There is something quietly brilliant about the Bush Hotel in Farnham that takes a minute to appreciate. Maybe it is because it hides behind that unassuming arch on the high street. Maybe it is because locals tend to stroll past without ever thinking of it as somewhere they might actually stay. But once you have spent a night there, you realise it offers exactly the kind of easy comfort and charm that people tend to go hunting for in bigger towns or further from home.
And that is part of its magic. Whether you are a local craving a night away without the admin of trains and taxis, or someone coming from out of town and wanting a hotel that actually feels rooted in the character of the place, the Bush is one of those rare spots that genuinely suits both.
For locals, it is almost surprising how refreshing it feels. Staying in a hotel so close to home sounds odd on paper, I know. But sometimes you just want a change of scenery that does not require logistics. If you have had a heavy week, or you fancy celebrating something, or you just want that small mental reset, checking into the Bush is like hitting a pause button without stepping out of your life entirely. You can walk in with an overnight bag and feel the shift straightaway. The building has that warm, easy calm that only old coaching inns seem to have. The staff greet you like you are a regular even when you are not. And suddenly, even though you are minutes from home, you feel pleasantly removed from your usual routine.
We had been invited to come and stay after just going along for dinner last year and I didn’t realise that I was booking our stay for the one year anniversary of my dad dying last year. The date was weighing heavy on my mind but packing a suitcase and planning an evening of wandering in a town I know well, taking photos with my film camera felt like the right thing to do. I didnt need to plan an intinerary, or try and work out directions, we knew exactly where we were going and that familiarity was welcome.
For visitors from farther afield, it is ideal for exactly the opposite reason. The hotel is not a generic chain hotel. Not a place that could be anywhere. The Bush sits right in the middle of town, perfectly placed for exploring the high street, the castle, the green spaces, further afield in the South Downs maybe, and all the independent shops and cafes that give Farnham its personality. It is a brilliant base if you are coming for a wedding, a family visit, a weekend wander, or just a stopover before heading further into Surrey or Hampshire. It has 95 bedrooms and suites and ample parking. Everything is walkable. Everything is easy. And that sense of being neatly tucked into the centre of things really adds to the stay.
Whichever group you fall into, the rooms tick all the boxes. Comfortable beds, clean crisp bedding, and a feeling of being properly looked after without it being over the top. You fall asleep easily and wake up without that usual hotel grogginess. The rooms feel lived in and welcoming rather than beige or anonymous. There is character in the walls, but the practical bits are modern where you want them to be. Our bathroom was huge, with both a roll top bath and a walk in shower, high end toiletries and fluffy robes in the wardrobe. And silence. We didnt hear another soul once the bedroom door was shut.
We started our evening with dinner and whilst the menu is not extensive there is something for everybody and only having half a dozen options to choose from was just what we needed. Everything was cooked beautifully and the service was attentive without being intrusive or overbearing. My smoked salmon starter was a triumph, my fish and chips appeared to be more whale and chips, and the lack of anything on his plate at the end was all I needed to know about how good Bruce’s Caesar salad. All washed down in front of the fire with a rather lovely perfectly chilled Chablis.
After a fabulous night’s sleep breakfast was excellent. It is not just that the cooked breakfast is good, although it is. It is the fact that they take dietary needs seriously. The free from table is brilliant. Not a token corner with one lonely gluten free roll. A full, clearly laid out spread with options that look appealing for everyone, not just the people who need them. If you are travelling with someone who has allergies or intolerances, it makes mornings easy rather than awkward. It is one of those details that quietly wins people over. There was an extensive continental selection, with fresh pastries and freshly squeezed juices, and all the cooked options were made to order to piping hot without having been under a heat lamp for an hour.
I didnt realise that the Bush has a great garden too. We only saw it in the dark during our after dinner wander but it is generous, green, calm, and surprisingly private given its location in the heart of town. A couple of barbecues indicated that this place is used to its full potential in the summer. It is a gorgeous space for an afternoon drink, but I suspect it really shines as a wedding spot. Do follow them on instagram if you are thinking of getting married locally as they have regular wedding fairs and showcase how they can host your special day.
The other thing that makes the Bush easy to recommend is the atmosphere. It is friendly. Properly friendly with staff who seem to enjoy working there. There’s a tone that is warm without being forced. Enough history to feel charming. Enough modern touches to feel comfortable. It is the sort of hotel people return to because it feels good to be there. Not flashy. Not fussy. Just quietly well done. Family owned, and it shows. Run by General Manager Francesco who doesn’t hide in a back office, he is present and greets guests like old friends.
And that is really the heart of why people should book it. It is versatile. It is convenient. It is grounding. It is cosy without being dull. It works whether you live ten minutes away or a hundred miles away. If you need a night to breathe, it offers that. If you want a base to explore Farnham, it delivers. If you are in town for a wedding or event, it makes everything smoother. If you want comfort without complication, it is your place. I am already trying to work out what excuse I can use to book it again for a mid week treat.
The Bush Hotel is not trying to be something it is not. It is simply very good at being exactly what it is. A welcoming, character filled, wonderfully located hotel with friendly staff, comfortable rooms, a great breakfast, a lovely garden, and the enormous bonus of proper parking. Whether you are arriving from down the road or the other side of the map, it gives you space to settle, slow down, and enjoy Farnham in a way that feels easy and relaxed.
It is a gem, tucked quietly behind an archway. And absolutely worth booking.
Check the website for deals and special offers: The Bush Hotel
From 1st January to 31st March you can enjoy overnight accommodation with a cream tea and a glass of Prosecco on arrival, followed by a 3 course dinner in the restaurant from £209 per room per night based on 2 adults sharing a classic double
Here is my review of dinner last year if you need further convincing to go along: