In the heart of the Sussex countryside, south of London, lies the enchanting Ashdown Forest. The wooded hillsides and bucolic green pastures are home to the renowned Ashdown Park Hotel – and Winnie the Pooh! From his home in the forest, author A. A. Milne wrote the whimsical tales of a teddy bear, his friend Christopher Robin, and their adventures in the area. Not far from Gatwick Airport, the Sussex countryside imbues a quintessentially English experience. Blanketed by serene landscapes, cozy pubs, and foot trails filled with wellie-wearing locals walking their dogs, a weekend away in Sussex will surely revitalize the soul.
Elegant and luxurious, the Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club is the preeminent place to stay in Sussex. Rolling up to the stately, castle-like entrance, you’ll be greeted by friendly bellmen who whisk away your bags and lead you inside. Grand yet somehow cozy, the lobby area boasts magnificent gothic archways, intricate dark wood panelling, and a crackling fire.
Stately rooms with beautiful views and plush beds provide the perfect oasis after a long day. Our corner suite featured a massive living area and majestic stone balcony that made us feel a little like Juliet casually waiting for our lover boy, Romeo.
Like any proper countryside estate, the grounds of the Ashdown Park Hotel are simply breathtaking. A sprawling lawn stretches out from the backside of the property, complete with a croquet lawn, a serene lake, and an 18 hole par 3 golf course beyond. A morning outdoors should be followed up by an afternoon at the property’s lavish spa. Primed for pampering, the facilities include saunas, steam rooms, and a heated indoor pool.
With numerous stately parlor rooms adorned with plush chairs, sofas, and fireplaces, tea time at the Ashdown Park Hotel is unparalleled. Order a cup of Earl Grey and indulge in some light snacks like fresh backed chocolate chip cookies, a charcuterie plate, or delicate tea sandwiches. The talents of the kitchen really shine at dinner time in the property’s award-winning restaurant, Anderida. Enjoy wild game and locally foraged ingredients with proper silverware in the grand candle-lit space.
Since 1815, the historic property has been a mansion home, a hospital for Belgian Army officers during WWI, a convent for the Order of the Sisters of Notre Dame, a university, an offsite building for Barclay’s Bank, and now the finest luxury hotel & spa in Sussex. With a rich history, luxury amenities, and stunning grounds, the Ashdown Park Hotel is calling your name for the next holiday.
