As we pulled into the car park, we immediately noticed how peaceful everything felt. The hotel sits in a beautiful countryside setting surrounded by greenery, with the pub and restaurant attached to the main building creating a welcoming atmosphere from the moment you arrive.
Check-in was quick and effortless. We were greeted by a lovely member of staff who warmly welcomed us, explained what was included in our booking which was breakfast and a dinner voucher for £25 per person and then personally showed us to our room.
We visited in February, which is considered low season in The Cotswolds, so the hotel was quiet and had a very relaxed feel to it. If you’re looking for a peaceful countryside break away from the crowds, then I would highly recommend going during the colder months.
The Room
The room certainly didn’t disappoint!
One detail I found interesting was that all of the rooms are named after fishing rods, as the hotel is located along the River Thames.
We stayed in the Shakespeare Room, a Classic Double Room that felt more like a beautifully styled countryside bedroom than a hotel room.
The room featured a large king-size bed which was oh so soft and comfortable, complimentary WiFi, tea and coffee facilities, a large flat-screen TV, and a jar of chocolate chip cookies with the full ingredients shared too (which were so delicious) waiting for us when we arrived.
The overall design perfectly captured what I imagine when I think of a cosy Cotswolds hotel. It blended the traditional countryside feel with modern comforts, so we instantly felt relaxed.
What really stood out were all the small details dotted around the room. There were plants throughout the room, shelves filled with old books, a beautiful vintage style gold alarm clock, and a classic Roberts radio playing softly in the background while we unpacked.
The bathroom was spacious, spotless, and stocked with Bramley toiletries, which smelled absolutely amazing and I found out is a natural brand focusing on natural ingredients and removing all harsh chemicals in bath and body products. The shower pressure was also excellent which is an important aspect of a hotel room!
Because the hotel is located in such a peaceful area, noise was virtually non-existent throughout the night which meant we had an extremely cosy nights sleep.
I really appreciated the thought that went into creating these beautiful rooms and couldn’t stop taking pictures of everything!
Dog-friendly rooms
One thing worth mentioning is that The Trout at Tadpole Bridge is also dog-friendly, which is a huge bonus if you’re planning a countryside escape with your four-legged friend.
There are 3 rooms available for guests travelling with dogs and they do charge an additional £20. They do request getting in touch beforehand if you do want to bring your dog along.
They do also welcome dogs in their restaurant and bar offering free treats and water for them too which is such a lovely touch.
I would definitely bring my dog back to this hotel!
Food & Dining
One of the highlights of our stay was dinner at the hotel’s pub restaurant.
After warming up from a cold day of exploring, it was lovely knowing that dinner was only a few steps away as we were so hungry.
The restaurant had exactly the atmosphere you’d hope for from a countryside inn with warm lighting, cosy chairs, a toasty fireplace, and guests chatting over food and drinks. It was a beautiful experience.
For dinner, we ordered the sea bass and the beef burger which were both so delicious. The Trout prides themselves on creating dishes made from locally sourced ingredients which you could taste in every bite. The food was so fresh and full of flavour too.
The sea bass was light and perfectly cooked, while the burger was juicy alongside a healthy portion of fries which was the sort of comfort food you crave after a day spent exploring The Cotswolds.
Of course, we had to try the desserts too, how could we not?!
We ordered the sticky toffee pudding and the seasonal fruit crumble. The sticky toffee pudding was easily our favourite as it was warm, soft, indulgent, and everything a good sticky toffee pudding should be. The crumble was also lovely, although the seasonal fruit gave it a slightly sharper flavour than I would normally choose.
The service throughout dinner was fantastic too. Everyone was so attentive, checking in on us without being too intrusive and maintaining a lovely relaxed atmosphere.
If you’re staying at the hotel, I would absolutely recommend booking dinner here at least once during your stay.
Things to Do Near The Trout at Tadpole Bridge
One of the things we loved most about staying at The Trout at Tadpole Bridge was its peaceful countryside location.
If you enjoy walking, you don’t even need to get in the car. The hotel is surrounded by beautiful countryside which makes it ideal for long walks.
If you’re visiting with your dog, there is the Mutts Meadow Dog Park which is just a 10 minute walk or a 1 minute drive away from the hotel. It’s a great enclosed space where dogs can run around freely and burn off some energy.
You can also find the Chimney Meadows Nature Reserve which is only a 5 minute drive from the hotel. As one of the largest nature reserves in the area, it’s a beautiful place for a peaceful walk surrounded by wildlife and stunning countryside views.
Just 5 minutes away by car, you’ll find the beautiful village of Bampton, where you’ll find local cafés, and independent shops. While you’re there, I’d recommend visiting Aston Pottery & Gardens where you can browse beautiful homeware, pottery, and enjoy a coffee surrounded by lovely gardens.
If you want to explore a bit of history then you should go visit the Kelmscott Manor, located around 17 minutes from the hotel. This is a beautiful 17th century manor which was once the summer home of the famous designer and writer William Morris.
If you enjoy browsing garden centres, homeware, and unique gifts, then Burford Garden Company is well worth a visit. It is a 19 minute drive away, and you’ll find everything from home interiors, gifts, plants, a food hall and a lovely café serving freshly baked treats.
If you’re planning to explore some of The Cotswolds’ most famous villages, they’re all within easy driving distance. Bibury is approximately 30 minutes away, while Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water can be reached in around 35–40 minutes depending on traffic.
Although the hotel is tucked away in a quieter part of The Cotswolds, we actually loved having a peaceful base to return to after a day of exploring.
We visited several of these villages during our trip. If you’re planning your own visit, I’ve shared our complete weekend guide, including where we ate, shopped, and explored.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Beautiful countryside location
- Cosy and welcoming atmosphere
- Extremely comfortable beds
- Thoughtfully designed rooms
- Excellent food and dining experience
- Friendly and attentive staff
- Dog-friendly accommodation available
- Peaceful setting with very little noise
Cons
- The hotel is located slightly further from some of The Cotswolds’ most popular villages, including Stow-on-the-Wold and Bourton-on-the-Water. The drive takes around 35–40 minutes, so you will need a car if you’re planning to explore multiple areas during your stay.
Final Thoughts
Our stay at The Trout at Tadpole Bridge exceeded our expectations.
From the beautifully designed room and cosy pub atmosphere to the delicious food and welcoming staff, every part of the experience felt thoughtful and well considered.
What we loved most was how peaceful it felt. After busy days exploring The Cotswolds, it was the perfect place to return to, unwind, and enjoy a slower pace of life.
Would we stay again? Absolutely!
If you’re looking for a Cotswolds countryside hotel with plenty of character, great food, and a relaxing atmosphere, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend The Trout at Tadpole Bridge.
FAQs
Is The Trout at Tadpole Bridge worth it?
Absolutely. It has everything from cosy rooms, incredible food, warm customer service and a peaceful setting! I would recommend this hotel to anyone.
Who is The Trout at Tadpole Bridge best for?
I’d particularly recommend it for couples looking for a romantic countryside escape, but it would also work well for friends travelling together. With the rooms located right next to one another and dog-friendly options available, it’s also a great choice for dog owners.
Where is the best place to book The Trout at Tadpole Bridge?
I personally found the best rates through Booking.com!
What is the best time of year to visit?
The hotel is lovely all year round, but your experience will vary depending on the season.
We visited in February during the quieter low season and loved how peaceful everything felt. Accommodation prices are often lower between January and March, making it a great time to visit if you’re looking for a good deal.
During spring and summer, The Cotswolds come alive with beautiful countryside views, outdoor dining, and longer days, although accommodation prices tend to be higher and attractions much busier.
