South Lodge Hotel

Hotel review

Set in close to a hundred acres in West Sussex, South Lodge offers a sublime blend of historic charm and modern luxury. From the moment you arrive, the far-reaching views and expansive landscaped gardens (including newly planted vineyards) set the tone for a deeply relaxing escape. Originally built in 1883 by naturalist Frederick DuCane Godman, the estate boasts a rich botanical heritage - including the UK's largest rhododendron bush: a magnificent spectacle when in bloom. 

The hotel has recently undergone a multimillion dollar transformation and is simply everything you could wish for in a country house hotel. Within the main building are 88 beautifully appointed rooms - many featuring grand four-poster beds, elegant freestanding baths, and views over the stunning countryside, and some with their own hot tubs. In the grounds, eight Scandi-inspired lodges offer serene views over a tranquil lake adorned with water lilies sourced from Monet's garden in Giverny. The stunning spa complex includes a wild swimming pond, outdoor hydrotherapy pool, and an indoor infinity pool and a large sun deck - the perfect spot to while away a summer’s day. 

Culinary delights abound at South Lodge. The Pass, a Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by chef Ben Wilkinson, offers an intimate dining experience with a seven-course tasting menu. The Camellia restaurant serves modern British cuisine, featuring produce from the hotel's walled garden, while the contemporary Botanica restaurant within the spa complex provides a dairy-free, Mediterranean-inspired menu. In time, the hotel’s fledgling vineyards will supply the restaurants with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier wines: the perfect excuse for a return visit.

Tosca Barnes