The Flying Fish Stables Hotel Ilminster Beds photoThe Flying Fish Stables Hotel Ilminster Exterior photoThe Flying Fish Stables Hotel Ilminster Exterior photo
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From83US$ /night
Check-in
03Jun2026Select date
Check-out
04Jun2026Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Windmill Hill, Ashill, Ilminster, United Kingdom, TA19 9NX
-
Near Barrington Hill Meadows
Perfect
9.4
9.4
/10
5.0
4.6
/5

4-star rural retreat with Caribbean cuisine

Accommodation

The Flying Fish Stables offers 8 spacious, self-contained rooms, each with en-suite facilities. Six rooms come with super king-size beds, while two are designed with twin single beds. Every room provides a private veranda with seating, delivering views of the surrounding fields.

Dining

Guests can enjoy a diverse menu featuring freshly cooked modern pub classics alongside Caribbean-inspired dishes. The Country Restaurant & Bar offers premium rums, local ales, and a considerable wine list to complement each meal. Signature dishes include the Barbados curried goat and the Jamaican jerk pork.

Entertainment

The Flying Fish barn serves as an events venue, featuring live music and comedy nights with a capacity of 230 people. The space includes a fully licensed bar, a stage, and disco lighting for various events. The barn also allows for private hire for celebrations and gatherings.

Location

Located at Windmill Hill, near Ilminster, the hotel is surrounded by scenic views of the Blackdown Hills. Accessibility is straightforward, with the A303 just 5 minutes away and the M5 reachable in 10 minutes. This makes it a suitable meeting point for guests traveling for business or leisure.

Pet-Friendly and Family-Friendly

The Flying Fish Stables welcomes pets, charging £10 per night for dogs, with a maximum of two per room. Families can accommodate up to two children aged 17 or under with camp beds for an additional fee. Accessible rooms are also available, equipped with ramps and grab rails.

Highlights

Location: just 5 mins from the A303

Dining: Caribbean inspired dishes and premium rums

Entertainment: live music and events venue

Accommodation: private veranda with seating

Must-do experiences

  • Visit the stunning Forde Abbey gardens for a peaceful stroll.
  • Taste the famous Somerset cider at the nearby Thatchers Brewery.
  • Explore the Ilminster Arts Centre for local exhibitions.
  • Don't miss a walk along the River Isle for scenic views.
  • Visit the historic Ilminster Museum for local history insights.
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Select your room type

The Flying Fish Stables Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Twin Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Coffee machine
Double Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Standard Twin Room
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Coffee machine
Standard Double Room
2 persons
220 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
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Facilities

The Flying Fish Stables Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Perfect
9.4/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Parking
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • Pets allowed
  • Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
  • Wheelchair access
  • Security
  • Luggage storage
  • Coffee shop
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Sports & Fitness

  • Hiking
  • Horseback riding
  • Cycling
  • Golf course

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Room service
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Picnic area/ Tables
  • Packed lunches
  • Special diet menus

Business

  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Beach umbrellas
  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • Leisure/ TV room

Room features

  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Patio
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

The Flying Fish Stables offers a delightful fusion of Caribbean and British cuisine, perfect for a variety of dining experiences. With a family-friendly atmosphere and a cozy touch of modernity, guests can indulge in authentic flavors paired with local ales and a thoughtfully curated selection of wines.
The Flying Fish Stables Hotel Ilminster Restaurant photo
The Flying Fish Stables Hotel Ilminster Restaurant photo

The Flying Fish

Traditional British and Caribbean
Ambiance
Welcoming and family-friendly, with a blend of traditional and modern touches, set within a charming country pub ambiance.
Key Offerings
Signature dishes showcase both Caribbean zest and British comfort, alongside local ales and a diverse range of wines and spirits to complement each meal.
Reservation
Reservations recommended to secure a table.
Tuesday to Thursday, 5 PM - 11 PM; Friday to Saturday, 12 PM - 11 PM; Sunday, 12 PM - 6 PM.

The Flying Fish Stables Hotel Location

Windmill Hill, Ashill, Ilminster, United Kingdom, TA19 9NX
Map view
Windmill Hill, Ashill, Ilminster, United Kingdom, TA19 9NX
Nearby
Ilminster TA19 9LW
Barrington Hill Meadows
3600 ft
Restaurants
The Flying Fish Pub
100 ft
Windmill Hill Ashill
Explore Ilminster
Local Highlights Near The Flying Fish Stables
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Barrington Hill Meadows
Barrington Hill Meadows
17 minutes' walk
A beautiful nature reserve featuring diverse wildlife and scenic walking paths, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Castle Neroche
Castle Neroche
10 minutes' drive
An ancient hilltop castle site with stunning views and historical significance, perfect for photography and hiking.
Scenic Hiking Trails
10 minutes' drive
Numerous trails available for hiking, suitable for all levels, with bike rental services nearby for adventurous guests.
Relaxing Spa Retreats
10 minutes' drive
Nearby spas offering rejuvenating treatments and relaxation sessions, ideal for stressed business travelers and couples.
The Flying Fish Pub
The Flying Fish Pub
1 minute' walk
A cozy pub offering local specialties and hearty meals, famous for its homemade pies and refreshing ales.
The 17
5 minutes' drive
A charming bistro with a varied menu, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and an inviting atmosphere for all diners.
The Ilminster Arts Centre
10 minutes' drive
A vibrant venue hosting live performances and art exhibits, suitable for families and art enthusiasts alike.
The Red Lion
5 minutes' drive
A lively pub known for its local music nights and friendly vibe, providing an enjoyable night out for all ages.
Getting around
City Centre
Ilminster8 min  ·  3.2 mi
Airports
Exeter International (EXT)70 min  ·  28.8 mi
Bristol (BRS)100 min  ·  41.1 mi
Bus
Bus stop18 min  ·  7.3 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:00
Check-out
until 10 am
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel The Flying Fish Stables provides visitors with a free full breakfast. 
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 2. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Number of rooms:
8
Former name
The Square & Compass Inn

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Flying Fish Stables Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 260 verified reviews
9.3/10
Perfect
97%
Recommend
Breakfast
8.5/10
Cleanliness
9.7/10
Comfort
9.6/10
Facilities
9.4/10
Free Wi-Fi
9.5/10
Location
9.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
10.0/10
Staff
9.8/10
Value for money
9.5/10
Guest reviews
based on 260 reviews
9.3/10
based on 432 reviews
9.4/10
Allan from United Kingdom
Couple
Standard Twin Room
1 night in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 28, 2026
9.2/10

simple and pleasant stay

friendly staffclean roomexcellent hosts
the staff was friendly. the room was clean. breakfast was excellent. buddy and kate are wonderful hosts.
the wi-fi was choppy. i wish the restaurant had been open for regular service .
Rooms
9/10
the standard twin room was spacious. it featured comfortable beds with nice linen. a large bathroom included both a bath and a separate shower.
Location
10/10
the hotel is in a beautiful country setting. the surrounding area is quiet, the birdsong is lovely. the views are fine from the hotel.
Service
9/10
the owners were kind and helpful. the staff offered a warm welcome. communication with the staff was easy and efficient.
Facilities
9/10
all rooms are fully accessible. the hotel provides a safe environment. the hotel includes an outdoor seating area. it is dog friendly.
Dining
9/10
the hotel provides an excellent breakfast. the breakfast was cooked perfectly. the on-site pub is a real bonus with excellent food.
0 Helpful
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Taylor from United Kingdom
Single
Standard Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 10, 2026
5/10
choppy wi-fioverpriced buffet
the wi-fi really was choppy, i couldn't even check my emails properly. it turned out the restaurant was closed for a christmas buffet, which i thought was a bit of a rip off. the buffet cost too much and didn't even include drinks.
0 Helpful
Ryan from United Kingdom
Couple
Standard Double Room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: January 05, 2026
9/10

a GREAT stopover

excellent roomshort walkgreat hosts
I chose this accommodation as a base for exploring. The room and facilities are separate from the main building. a short walk leads to meals. Kate and Buddy are great hosts, they looked after us well. Breakfast and dinner at the restaurant were excellent too.
the wi-fi was very choppy.
Rooms
9/10
the standard double room includes ample space and a comfortable bed for two guests. there is a coffee machine with supplies available, and modern, clean decor is present. parking spaces are right outside the courtyard.
0 Helpful
|
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Joseph from United Kingdom
Single
Standard Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 02, 2026
9.3/10

Really good Hospitality and Comfort

attentive staffconvenient parkingfull english breakfast
The staff demonstrated really good attentiveness, thereby making my visit particularly cute. The room provided included useful facilities and the convenience of parking directly outside. Breakfast included a full English option alongside a buffet with juices, fruits, yogurts, and bread.
The Wi-Fi signal experienced intermittent connectivity.
Service
10/10
The staff was friendly and accommodating , offering prompt assistance with any requests. Communication was efficient and polite. Every interaction was marked by genuine warmth and a willingness to help.
Facilities
9/10
The location presented picturesque countryside surroundings that provided a peaceful atmosphere. Parking was conveniently located directly outside the rooms, facilitating easy access. A beer garden, bar and restaurant were only steps across the courtyard.
Rooms
9/10
The room proved spacious , clean, and well-presented, providing comfort throughout my stay. The bed was large and comfortable. Tea and coffee making facilities were available, complete with ample supplies and biscuits.
0 Helpful
|
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Avery from United States
Single
Double Room Private Bathroom
1 night in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 21, 2025
9/10
double bedwetroom showercoffee machine
the room included a huge double bed. the bathroom featured a wetroom style shower. a filter coffee machine was also provided.
the restaurant was closed on one day.
0 Helpful
Jessica from United States
Couple
Standard Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 20, 2025
9/10

Really good Jamaican Vibe

ground floorspacious roomjamaican vibe
The hotel's ground floor layout with parking immediately outside proved convenient. The room was spacious and clean. I especially appreciated the Jamaican vibe (it created a unique atmosphere).
0 Helpful
FAQs
About The Flying Fish Stables
What is the check-in and check-out policy at The Flying Fish Stables?
Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out is by 10:00.
How far is The Flying Fish Stables from Exeter International Airport?
The hotel is 50 km from Exeter International Airport, approximately a 42-minute drive.
What dining options are available at The Flying Fish Stables?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant serving traditional British and Caribbean cuisine, as well as a bar with local ales.
What types of room amenities can guests expect at The Flying Fish Stables?
Rooms include Smart TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities, and free toiletries.
Is parking available at The Flying Fish Stables?
Free public parking is available on-site without reservation.
What local attractions can be found near The Flying Fish Stables?
Nearby attractions include the Jurassic Coast, which is 29 km away, and Castle Neroche, located within a 10-minute drive.
Does The Flying Fish Stables provide any facilities for guests with disabilities?
The hotel has ground floor rooms designed with full disabled facilities, including accessible bathroom features.
What recreational activities does The Flying Fish Stables offer?
Guests can enjoy pub crawls and access to golfing facilities in the vicinity.
Are there any outdoor dining options at The Flying Fish Stables?
The hotel offers private outdoor dining areas with views of the surrounding fields.
How far is The Flying Fish Stables from Taunton?
The hotel is located 15 km from Taunton.
What type of hotel is The Flying Fish Stables?
The hotel is a traditional country pub with accommodations and is pet-friendly.

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room