The Flying Fish Stables Hotel Ilminster Exterior photoThe Flying Fish Stables Hotel Ilminster Exterior photoThe Flying Fish Stables Hotel Ilminster Exterior photo
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From83US$ /night
Check-in
02May2026Select date
Check-out
03May2026Select 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

Accommodation

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.
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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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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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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

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 Stables Hotel Ilminster Restaurant photo
The Flying Fish Stables Hotel Ilminster Restaurant photo
The Flying Fish Stables Hotel Ilminster Restaurant photo

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 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
Experience Windmill Hill
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Barrington Hill Meadows
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
Church Of The Blessed Virgin Mary
20 minutes' walk
This historic church boasts stunning architecture and serene surroundings, ideal for peaceful reflection.
Castle Neroche
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
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
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 200 verified reviews
9.3/10
Perfect
98%
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 200 reviews
9.3/10
based on 428 reviews
9.4/10
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 roomcomfortable bedwet roomenglish 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 .
0 Helpful
|
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Victoria from United Kingdom
Single
Standard Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 20, 2025
7/10
spacious roomamazing beddelivered breakfastchoppy wi-firestaurant closureoverpriced buffet
The room was spacious. The bed was AMAZING. Breakfast was delivered to the room. It was perfect.
The wi-fi was choppy. A christmas buffet was offered, but it seemed overpriced.
0 Helpful
Sebastian from Germany
Single
Standard Double Room
1 night in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 16, 2025
9.5/10

country inn stay

comfortable roomhuge bedfantastic bathroomtasty 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.
0 Helpful
|
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Rosie from Australia
Couple
Standard Twin Room
2 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 01, 2025
6/10
friendly staffsmoke smellcleaning 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
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.

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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room