Kicking up leaves on a perfect autumn break

Helena Beard takes an autumnal break at an historic country hotel that could well have been made just for autumn.

First impressions:
‘What’s that?’ screeched Jesse pointing out across the golf course. I whisked round, expecting to spot a deer wandering across the grounds or maybe a pheasant flapping out of the scrub. But there was nothing. A few golfers hauling large bags behind them, a stunning autumn landscape, but really nothing to screech about. ‘What’s what?’ I said. ‘That! Can I go on it?’
It took me a few seconds, but then I saw it. It was a boot scraper. A long pole attached to a bar with brushes down the side. Something to be found in every country club in the UK but never before seen by a seven-year-old boy brought up in central Brighton. A thing of great curiosity. We spent a good 10 minutes joyfully scraping those Dr Who wellies. The Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club is full of things this seven-year-old boy and his sister had never seen before, and all the more magical for it.

Location:
This gorgeous converted manor house dates back to the early 1800s and is nestled in the heart of the Ashdown Forest in East Sussex, somewhere between the 100 acre wood of Winnie The Pooh fame, and the Haywards Heath of the London-to-Brighton line fame. Surrounded by acres of woodland and an 18-hole, 3 par golf course, the Ashdown Park is an autumnal paradise.

The hotel grounds back onto The Llama Park at Wych Cross, which is accessible from the woodland path. Personally, I find llamas rather dull, but children seem to think them exotic and the hotel can even arrange for your little ones to take one for a walk if you book ahead. A trip to Poohsticks Bridge is also a favourite (although be sure to ask for detailed instructions as the sign-posting is poor). However, my favourite Winnie The Pooh adventure is the amazing Pooh-stuff-stacked shop at Hartfield. A real treasure trove with the good value, friendly ‘Piglit Tearoom’ attached.

Facilities:
The Ashdown Park is traditionally classy, decked in heavy fabrics, oversized armchairs and roaring fires. It is obscenely comfortable, full of highly attentive staff and yes, quite expensive. The perfect place to escape the city. The perfect place to indulge yourself. If you get tired of lounging around, there are bikes to hire and an indoor swimming pool in which children are very welcome. There’s also croquet on the lawn, mini-golf and, for older children, the hotel can make arrangements for clay pigeon shooting. It’s advisable to book ahead for activities but make sure you’ve left yourself enough time to finish off your vast breakfast.

Bedrooms:
The lovely thing about a stay in the Ashdown Park Hotel is that the outdoors is embraced by the inside. The views from the bedrooms are stunning, and the large picture windows looking out across the misty lake only serve to make the warmth of the lounges even more inviting. Beds are comfortable and bathrooms luxurious. We walked, we talked, we got muddy. Then we were welcomed back with a hot bath, a soft white bath robe and a delicious cream tea in front of an open fire.

For families:
For children there were treats around every corner. The hotel is one of four properties within the independent Elite Hotels group, hotels privately owned and proud of their old-fashioned, attention to detail, their quality and their ability to make every guest feel they are the most important in the room. And that includes children. The kids were welcomed with special bags filled with little retro games and a colouring book, all typically traditional. In the stylish dining room, they were treated to a three course meal packed with kids’ favourites, and some of the best chips I’ve ever tasted – yes, we all nicked a few. But most notably, they were treated as equals and valued as much any other guest. The walking was fun. The roaming deer were cute. The cakes were delicious. And we all enjoyed seeing the look of confusion on my son’s face when a very polite waitress offered him a choice of breads at dinner. He had no idea what was expected of him. A choice of breads. Almost as exciting as a boot scraper. But not quite. But for me, kicking up leaves is one of the biggest joys of family life. I love to see my kids climbing trees, crossing rickety bridges, falling into mud and seeking out fungi. Growing up by the sea, they’re spoilt for beaches, but trees are different. Trees mean getting up high, scraping knees, taking risks, muddy trousers. For me, trees are amazing. I’ve always loved being surrounded by trees. They are old, wise and inspiring, and some of the trees in the Ashdown Forest can actually take your breath away.

Wining and dining:
For lunch and dinner, the fine dining Anderida Restaurant is both opulent and welcoming, and a good selection of hearty and beautifully cooked dishes are served by attentive waiting staff. Children’s menus are available or half portions of the table d’hote menu. There is also a bistro-style menu available at the Fairways Lounge at the Country Club. Breakfasts are a real occasion at the Ashdown Park, with a huge array of cooked options, pastries, breads, fruit and cereals. It is served in the luxurious surroundings of the Anderida Restaurant, with views out over the misty lake and gardens. The perfect place to plan your day.

Highs: Exploring the grounds, playing in the leaves, and spotting the resident deer wandering past the hotel.

Lows: Finding that the hire bikes weren’t really good enough to deal with the muddy paths.

Verdict: A real treat for lovers of nature, with or without kids.