You cannot think about exclusive Sussex holidays without thinking of the Historic Sussex Hotel collection of hotels which include Ockenden Manor at Cuckfield, Bailiffscourt at Climping and The Spread Eagle at Midhurst.
Each hotel is rich in history and architecture. Baliffscourt is a medieval-style house, with thatched houses and cottages, a 13th century chapel, an inner rose-clad courtyard, and an underground passageway. The Spread Eagle is one of England’s oldest coaching inns with a courtyard, open fires, terraces, conservatory and award-winning spa.
Ockenden Manor
Ockenden Manor is an Elizabeth manor house with 28 magnificent rooms. Perhaps the most famous resident was John Burrell who had made his money in iron and who bought Ockenden Manor in 1658. You can still dine in the impressive oak panelled Burrell room. The Duke of Marlborough, who married into the Burrell family, was also an owner in the 18th century but by the 20th century, fortunes had changed and Ockenden Manor became a boys school and then home to Canadian troops in WWI. It’s been under its current ownership since 1987.
The grounds include a walled garden, expansive terrace, a croquet lawn, a spa, a natural spring, and indoor and outdoor pools. The rooms are beautifully styled and have stunning views.
All three hotels represent the very best of what’s on offer here in Sussex and all three have a number of packages on offer as the county gradually emerges from lockdown. But the one we love most is the Cycle Electric package.
Cycle Electric Sussex
This three-night stay starts with an overnight stay at Ockenden Manor and a three-course dinner. If you have time, you could also squeeze in a spa treatment to prepare for the off the next morning.
On day one of your adventure, you cycle your way to Bailiffscourt. It’s a 64 km route but the bike is doing the hard work and it takes you down part of the Downs Link which is an easy and pleasant cycle track. You pass historic Bramber Castle where, legs permitting, you can climb up into the ruins and enjoy splendid views out over the South Downs before heading on down to the coast.
After dinner and a night at Bailiffscourt, you take to the trails again as you cycle to Midhurst and The Spread Eagle. This route is 40 km and takes in stunning Arundel, parts of the South Downs, and picturesque Sussex villages. You’ve earned your night at the inn and another three-course dinner when you arrive in historic Midhurst.
The offer includes bike hire, GPS, a night and a three course dinner at each hotel, and transfer of luggage and back to Ockenden. It’s got to be one of the best ideas we’ve seen so far this summer with opulence and exercise in equal measure and a chance to discover three fabulous hotels and lots of the Sussex countryside.
You can find out more at: Cycle Electric Sussex – 3 nights (hshotels.co.uk)
