A SPECTACULAR SUSSEX SOJOURN WITH HISTORIC SUSSEX HOTELS

Ockenden Manor is a charming hotel set in nine acres of gardens and grounds with beautiful views over the South Downs. Ockenden Manor is home to 28 suites and rooms, including 6 spa suites.

Rooms in the main house are inspired by the building’s history, with exposed beams, timeless antique furniture, and sumptuous beds. By contrast, the spa suites are modern and minimalist with access to a private terrace where you can gaze over the South Downs and listen to the meditative sounds of nature. In the spirit of serenity, Ockenden Manor Spa, built inside the estate’s original walled garden, is a place to truly unwind.

The hotel’s surrounding countryside and verdant gardens further evoke a sense of calm – an escape from the hustle and bustle of London just an hour drive away or 45 minutes by train. By night, the award-winning restaurant at Ockenden Manor offers delicious, unpretentious food with Head Chef Stephen Crane creating daily changing menus using the freshest ingredients, sourced within Sussex wherever possible.

Complementing this, expect an extensive wine list which champions locality with over 50 local wines listed and a rotation of house wine from nearby vineyards. Traditional afternoon tea is not to be missed, serving homemade jams and chutneys. Ockenden Manor is the perfect base from which to explore the lovely local town Cuckfield, the South Downs by foot or by bike and the plethora of local wineries offering tours and tastings.
The one for regal history: Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa
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The Spread Eagle – one the oldest coaching inns in England – is a countryside bolthole, steeped in history, located at the heart of the historic market town of Midhurst. Residents will feel as if they are waking up in their own stately home in a regal four-poster bed just like royal figures Queen Elizabeth I and King Edward VII did in this very same hotel.

The Spread Eagle, among the oldest buildings in Sussex, dates to 1430 and still retains its original lattice windows and creaking, undulating floors. The 39 bedrooms all exude charm, with antique furniture, ornaments and stained-glass paintings adorning the walls. This historic character is contrasted wonderfully by the light conservatory area, terrace and modern Temple Spa. A sanctuary of calm, guests can reset and experience signature treatments including the South Downs Soother. The atmospheric candlelit restaurant with its inglenook fireplace serves lovingly cooked English food, with locally sourced produce at the top of the agenda.
Beyond exploring pretty Midhurst, guests can head to the horse racing at Fontwell, historic car and horse racing at Goodwood, polo at Cowdray Park. A short drive away is also one of Britain’s prettiest pubs, The Duke of Cumberland Arms – a 16th-century hillside pub with spectacular views.
The one for a dose of the coast: Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa
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Bailiffscourt is a unique cluster of medieval mansions more akin to a quaint village than traditional hotel. Originally built as the home for the Guinness family in the 1920s, Bailiffscourt’s 39 rooms are spread across different buildings. A medieval theme runs throughout, with authenticity at its heart thanks to extensive salvage of materials from ancient buildings. Complementing the architecture, the interiors honour the era – think oak-panelling, vaulted ceilings, latticed windows, framed tapestries and above all, four poster beds. Some rooms invite residents to cosy up by the in-suite fireplaces, lit upon request, others boast views of ancient trees. Signs lead guests from the hotel’s glorious gardens ‘TO THE SEA’, for a dip in the Channel or to sit back and take in the scenery at Littlehampton beach.
After a blustery walk on the beach, guests can be transported to a medieval banquet and delight at traditional English dishes served at the Tapestry Restaurant. Sunnier days present an opportunity to sit outside, sipping a glass of wine, sourced locally from one of Sussex’s award-winning vineyards, best enjoyed in the rose-clad courtyard or garden. For a moment of peace, retreat to the Sussex-style barn which houses the hotel’s award-winning spa. Those who want to venture further can explore the surrounding area on long walks with four-legged friends in tow, (dogs are welcome, and can even indulge themselves with the Bailiffscourt Sandy Paws experience).