AA Milne’s classic Winnie the Pooh tale, “Hundred Acre Wood,” was based on the planted forests covering 186 acres near the Ashdown Park Hotel. It’s easy to see why. There are lush green lawns, a lily lake, a wishing bridge, and a hidden garden just waiting for a couple to discover them. An undulating 18-hole golf course winds its way through the forest, providing a variety of views along the way.
There is no sign of Winnie, but you may observe deer wandering freely, bunnies popping up out of nowhere, and the resident llama or alpaca being taken out for a stroll. It’s almost too adorable to handle.
An elegant and well-run hotel, this Grade II-listed neo-Gothic mansion house provides a sumptuous setting for its guests. The main house has a baby grand piano, a big stone fireplace, and a corridor with a magnificent staircase, all of which are hidden behind a mahogany desk.
The polished wood, intricate trimmings, and soft furniture in muted colors greet you as you enter the grand drawing rooms via old stone arches. It’s possible that some people may think it’s old-fashioned. It has what I would describe as a beautifully classic English atmosphere.
Originally purchased by Sister Marie Saints Anges of the Order of the Notre Dame as a convent, this huge Gothic mansion is complete with stained glass windows in every nook and corner to evoke the feeling of a chapel. They remained until the church was desecrated fifty years later. Before its 1993 acquisition by Elite Hotels, it served as a management training school for Barclays.
Who For?
Perfect for a celebration in honor of love, a wedding anniversary, a family reunion, or no reason at all.
Accommodation
Some of the 105 large rooms have oak-paneled walls and classic, understated milky or rose tones. Modern conveniences such as televisions and Nespresso machines are provided, and the bathrooms are decorated with finery such as Molton Brown products and luxurious bathtubs.
There are no rooms without a view of the gardens or park. The rooms in the Fairway building next to the Country Club provide a scenic view of the green from your window. Most luxurious are the master suites, which may have a four-poster bed.
Guests staying in the Magnolia room will have the pleasure of gazing at a beautiful circular stained-glass window.
Facilities
The neighboring country house has a luxurious spa with Kerstin Florian services, in addition to a large indoor pool and Jacuzzi. Pack your racket if you’re interested in a game of tennis, and grab your clubs if you want to hit the links on the 18-hole, 3-par course that winds its way through the forest.
You can ride your bike around the area or go for a stroll, and in the spirit of a proper home, there is even a croquet lawn.
By the way, the Ashdown Park Hotel is a fantastic location for a wedding reception. The Richard Towneley Suite was formerly a chapel, so you can expect high ceilings and beautiful stained-glass windows. A real organ and real wedding bells provide the finishing touches.
Food and Drink
Many guests come specifically to have afternoon tea on the lawn or in one of the two drawing rooms. The dining options in these spaces mirror those of the bar, with casual cuisine being offered throughout the day.
A beautiful fine-dining restaurant with two AA rosettes is the majestic Anderida Restaurant. feels like you should dress up for dinner, replete with a grand piano that plays itself. In the pauses between courses, you can count on an amuse-bouche and a palette cleanser. Keep it in mind if you’re in a hurry, since attentive treatment isn’t rushed.
Traditional delicacies like roasted pork and beef Wellington are offered. In the beginning, we had the leek and potato soup with the savory popcorn. Though it seemed questionable, the end result was delicious. Then we had the chicken supreme that had been fed maize, and for dessert, we had banana cake.
Anderida guests can start their day with a continental breakfast buffet, a la carte options, or a full English breakfast prepared upon request.
Children can enjoy a Winnie-the-Pooh Afternoon Tea (£10.95 per kid) with treats like Tigger’s sponge and “hunny” sandwiches, while adults can have Afternoon Tea (from £26 pp) in the comfortable lounges, on the terrace, or as a picnic in the summer.
Located between the historic towns of East Grinstead, Uckfield, and Crowborough is Ashdown Forest. Because of its proximity to Glyndebourne, it is highly recommended for music enthusiasts. Close to Hartfield’s Pooh Sticks Bridge and the Ashdown Forest Centre, where you can find miles of trails for walking and biking.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Absolutely, everywhere in the hotel.
Room Rates
Spend the night for as little as £162 for two people and choose from a variety of breakfast menu options.
