Ockenden Manor

from $311
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Afternoon tea
“This tranquil and historic manor house is just an hour from London, with lovely gardens, indoor and outdoor pools and a fine dining restaurant. Choose from traditional manor house rooms or elegant modern suites. Its top notch spa - and the Downs nearby - make for the perfect mini-break. ”

Hotel review

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.

James Dunford Wood
James Dunford Wood Review published: 20/09/2024

Recommended for

  • Foodies

    • The creative cuisine of Head Chef Stephen Crane has earned them a Michelin-Star, check out the seven-course Tasting Menu.

  • Country Escape

    • Submerge yourself in this country house hotel, with every whim and comfort taken care of there is no need to leave.

  • Spa breaks

    • Spend a 'me day' at the hotel's modern spa, with Hammam, hot tub, sauna and massages, followed by a cooling dip in the pool.

  • 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.

  • Restaurant

    • Michelin starred cuisine

  • Views

    • To the South Downs

  • Pet friendly

    • Charges apply.

  • Country House

  • Free wifi

  • Romantic

  • Remote

  • Gourmet

  • Quiet

  • Charming

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Full of character

  • Spa

  • Historic

  • Chic

  • Gym

  • Child friendly

  • Intimate

  • Traditional

  • Contemporary

  • Luxury

  • Four poster beds

Facilities

  • Rooms

    28 rooms in this hotel

  • 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

Activities

  • 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.

Map & Location

Other reviews

Sunday Times Ultimate 100 British Hotels 2014

Originally published by Sunday Times

Ockenden Manor

"As well as the elegant drawing room, there’s an oak panelled bar, the Burrell Room for private dining with its original Tudor ceiling, and a recently decorated and extended restaurant."

Originally published by The Telegraph

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