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The South Downs is an expansive range of chalky hills running along the South Eastern coast from Hampshire to East Sussex. Both scenic and easily accessible from London - this makes for an easy rural escape. Pretty villages with characterful pubs, stately homes, and castles can all be found in the region. There's an excellent choice of accommodation too. From family-friendly stays to elegant country houses or hotels complete with a spa. Whether you are looking to book a couples' escape or a rambling holiday with friends, our Hotel Gurus have got you covered in their comprehensive list of the best hotels in the South Downs.
For a country house hotel
- Park House Hotel is a timeless family hotel, in the heart of the South Downs National Park in West Sussex. Classically styled rooms brim with old school elegance. The popular restaurant serves locally sourced cuisine. A unique spot, complete with grass tennis courts, golf course, two pools and spa.
- Flint Barns at Rathfinny Estate is a chic rural retreat situated on a stunning South Downs vineyard, between Brighton and Eastbourne. Beautifully styled interiors perfectly mix the building's traditional features with simple modern style. With plenty of activities in the area, this is the perfect rural escape.
- Wingrove House is an impeccably designed boutique country house set right on the South Downs Way in East Sussex. Spacious, simply furnished rooms are elegant and done with soft hues. A cosy restaurant provides excellent modern British fare and drinks are served in the fire-lit lounge.
For a pub
- The White Hart is a comfortable pitstop close to the South Downs for couples, families and cyclists. A charming and quirky West Sussex village inn, popular amongst locals and travellers alike. Expect the traditional roaring fires and hearty meals. A cosy stay.
- The Welldiggers Arms offers 4* accommodation in the rural town of Petworth. The fourteen rooms are country chic in style. Excellent food with a regularly changing seasonal menu. A cosy, smart and unassuming country getaway.
- The Swan Hotel, Arundel, is a charming local inn boasting a prime location within the market town of Arundel. Rooms are decorated in palettes of cream with thick woollen throws, period sash windows and large roll-top baths. Downstairs there is a cosy pub with a restaurant serving seasonal dishes.
- The Angel Inn in Petworth is a picturesque inn offering quaint rooms with traditional features. Groups can hire neighbouring Hyde House, a stately Georgian-era gem. The inn's restaurant offers a fresh, seasonal menu - an idyllic escape to the country.
- A smart 16th century pub with rooms, The Bull in East Sussex has long been a firm favourite for locals and travellers alike. Lively and vibrant, it features six chic bedrooms, an excellent restaurant and beer from their own brewery.
For foodies
- The Royal Oak is a 200 year old village inn turned popular restaurant with rooms in a quiet village, just north of Chichester. Cosy rooms with delicate pretty wallpaper and beamed ceilings. Downstairs a small bar pulls a good pint but the restaurant is the real showstopper. A lovely country escape.
For a pet friendly stay
- Langrish House is a quintessentially British country house hotel just outside Petersfield. A stunning 17th century property set in mature gardens and featuring a gourmet restaurant and atmospheric bar set in the vaults. A dog-friendly stay, perfect for a weekend escape.
- The White Horse is a charming and cosy, AA 5 star silver ‘restaurant with rooms’ offering delicious food and contemporary rooms with roll-top copper baths and four-poster kingsize beds in Chilgrove, West Sussex. A pet-friendly stay, this is ideal for walkers travelling with their four-legged friends!
For a spa
- The Goodwood Hotel is an elegant country retreat on the Goodwood Estate, just outside Chichester. Two golf courses, a spa health club and a choice of restaurants make this hotel an ideal rejuvenating getaway. Bedrooms are smartly decorated, many with private sitting rooms and patio terraces.
- The Spread Eagle Hotel & Spa is a handsome characterful medieval inn with four-poster beds, gourmet restaurant and contemporary spa in the pretty Sussex market town of Midhurst. History lovers and romantics will enjoy a weekend visit or mini break.
For a stately home
- Amberley Castle offers an historic stay amidst the English countryside, with fine dining to boot. You can expect atmospheric rooms, moat, and oak portcullis, not to mention a resident peacock, acres of manicured grounds, and several suits of armour. Enormous beds and sink into sofas ensure rooms are made for lingering.
- West Dean College B&B is an historic country house set in acres of manicured gardens and parkland just outside Chichester. Expect elegant reception rooms, indulgent breakfasts, quiet surrounds and plenty to explore locally.
For families
- Duck Lodge B&B is a charming, luxury log-cabin style accommodation that sleeps 4 guests. The bedroom is pretty and comfortable with fresh white linens. A hot tub is available for use. Provisions are provided for a Continental Breakfast. A great choice for a small family.
- Blue Door Barns offers accommodation in converted barns in the Sussex countryside. Guestrooms are homely, with cosy throws and vintage-style furnishings; book the lodge for family-sized living space. Unwind with a massage before getting a barbecue going in the garden!
Still not sure where to book?