Surrounded by the enchanting Ashdown Forest in the heart of Sussex, Ashdown Park Hotel offers an escape into a magical storybook world.
The grand estate, just a short drive from London, lies in the heart of the forest that inspired A. A. Milne’s beloved Hundred Acre Wood, the setting for Winnie the Pooh.
The gentle verdant hills, whispering trees, and winding paths evoke the playful spirit of Pooh and his friends. The forest is also steeped in deeper folklore, with fairies, elves, and mystical creatures said to dwell under ancient trees and in hidden glens.
You start to feel some of that magic as you approach along the majestic tree-lined driveway. The hotel stands proudly overlooking manicured lawns and that hushed woodland. It’s elegant and imposing and, because it’s Halloween, decorated in shades of autumn with displays of pumpkins in all shapes and sizes. Very atmospheric
After a quick and somewhat grand check-in, we head along the lushly carpeted and panelled corridor to our room – well, our studio suite, to be accurate. It’s enormous, with classic wood panelling and huge windows overlooking the forest. There’s a separate seating area and a luxurious bathroom with a whirlpool bath and a spacious shower. And it’s so tranquil it feels like we’re living alongside our own piece of forest paradise. The perfect place to relax, take a soak, and read, enveloped in the warmth and protected from the misty autumnal day before heading down to dinner.
There’s a stylish cocktail bar with a tempting cocktail list next door to the restaurant. So we can’t resist a pre-dinner drink while we peruse the menu. Anderida restaurant has been awarded two prestigious AA rosettes, so expectations are high.
For starters, we indulge in a delicate (and beautifully presented) melt-in-the-mouth duck terrine and a hearty cauliflower soup. There’s a range of classic and contemporary dishes for mains made using seasonal ingredients. Think chateaubriand, fresh fish, luscious lamb, creamy risotto and corn-fed chicken.
And to finish, a selection of fabulous desserts from chocolate brownies to sticky date pudding, creme brulee, and a delectable (and unforgettable) apricot yogurt parfait. All eaten in the most elegant room with its huge windows, ornate curtains, and stunning garden views. This is also where breakfast is served, both buffet and a la carte, a great start to the day.
Ashdown Park also has great facilities for the active at heart. The country club and spa are a short stroll from the main house, where you’ll find the indoor heated pool, fully equipped gym, and spa offering a range of beauty treatments. There’s also an 18-hole par 3 golf course, two tennis courts, and bikes available for hire. And, of course, there are myriad forest exploratory walks to enjoy.
Or you could just sink into a comfy armchair in front of the fire, treat yourself to an indulgent afternoon tea, or simply while away relaxing hours in the luxury of your suite. There’s an abundance of pleasurable ways to get that Ashdown Park magic working just for you.
Words by Sandy Cadiz-Smith