THE LOWDOWN

Tucked away in the kind of landscape that makes you want to throw on wellies and yell out lines from Pride & Prejudice, Hyll is a new hotel concept dedicated to the ‘art of doing nothing’.

Located minutes from Chipping Campden and set in 60 idyllic acres with views that stretch for miles, this 14th century manor house – formerly Charingworth Manor Hotel – has had quite the glow-up. Newly reimagined as a stylish, luxe-loafing retreat, every element is laser focused on one thing – making you slow down and switch off.

It’s the first hotel venture for Manchester-based Madfabulous Hotels, a new boutique hotel group that transforms historic buildings into luxury retreats, and my word, what a debut.

The 26-bedroom bolthole is the combined vision of Manchester-based entrepreneurs Paul and Lisa Baker (he made his fortune founding the global St Pierre bakery brand), and hospitality visionary Sarah Ramsbottom.

Hyll (you’ve probably guessed, ye olde English for ‘hill’) opened its doors in September 2025, and when first murmurings about its arrival drifted our way an eyebrow was raised. The North Cotswolds is not short of dreamy getaway-core, could it really stand out from the flock? As it turns out – yes, and then some.

Sarah Ramsbottom and Paul Baker were both named Game Changers in the recent 2025 Boutique Hotelier Power List, and it’s easy to see why. They have, in their own words, brought a giant helping of down-to-earth northern charm with them and poured it into the Cotswolds.

Together the team have binned the trusty but dusty rulebook of copy-and-paste country stays, and instead have created something unapologetically fresh and down-to-earth for an upmarket hotel. Gone are the showy luxuries, replaced instead by a calm, considered escape with thoughtfully designed spaces (full of awesome quirky little touches), a seasonally-inspired restaurant and in-room wellness rituals.

THE VIBE

The drip? Heritage with a wink. Not a Belted Galloway print or pheasant cushion in sight. Edgy northern YOUTH design studio has been brought in to spearhead the interiors and the result is a paired back, rustic-luxe fantasy.

The pallet is latte-luxe; earthy mochas, creamy taupes and oat matcha greens, teamed with aged metal and weathered timbers. Unfussy and minimalist-but-comfy, walls are sprinkled with vintage paintings and specially commissioned statement art.

Coffee tables are handmade from tactile hunks of natural stone, with rustic wood tops, and the deep sofas are all arranged in a way that feels like your own front room ((if only our front room looked this good).

Everything about Hyll is designed to make you relax (I challenge you not to after a while!). From the moment you step through the rustic front door you’re encouraged to flop into an armchair, read a book, curl up by the fireplace, or just sit, wine glass in hand, and gaze out at the frankly absolutely stonking views.

There are three main reception areas, the Reading Room, the Listening Room and Living Room – pick one at will, depending on your mood. I spent hours flicking through the stack of classic LPs and spinning a few on the record player, and leafing through the spread of coffee table books.

And you’ve got to explore the book nook; no dusty titles, instead it’s a mini-bookshop, filled with new, constantly rotated, titles from local Borzoi Books in Stow-on-the-Wold, which you can take and try.

From the moment I arrived with my plus one & the Muddy dog in tow, Hyll was clearly all about disrupting ‘the norm’. There’s no formal check-in desk, instead you’re met by staff who hand you a paper bag with Hyll’s logo – I loved this – more like being slipped a VIP pass at Fashion Week than the usual check in routine.

Inside is your room key, a flyer-style guide to the hotel, and arty postcards from the local White Gallery. You also get a charming handbag-sized booklet entitled simply Do Nothing (along with Do Something, I mean, chances are low, but just in case), filled with inspo on how to slow down during your stay.

The staff here have understood the assignment too. Attentive without hovering, fabulously friendly, and effortlessly cool with it, they look like they’ve strolled straight out of a fashion mag shoot. Everyone is kitted out in cult, handmade, proudly British brand, Manchester-based Private White. Frankly, you’ll want to raid their wardrobes on the way out.

SCOFF & QUAFF

Hyll’s restaurant is steered by head chef Mark Coleman and it has a passionate farm-to-fork ethos, strong on seasonality and sustainability – and it’s quite the looker too.

Chalky neutrals, natural textures, actually comfy chairs (no annoying perch-and-squirm wooden seats), chunky beams, and the softest, sexy lighting. It’s just gorgeously cool and effortless, and felt like rocking up to some sleek Shoreditch hotspot.

The menu leans heavily on what’s grown close at hand; supporting local farms, mills and distilleries gets a big thumbs up. Expect vegetables from Drinkwater Farm, fruit from local orchards, locally baked bread and tomatoes ripened in the glasshouses of Evesham. You’ll also find charcuterie from the famed Salt Pig in Kingham and cheese from the Kingston Dairy.

The menu is bijou but beautifully curated. For starters, I had the Drinkwater Warm Summer Vegetable Salad with Candied Pecans, Oxford Blue Cheese and Hyll Honey (made in hives on the estate) (£21.50). Tangy and extremely tasty.

For mains I had the vegetarian option, a Simon Weaver Cotswold Brie & Apple Butter Tart with Potato Salad, Asparagus and Wild Garlic Pesto (£19), an all-round flavour bomb, whilst my partner was tempted by the Briar Farm Lamb (£32), which was incredibly tender and well portioned.

Desserts are incredibly moorish too. Mr Muddy went for the Dark Chocolate Torte with Miso Caramel and Peanut Brittle – which was exquisitely delicious and beautifully presented, and the kitchen happily whipped up a vegan brownie for me, which was amazing.

I liked that there’s a range of dishes to suit varying budgets so it didn’t all feel too pricy. The all-day menu gives big rustic quirkiness, from Kedgeree Arancini with Smoked Haddock and Quail Eggs (£13.50) and Worcester Smoked Eel (£15) to Hereford Ribeye with Wild Mushrooms and Roasted Marrowbone (£38.50).

If you’re looking for something lighter, go for the more snacky bar menu. The Hyll Toast with Salt Pig Chorizo and Cheese Plate with Kingstone Dairy Cheeses & Quince Jelly sounded jolly tempting.

Got a dietary preference? You will be well looked after here, I threw in several non-dairy, no-egg requests, and every time an alternative was suggested and brought out by the unfazed chef and staff. The bar here is fabulous too, with world wines, 14 different gins, a really good cocktail menu and a head bartender who really knew his stuff.

Just fancy coming for food? Absolutely, pop in too for the Sunday Lunch (2 courses for £35) or an Afternoon Tea (£35).

Breakfast also nailed it (go rockstar and get it delivered to your room for no extra cost). The large buffet was delicious, from homemade granola to pastries from Mark’s Cotswold Bakery.

The freshly ordered menu was a delight too – we tried the Scotch Woodcock Scrambled Eggs with Anchovies and Relish on Sourdough and the Turkish Eggs, both delicious, sassy twists on your average brekkie menu.

PILLOW TALK

Hyll has 26 rooms, and no two are the same, all have their own quirky original features. You can stay in the main Manor House with views over the gardens and the Cotswolds beyond, or the Courtyard – which is perfect if you are coming with kids, or with a pet, and want a bit more elbow room.

We stayed in a Courtyard Room which was stripped back-luxe and oh-so soothing. Earthy tones, natural throws, and a mocha brown colour-drenched ceiling (a Marmite move, but it felt so cocooning to me). And the spotlight is on British brands and independent makers, including gorgeous-smelling bath products from Verden – with a scent made just for the hotel – and ceramics from local artisans.

The bed was divine, I snoozed for Britain. They use Naturalmat organic wool mattresses, Each room has its own mini pantry and we loved the complimentary handmade biscuits, Grind coffee machines and the on-message Java gut-loving juice shots.

The great northern art of making a brew also gets a Hyll style-up – the designer tea pot kettle has a special slow-pour spout (of course!). Other smart touches? A Dyson Airwrap hairdryer (so fancy) and a handheld steamer instead of the usual wrangle with a clunky ironing board.

WELLNESS

There’s no spa at Hyll, but watch this space. We hear that new treatment cabins are being added next summer. Until then, Hyll offers a range of in-room massages and facials (around £120 each) which can be booked on demand.

DOG-FRIENDLY?

Incredibly so, I don’t think I have ever been to a more dog-friendly hotel. Well behaved pooches are allowed throughout Hyll, which is a complete joy. There are four dog-friendly rooms available to book, and they get a dog bed, treats and a ball. Plus, the staff here really seem to love dogs, the Muddy pooch was fussed over like royalty, not to mention the 60 acres of grounds for those zoomies.

ACCESSIBILITY

Hyll is an old manor house, so the reality is there are predictable limitations. This means there’s no lift, and access to all bedrooms is via stairs. But if you have specific needs, let the team know before booking, and they’ll do their best to help.

OUT & ABOUT

If you can muster any energy to actually leave the sofa, this place is location gold. Use it as a base for seeing the best of the AONB. Hyll is just a few minutes drive from the market towns of Chipping Campden, Moreton-in-Marsh and Stow-on-the-Wold.

You’re 10 minute drive from delightful Broadway full of boutiques and galleries. Head up to the iconic Broadway Tower – set on a 200 acre estate with a herd of roaming red deer and stunning views.

Fill your basket up at nearby Daylesford, and who could forget that Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm Shop is just over the border. Also minutes away are the National Trust’s Hidcote, and the Insta-fabulous Cotswold Lavender Fields – a gorgeous visit in the summer.

WHAT ELSE?

Love a bit of bodice-ripping romance with your stay? Famed poet T.S. Eliot used to stay here on trips to see his lover Emily Hale.

The hotel leans into its history, and each month hosts an intimate supper club – with a bespoke menu shaped by an artist-in-residence, from painters to actors and authors. Actor Richard Lumsden (Sense & Sensibility, Darkest Hour) was in the house when I stayed, writing a book of the hotel’s history, which will be gifted to guests – a fabulous touch.

Love of the arts here also comes from co-owner Lisa Baker, who has written and produced MadFabulous, a new film out soon about the life of the cross-dressing 5^th Earl of Anglesey, Henry Paget – starring Rupert Everett. It’s giving modern-day Bloomsbury Group for the 2025 Cotswolds!

COMING SOON

Watch this space for The Bower – a brand new, 150-seater events barn currently being built. Due to open in 2026 it’s set to become the Cotswolds’ chicest new stage for weddings, parties and everything in between.

THE DAMAGE

Actually easier on the credit card than you might expect for unadulterated rustic luxury. A cosy Courtyard Room starts at £250 B&B. Our three-course meal for two skimmed in at just under £100.

MUDDY VERDICT

Good for: If you want an escape hatch from life for a few blissful hours, Hyll is all about the art of doing nothing. Couples, families and pet lovers will all love it. Perfect for anyone wanting a getaway that’s heavy on lounging, and light on itinerary (but don’t worry there’s still superfast wifi for secret scrolls). Fancy yourself as an art lover, bookworm or creative spirit? This is getaway gold.

Not for: If you like back-to-back activities, Hyll isn’t for you. It’s also not the place if doing nothing makes you twitchy (we all know that person). The whole point here is to hit pause. Expect old-school pleasures and the delicious feeling that the outside world has been cancelled. There’s no marble-tiled spa palace or luxurious pool here, but the in-room massages are a pretty perfect stand-in.

*** Now go see the reel on Instagram here ***

For more information or to book, head to Hyll.

Hyll, Campden Road, Charingworth, GL55 6NS.

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Review: Hyll, Chipping Campden

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