The Flying Fish Stables offers 8 spacious, self-contained rooms, where guests can park directly outside their accommodations. Each room features super king-size beds or twin beds and wet-room style shower areas. Accessibility options are available in designated rooms equipped with ramps and grab rails.
Dining
The on-site restaurant serves a diverse menu of freshly cooked modern pub classics and Caribbean-inspired dishes. Guests can enjoy premium rums and a selection of local ales and ciders to enhance their dining experience. Daily specials provide an additional rotating choice for those looking for something new.
Location
Situated in Windmill Hill, near Ilminster, this country retreat is surrounded by scenic views of the Blackdown Hills. The Flying Fish Stables is conveniently located just 5 minutes from the A303 and 10 minutes from the M5, making it accessible for travelers. The rural setting provides an appealing backdrop for a peaceful getaway.
Weddings & Events
The Flying Fish offers a barn venue suitable for weddings and events, complete with charming décor and essential amenities. A dedicated wedding coordinator assists in planning bespoke ceremonies, ensuring everything runs smoothly. The barn also features its own private garden, providing an attractive outdoor space.
Family & Pet-Friendly Policies
This family-friendly hotel accommodates children up to the age of 17 on camp beds for a nominal fee. The pet-friendly policy allows up to two dogs per room, providing a comfortable experience for guests traveling with pets. Families can enjoy spacious rooms and shared dining experiences together.
Highlights
Location: Scenic views of the Blackdown Hills
Accommodation: 8 spacious en-suite rooms
Dining: Caribbean-inspired dishes and local ales
Events: Fully licensed wedding barn
Family: Camp beds available for children
Pets: Accommodations available for up to 2 dogs
Must-do experiences
Visit the Ilminster Arts Centre for local art and exhibitions.
Savor the famous Cheeseboard platter at The Bell Inn.
Stroll through the picturesque Ilminster town market on Saturdays.
Explore the historic Church of St. Mary, a local architectural gem.
Enjoy scenic walks along the River Ilm, a perfect picnic spot.
Select your room type
The Flying Fish Stables 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
20 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Heating
Coffee machine
room details
Double Room Private Bathroom
2 persons
20 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Heating
Coffee machine
room details
Standard Twin Room
2 persons
20 sq. feet
2 Single beds
Bathtub
Heating
room details
Show all rooms
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Check availability and prices for your dates now!
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
The Flying Fish Stables 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
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Services
Pet amenities available
Room service
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink
Dining
Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Outdoor dining area
Picnic area/ Tables
Packed lunches
Special diet menus
Business
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Children
Cots
Children's menu
Facilities for people with disabilities
Toilet for disabled
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
Experience the delightful offerings at The Flying Fish Stables, where traditional British dishes meet the vibrant flavors of Caribbean cuisine. Set in a charming family-friendly environment, it's the perfect dining spot for casual lunches or cozy romantic dinners under a starlit sky.
The Flying Fish
Traditional British and Caribbean
Ambiance
A blend of family-friendly, modern, and romantic settings, ideal for gatherings of all sizes.
Key Offerings
Exclusive features include a menu with vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, alongside local ales and a curated selection of wines and spirits.
Reservation
Recommended for popular dining times.
Open for lunch and dinner; Tuesday to Thursday from 17:00 - 23:00, Friday to Saturday from 12:00 - 23:00, and Sunday from 12:00 - 18:00.
The Flying Fish Stables Location
Windmill Hill, Ashill, Ilminster, TA19 9NX,
Explore Ilminster
Experience Windmill Hill
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Barrington Hill Meadows
17 minutes' walk
Barrington Hill Meadows features beautiful wildflower meadows and diverse wildlife, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
Church Of The Blessed Virgin Mary
20 minutes' walk
This historic church boasts stunning architecture and serene surroundings, ideal for peaceful reflection.
Castle Neroche
10 minutes' drive
Castle Neroche offers scenic views and rich history, with trails that are perfect for hiking and exploring.
Hiking at Barrington Hill
17 minutes' walk
Enjoy scenic hiking trails that cater to all levels amidst stunning natural landscapes.
Wellness at Local Spa
10 minutes' drive
Relaxing spa services available nearby, including massages and wellness treatments for rejuvenation.
The Flying Fish Pub
1 minute' walk
Traditional pub fare with local ales and a cozy atmosphere, perfect for casual dining and gatherings.
The Bakery
5 minutes' drive
Known for fresh pastries and coffee, this casual spot is perfect for breakfast or a light lunch.
The Ilminster Arts Centre
10 minutes' drive
A vibrant venue showcasing art exhibitions, workshops, and performances, catering to diverse tastes.
Local Live Music Venues
10 minutes' drive
Regular live music events and performances create a lively atmosphere for both locals and visitors.
Getting around
City Centre
Ilminster 8 min · 3.2 mi
Airports
Exeter International (EXT) 70 min · 28.8 mi
Bristol (BRS) 100 min · 41.1 mi
Bus
Bus stop 18 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 the entire hotel for free.
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 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 WiFi
9.7/10
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 417 reviews
9.4/10
Aaron from Australia
Couple
Standard Double Room
1 night in November 2025
|
Reviewed: February 10, 2026
9.6/10
Excellent Stay!
english option comfortable bed courtyard parking
The breakfast included a full English option and an omelet! The beer garden looked attractive! I found the courtyard parking very convenient. I had an excellent night's sleep thanks to the big comfortable bed.
The WiFi signal was choppy at times.
Rooms
10/10
The standard double room was large and cozy with clean and modern decor. ample coffee and tea supplies. It also had a kettle and coffee machine.
Location
9/10
The countryside surroundings are picturesque! The hotel is great for keen walkers and runners, furthermore, it has a beautiful view over the hills and woodlands.
Facilities
9/10
The hotel has an attractive beer garden, bar, and restaurant a few steps across the courtyard! Nine rooms are set on one side of the courtyard with parking directly outside.
Service
10/10
The staff offered friendly service! The staff were perfect, furthermore they helped with all my requests, and the breakfast was faultless!
Dining
10/10
The restaurant served top class food and the staff were lovely and friendly! The turkey pie and jerk pork was AMAZING!!! I followed them with a very rich chocolate torte.
0 Helpful
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Sebastian from Germany
Single
Standard Double Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 27, 2026
6/10
room issues and a closed restaurant
choppy wi-fi closed restaurant
the wi-fi was indeed quite choppy. it made it hard to get any work done! also, i was disappointed to find the restaurant closed for a christmas buffet. the buffet seemed overpriced and a beverage should have been included.
0 Helpful
Denise from Germany
Couple
Double Room Private Bathroom
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 18, 2026
9.5/10
really good dining and comfortable stay
spacious room comfortable bed wet room english breakfast
I found the room spacious. it included a huge comfortable bed. a bath and wet room style shower were available. the staff provided a substantial full english breakfast. Other choices were also available.
the wi-fi connection was sometimes unstable i experienced occasional interruptions during usage it needs improvement but it was only a minor inconvenience.
Dining
9/10
The restaurant featured tasty carribean curried goat on the menu. freshly chopped chillies came on the side for my curry. the chef adapted my meal to my preferences. I appreciated this attention.
Service
10/10
The staff were friendly and cute. breakfast was brought to my room. all staff were perfect. I experienced excellent attention .
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Sebastian from Germany
Single
Standard Double Room
1 night in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 16, 2025
9.5/10
country inn stay
comfortable room huge bed fantastic bathroom tasty curry
the room was comfortable a huge double bed was available the bathroom was fantastic with a wetroom type shower and a large bath a filter coffee machine was also provided my evening meal was a very tasty seafood curry followed by a roulade dessert. i stayed in room 1 for one night to break my journey. the view from the dining room looked out over the hills and was complimented by a wonderful sunset.
the wi-fi signal was inconsistent
Location
9/10
the inn provides access to picturesque countryside surroundings the setting offered a quiet experience the area is very peaceful with friendly locals adding to an enjoyable evening stay.
Service
10/10
breakfast was included in the overnight price with options such as cereal yoghurts a full english breakfast or an omelet friendly service was provided in the bar and restaurant creating a cute atmosphere.
Facilities
9/10
nine rooms are located on one side of a courtyard parking is available directly outside each room an attractive beer garden bar and restaurant are situated a few steps across the courtyard.
Dining
10/10
the food served was delicious i tried the seafood curry and roulade dessert everything was reasonably priced breakfast was delivered directly to my room making it convenient and enjoyable.
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Rosie from Australia
Couple
Standard Twin Room
2 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 01, 2025
6/10
smoke smell cleaning standards
The staff were friendly.
The room was advertised as non-smoking. It clearly smelled of smoke, and it was very unpleasant. I requested a different room, but none was available. The hotel needs to address its room cleaning standards!!!
0 Helpful
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Questions of the users
About The Flying Fish Stables
Are dogs allowed in the guest rooms, and is there a fee for bringing two pets?
1 November 2024
Yes, dogs are welcome in the rooms and the nearby pub/restaurant. A fee of £10 applies for one dog and £15 for two.
Can special dietary needs, like gluten-free options for breakfast, be accommodated?
15 December 2024
Absolutely! Informing the staff about specific dietary requirements will ensure that suitable breakfast options are available.
How far away is the establishment from the A303, and is the area quiet?
22 January 2025
The location is approximately 5 kilometers from the A303, just a short drive away, yet distant enough to provide a peaceful atmosphere.
If I bring my medium-sized dog for a four-night visit, what would be the total cost?
3 February 2025
The cost for one medium-sized dog would be £40 for a four-night stay, as the charge is £10 per night.
Are there any scenic walks nearby that are suitable for dogs?
14 March 2025
Definitely! There are several picturesque walking trails starting directly from the establishment, with some featuring lovely streams.
Is it possible to have breakfast served in the privacy of my room?
28 March 2025
Yes, room service for breakfast is available, allowing guests to enjoy their meal in the comfort of their own space.
Is it feasible to check in late at night, around 11:30 PM?
10 April 2025
Late arrivals can be arranged without any issues, ensuring a smooth check-in experience.
Are there vegan breakfast options available?
21 April 2025
Yes, vegan options can be provided to cater to plant-based diets.
Is there a bathroom in the twin room, and does it have both a bath and a shower?
3 May 2025
Yes, the twin room features both a separate bath and a shower for convenience and comfort.
Are there opportunities for evening meals and takeaway drinks on weekends?
15 June 2025
Evening meals and takeaway drinks are available, providing plenty of dining options for guests.
What is the cancellation policy for bookings, especially for military personnel?
29 July 2025
A credit card is necessary for booking, with free cancellation available up to 48 hours before arrival, making it flexible for changing plans.