Combining a haven of calm with a hive of foodie activity, Tewinbury Farm in leafy Hertfordshire has been providing guests with a memorable rural escape since as far back as 1931. Having recently been awarded Family Business of the Year, Sophie Ritchie digs out her wellies for a weekend at this thriving ever-evolving estate
Proof that outstanding success can often start from very humble origins, the Tewinbury journey first began in the early 1930s when it functioned as a mere dairy farm for the Williams family and their herd of 50 cows.
In 1980, they sold the herd to purchase additional land and launched a small farm shop, selling a selection of local produce. This pivot marked the family’s bold step into hospitality – and the decision soon followed to provide a quartet of guest rooms in their home to help weary visitors find a rural escape.
Fast forward to 2025 and there’s pillows as far as the eye can see (figuratively, of course). Williams’ sprawling award-winning 700-acre estate contains the best of all worlds: a working farm and a countryside retreat with 44 peaceful countryside hotel rooms, four lake huts, three woodland huts, two lodges, one shepherd’s hut, three drinking & dining destinations, a treatment room, a barn-style events space, live music weekends, and if that wasn’t enough, a festival site for added bonus.
It’s within one of the aforementioned Lake Huts that I find myself for the weekend, surrounded by somewhat enforced respite thanks to the sudden downpour of torrential rain upon arrival to the estate’s main car park. My guest and I made the trek from reception to picturesque hut en-foot, a soggy decision that might have led to ruined hair but also the temporary stillness of staying put, at least until the surrounding lake views became visible again.
Truthfully, staying put is not a feeling I am not particularly comfortable with – but at Tewinbury, turning off the laptop and switching on the pastel blue Smeg kettle instead comes with surprisingly delicious ease.
The accommodation
Nestled away from the main estate via a private gate, Tewinbury Farm’s handful of four Lake Huts provide a pocket of peaceful calm. Here, location is everything – guests find themselves tucked away in the heart of Hertfordshire, where leafy woodland and fields provide a picturesque backdrop for a weekend of unwinding, long country strolls and simply escaping modern life.
Nestled snugly together by a small lake, separated by neat hedges and individual names, from the outset each hut looks like a very simple wooden cabin. Once over the threshold of ‘Foxglove’ however, awaits a world of rustic luxury with all the mod cons.
Every inch of space has been carefully carved to maximise the space, providing guests with a small kitchen, living room area, tucked away bedroom and surprisingly large bathroom – where Bramley toiletries, fluffy robes and a rainfall shower awaits.
For those who shudder at the very mention of ‘glamping’, fear not. This cozy stay is brimming with details that enchant the space. From a matching Smeg kettle and toaster through to a luxe Nespresso machine with the largest water container I’ve ever seen, I’m smitten.
Rugs, artwork, pillows and plump little stools bring personality to the abode, making this makeshift cabin feel homely and safe. The huts’ true jewels however, await not within but out on the carefully secluded decking – two huge standing bath tubs that simply demand to be sunk into, glass of something delicious in hand thanks to a well-stocked fridge.
Admittedly, my one small gripe with the huts is not with the interiors but the air conditioning unit – a temperamental menace that apparently refuses to be tamed by the accompanying remote control. For the colder months, an ambience-boosting wood-burning stove awaits in the corner.
The food & drink
Back at the main farm, a hive of edible action and food awaits. For something more formal with a farm-to-fork ethos, The Cowshed makes an excellent refined dinner choice. Serving up seasonal dishes partly curated with ingredients courtesy of its kitchen garden and surrounding 700-acre working farm, dive into platefuls of British classics that focus on flavour and artistic presentation.
Must-order highlights from the widely varied menu include the moreish Monkfish with fennel, courgette, black olive caponata (27) for mains and for something utterly decadent, the Dark Chocolate mousse combined with notes of sour cherry and pistachio (9.5). A dessert that might leave you rolling back to your nearby abode from the inevitable gluttony… but undeniably worth it for every half-hearted mutter of “Oh, just one more spoonful” as you determinedly prepare to lick the plate clean.
Breakfast locations can vary depending on capacity and accommodation bookings, but on this occasion the day also begins back at Cowshed the following morning. Potter your way around several buffet stations, where all the classic hot and continental options await. For those not in a hurry, eggs and specialty coffee can also be ordered a la carte at leisure.
If it’s casual dining you prefer after a busy week, newly-launched The Courtyard is ideal for letting it all hang out. Sink into the sofas under the covered stretch tent with tipple of choice and on weekends, devour delectable fresh woodfired pizzas alongside the bustling ambience.
Things to try
1 Meander for a morning run
If there’s one thing Tewinbury Farm isn’t short of, it’s nearby trails. Ideal for taking the scenic route, pack your Brooks and go exploring through the nearby farmland, local villages and signposted footpaths, which can be accessed directly from the estate.
PSST: For those who prefer a dedicated plan, use Strava’s heatmap feature to search and follow a set jogging adventure before setting off.
2 Join Francesco Mattana for a night of Italian feasting
One for the gourmands. Francesco Mattana is bringing Sardinian soul to Tewinbury this September with a one-off chef supper club. Raised on a farm by the sea and trained in kitchens around the world, Francesco’s menu will feature rustic Italian dishes using garden-grown veg and carefully sourced ingredients. Expect handmade pasta and zero waste, combined with captivating storytelling. 12th September, £98.00pp. app.sheepcrm.com
3 Brunch at Granary Kitchen
For those who can’t survive a weekend without some form of avocado dish, laidback on-site Granary Kitchen offers a menu brimming with simplistic but sumptuous choices. Think homemade baps, sourdough creations and enough bakery items to keep your carb levels kept high until Monday rolls around. tewinbury.co.uk
The Wordrobe verdict
Combining a haven of calm with a hive of foodie activity, Tewinbury Farm in Hertfordshire has been providing guests with a memorable rural escape since as far back as 1931.
It’s clear to see why it’s stood the test of time – here, the guest experience is relaxed, laid back and simply quite enchanted. Whether enjoying a girls weekend or looking for something more romantic, choosing a Lake Hut stay does it all and more. You won’t just ‘lake’ a break here – you’ll love it.
Start the adventure
Where: Hertford Road, Welwyn, Hertfordshire AL6 0JB
How: Find out more and make a booking via visiting tewinbury.co.uk or phoning 01438 717793
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
