Ockenden Manor

This elegant and long-standing hotel in a converted Elizabethan manor house in the village of Cuckfield offers fine dining as well as excellent views over tranquil Sussex parkland. It's a hotel of two halves. In the main house, lead-framed windows, wooden beams and wonky floors create period charm and winter cosiness. Bedrooms offer chintzy decor and four poster beds, while downstairs a plethora of nooks and crannies in bars and sitting rooms will delight romantics.

However, for those wanting something more modern, with air-con and clean lines, there are six luxurious spa suites a short walk away, each named after the owner’s children, with free standing baths behind glass screens and powerful rainshowers. Downstairs is an extensive and modern spa sunk into a 19th century walled garden. Very popular with day-visiting locals, it has an indoor / outdoor pool, a sauna and steam room, and outdoor and indoor hot tubs. There are also plenty of areas for sunbathing here in fine weather, as well as on a private roof terrace accessed from the suites above.

Beyond, nine acres of peaceful gardens and parkland surround the property, which is just up the hill from a quaint old church.

The hotel's excellent restaurant is well regarded locally, with its emphasis on British fare and fine English wines, of which there's a large collection. Before dinner, guests can indulge in a cocktail in the cosy wood-panelled bar, or afternoon tea in the elegant drawing room, a great place to relax with a roaring log fire in winter.

In summer, head for the sun drenched terrace and croquet lawn. The delights of the South Downs are on its doorstep, and it’s just 20 minutes from Gatwick airport.

 

Written by James Dunford Wood

• Bar
• Spend your evenings digesting merrily by a roaring fire in the sitting room or with a stiff drink in the wood panelled bar.
• Restaurant
• Michelin starred cuisine
• Views
• To the South Downs
• Pet friendly
• Charges apply.
• Swimming Pool
• Indoor/outdoor
• Free wifi
• Outdoor dining
• Sauna/Steam
• Massage
• Private dining room
• Sit-out Terrace

• Suites
• Spa
• Garden
• Gym
• Child friendly
• Sitting Room
• Room service
• Wifi
• Hot Tub
• Four poster beds

• Great walks
• This area boasts plenty of picturesque walks, ask your hosts to point out a few choice trails to follow.
• Yoga
• The hotel holds special two day yoga retreats with massages, yoga sessions and fine dining.

• Wildlife Area
• Great for garden lovers: close to Nymans, Borde Hill, High Beeches and more!
• Other Activities
• Spend a leisurly afternoon lounging by the pool with a good book.