Eight Hotels Perfect For An Escape In The Sussex Countryside

Looking for some respite from the rat race, or to get your family more connected to nature? Sussex’s national parks and nature reserves have so much to offer. From Ditchling Beacon to Malling Down, this list aims to give you a variety of ideas for countryside hotels in Sussex to return to after a long peaceful hike, or somewhere to relax, switch off, and enjoy some much-needed pampering.

Looking for a Peaceful Retreat in the Sussex Countryside? Look no further than these hotels…

Horsted Place Hotel

Located just outside of Uckfield and a ten-minute drive to Lewes, Horsted Place is in prime position for those who want a relaxing stay in the East Sussex countryside but may venture into a peaceful village too.

The stunning Gothic architecture and the verdant grounds are more than enough to offer a relaxing stay. Each suite is designed to suit individual tastes, all with stunning views of the grounds or the Sussex Downs. The four-star home and gardens were once a regular retreat for the late Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

Horsted Place’s award-winning Parva Restaurant offers local catch-of-the-day dishes, steaks, and quintessentially British desserts such as apple crumble and lemon posset. Their more casual lounge and terrace bistro serve up tasty open sandwiches, steaks, seafood, and burgers – the perfect quick bite after a late evening visiting the Glyndebourne Opera House for some entertainment. Horsted Place offers its visitors a relaxing stay amongst unpretentious opulence.

Address: Little Horsted, Uckfield, TN22 5TS

The Griffin Inn

This sixteenth-century country pub located in the quaint village of Fletching overlooks the Ouse Valley and the surroundings offer plenty of fun for a family staycation. The Inn itself features a large garden, a cosy bar complete with a log fire, and a restaurant which bases its menu around local and seasonal ingredients.

The rooms are decorated in the classic countryside style, and they also provide dog-friendly accommodation. A herb garden local to the public house produces the toiletries available in every room.

This friendly hotel is the perfect place to bring the kids and fur babies along for a retreat. The surrounding areas include the National Trust’s Sheffield Park & Garden where you can explore acres of landscaped park and woodland, The famous Ashdown Forest which is best known as being the home of Winnie the Pooh, and the historic Bluebell Railway with steam locomotives running along heritage lines in the country.

There are also plenty of golf courses nearby which makes the Griffin Inn equally a great place for adults in need of respite and kids in need of adventure.

Address: The Griffin, Fletching, Uckfield, East Sussex, TN22 3SS

South Lodge

Nature connectedness is at the heart of South Lodge’s aim. This once-private home located in Horsham contains ninety-two acres of Sussex countryside and encourages its visitors to reduce their screen time and escape into relaxation.

The grounds feature wildflower meadows, a natural swimming pond, hidden rockery, and the lodge’s own vineyard. The inside of the property is just as focussed on relaxing and recharging as it contains a sustainable spa where nature is the main source of inspiration with innovative treatments, fitness facilities, and pools.

Their Michelin star-awarded restaurant, The Pass, offers an intimate dining experience with the head chef, Ben Wilkinson crafting high-quality dishes using seasonal ingredients. Their second restaurant, Botanica, focuses on sustainable, dairy-free, healthy Mediterranean cuisine. Botanica offers a more casual dining experience where spa robes can be worn until 5:45 pm.

With 88 individually designed rooms on offer, some with features such as double baths, and outdoor hot tubs, South Lodge is excellent for a break from busy modern life to unwind and reinvigorate.

Address: Brighton Rd, Lower Beeding, Crabtree, Horsham, RH13 6PS

The Roundabout Hotel

In 1925 as part of his dream to create ‘the perfect English village’, famous sculptor – Reginald Wells designed The Roundabout Hotel. Set in the picturesque village of West Chiltington, the hotel was refurbished in early 2012 and still contains many of its original Tudor features.

Surrounded by the Sussex Downs hills and secluded amongst tall woodland, The Roundabout Hotel is made extra cosy with its open log fires and exposed wood beams.

The surrounding village is home to three vineyards which produce award-winning wines allowing visiting the grounds for tasting days.

Also nearby is Parham Manor House – a historical Elizabethan grounds with an 875-acre deer park, and the South Downs National Park, making The Roundabout Hotel an excellent stay for hikers and trail enthusiasts ready to brave the English countryside any time of the year.

Address: Monkmead Ln, West Chiltington, Pulborough, RH20 2PF

The Ram Inn

The narrow streets and flint-knapped cottages which make up the village of Firle feel like taking a pleasant step back in time. Much like the surrounding village, The Ram Inn continues this aesthetic and has been at the heart of Firle’s farming community for over five hundred years.

This rustic country pub and B&B is a regular haunt for walkers, farmers, and artists alike. Firle’s cultural history dates back to Virginia Woolfe and Vanessa Bell who were both attracted by the beautiful village and surrounding countryside.

The lack of through traffic, streetlights, and road markings surrounding The Ram Inn offers a more intimate experience with village life in the South Downs. With five rooms available – all converted and individually designed to complement the original structure – you can be sure of a peaceful countryside escape.

The pub itself contains three cosy rooms perfect for relaxing with a drink after a day exploring the south downs, or some open-fire dining. Their lamb and beef are sourced locally from Place Farm, and game provided by the Firle Estate.

The old stable and farmhouse have been refurbished into a private dining room and an outside bar. The flint-walled private garden complete with the wood-fired oven is perfect for a summer night alfresco experience.

Address: The Street, Firle, Lewes, BN8 6NS

Flint Barns, Rathfinney Wine Estate

The Flint Barns’ unique and historic buildings – located in the Cradle Valley, offer visitors the chance to wake up in the heart of an English vineyard. The building has been converted into ten en-suite bedrooms with views overlooking the courtyards and vineyards alike. Many of the rooms are also dog-friendly.

The Flint Barns Dining Rooms relaxed, and informal setting serves daily breakfasts, comforting hot dishes, and seasonal al-fresco dining events. The restaurant and separate lounge are kept warm with open fireplaces and, for warmer days, the enclosed courtyard which overlooks the vineyard is the perfect place to enjoy some of the best sparkling wine in the UK.

Of course, when staying at a vineyard, tours and tastings are part of the experience and Flint Barns offers seasonal vineyard tours and tastings all year round. Whether you want to learn about viticulture methods in the summer, or harvesting techniques in the Autumn, The Rathfinney Wine Estate welcomes its visitors and relishes the opportunity to give a deeper understanding of all that goes into English wine-making.

Address: Alfriston Road, Alfriston, BN26 5TU

East Sussex National Hotel

Situated near both Brighton & Hove and Gatwick airport this golf resort & spa boasts 1100 acres of lush green countryside ideal for an escape from any busy city. All of their 104 rooms overlook the South Downs and their two championship-level golf courses. With the inclusion of a health club and spa, the East Sussex National Hotel is a great choice for those looking for leisure and recreation.

The hotel’s AA two rosette restaurant, The Pavillion, uses ethically sourced ingredients from local suppliers and serves a la carte, or a two or three-course package of internationally classic dishes. The hotel’s lounge and bistro with outdoor seating in the gardens is the perfect place for a morning coffee, or an evening cocktail after a day on the golf courses surrounded by ancient oak woodland.

For beginners, East Sussex National’s Golf Academy offers comprehensive tuition including unlimited use of practice facilities, bars, and restaurants.

Address: Little Horsted, Uckfield, TN22 5ES

Deans Place

This family-run, four-star hotel was established over a hundred years ago and started as a fourteenth-century farming estate. Surrounded by four acres of picturesque gardens and situated on the bank of the River Cuckmere, Deans Place is a great choice for nature lovers.

The South Downs Nature Park offers a plethora of walks and bike trails to experience the natural beauty of the south coast. Deans Place is only a short walk from Alfriston – one of England’s most beautiful villages – which boasts a wealth of historic buildings and medieval architecture to explore.

The hotel is dog-friendly and offers rooms which allow you and your furry friend to have a relaxing break together. As well as the public bar, alfresco terrace, guest lounges, and croquet & boules grounds, Deans also boasts a rosette-awarded dining room serving delicious fresh and local produce. The seasonal swimming pool is open between May and September and is the perfect way to cool off in the hot summer months.

Address: Seaford Road, Alfriston, Polegate, BN26 5TW