The Unmissables: Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club

This week’s Unmissable is the Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club in the heart of Winnie-the-Pooh country in East Sussex, England.

Surrounded by the beautiful Ashdown Forest, it’s the perfect retreat for a luxurious weekend break in the British countryside.

First Impressions

First impressions really count. As you drive into the grounds, the imposing former abbey comes into view between the trees ahead. It’s a huge building, part hotel, part chapel, with neo-gothic styling and a real atmosphere. What that atmosphere evokes will depend on your imagination. For me, it felt like a setting for an 18^th century romantic novel. For you, it might just scream out pampering. For the gaggle of six year old bridesmaids arriving on that sunny Friday evening, it clearly felt very exciting indeed.

Location

Hidden in the heart of the Ashdown Forest, the hotel is blessed with one of the best country locations in the south of England. The Ashdown Forest is vast, 10 square miles of heathland, woodland and forest, and was the former hunting ground of Kings. Now it’s a haven for hikers, ramblers and horse riders. Not dissimilar in landscape to the far more famous New Forest, the Ashdown Forest is often overlooked by tourists, making it a quieter and, I think, more enjoyable experience. But there is one unrivalled tourist draw of the Ashdown Forest; Winnie-the-Pooh. This is the inspiration for the Hundred Acre Wood as featured in the beloved books of AA Milne. Even if you are not one of the aforementioned six year olds, you will still get a little shiver of excitement to think you could be standing in the same spot as Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore or even Christopher Robin himself.

The Ashdown Park Hotel itself is set in 186 acres of private estate meaning that, in fact, you don’t even have to leave the hotel to experience the joy of this part of East Sussex. The grounds include an 18-hole par 3 golf course, a delightful secret garden complete with a little fountain and hidden gate, a beautiful, formal walled garden, a lake with a much more spectacular fountain, and woodland walks. When we went, the bluebells were out, but I suspect there are hidden gems to be found within those woods at all times of the year. There are also deer to spot as you wander through the grounds and, if you want to picnic, the hotel will make one for you and deliver it to your chosen idyllic lunch spot.

Sleep

There are two sections to the hotel; the main building where you will find the Reception, The Anderida Restaurant and the bar, and the Fairways Suites near the Country Club where the spacious suites look out across the golf course. We stayed in the Fairways Suites in a wonderful room, with a huge bathroom complete with jacuzzi bath. At first, I was a bit disappointed not to be lapping up the grandeur of the main building, but I soon discovered a major benefit of being in this part of the hotel; I was right next to the swimming pool. More of that later.

There are 106 bedrooms, and they cater very well for families with plenty of larger rooms and suites. Beds are large and soft, with traditional country house style furnishings, but nothing chintzy. Dogs are also welcome in the Fairways Suites (at a £30 per dog supplement) where there are ground floor suites with patio doors leading directly out into the grounds. Your canine companion will receive their own welcome pack including basket, blanket, treats and bowl.

Eat

There are two restaurants at the Ashdown Park; the Anderida where we ate, and a second, less formal restaurant, the Forest Brasserie, situated in the Country Club.

It’s not often that I eat in such a formal dining setting, and in recent years I’ve become more used to the more casual and often ‘small plate’ style of dining. However, this is the exact traditional fare you might expect from a country house hotel of this standard.  A full menu with plenty of meat, fish and game. I opted for the sea bass which was served with fondant potato and vegetables. It was beautifully cooked and the service was very attentive. The real star, however, was the stunning view out of the huge windows across the lawns to the lake beyond.

Work and Play

There’s lots of play to be done at the Ashdown Park Hotel but let’s start with work. This is a very popular choice for meetings and events. It is the perfect setting for a team away day, with tons of space and really beautiful views and grounds which could revitalise even the most exhausted executive brains.

Weddings are also a real winner here as the hotel has its own converted chapel with beautiful stained glass windows and a vaulted ceiling. Or if you prefer to be married in a less formal, outdoor setting, there is the romantic summer house overlooking the lake.

The vast majority of guests come to the Ashdown Park for a short leisure break and a change of scenery. There are lots of activities on offer. Many enjoy a round of golf, or spend time in the gym or pool. There are two tennis courts, or you can hire bikes to explore the estate, and the walking opportunities.

The hotel is also able to lay on country pursuits on demand as long as 24 hours notice is given. These include clay pigeon shooting and quad biking. Ask for details before you come as it is not a widely advertised service.

And then, of course, there is the newly refurbished spa at the Country Club. It really is beautifully done with the forest motif brought through into the interior design. The pool is simply lovely, and there is also a whirlpool bath for lazing around. There are six treatment rooms and a nail salon.

Highlight

Swimming in the pool, completely alone, on Saturday morning before anyone else got up. And being able to get back to my room for a hot bath in just a few short steps.

Lowlight

No Smart TV or mini bar in the room, meaning longer spent in the hotel bar than we would have preferred.

Unmissable?

The grounds – the views are beautiful and the scenery changes throughout the seasons.

Verdict

For me, the Ashdown Park Hotel is a perfect choice for a change of pace and an opportunity to take part in some country living. It’s traditional, with impeccable service, and the staff will make you feel like the Lord or Lady of the Manor. But the best parts for me were the more simple pleasures; just walking through the woods, enjoying the great outdoors, and gazing out at the wonderful views.

Helena Beard was hosted by Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club, a member of Elite Hotels.

Stay overnight from £230 pp in a Deluxe Room (two sharing) including breakfast. Call Ashdown Park on +44 1342 824988 (www.ashdownpark.com) to book.