Tottington Manor sits between Henfield and Brighton, right at the foot of the steep path that takes you to the top of the South Downs. So whether you’re looking for a weekend break full of hiking, hearty views and fine fodder, or whether you’re after a base from where to explore Brighton, Hove and the coast, it’s a good place to put down some temporary roots. Under new ownership since 2021, it’s a Medieval farmhouse that’s been tastefully refurbished into a contemporary style.
What to expect?
Although it’s a building steeped in history (ask them about their tunnels), it’s also a 4 star boutique hotel with 12 guest bedrooms and suites. These include five superior suites, club king and double rooms, and two single rooms. If you want to treat yourself, the Duplex Suite has a king-size master bedroom with open 17th century roof beams, a lounge area and a jacuzzi bathroom with a rainforest shower and a sound system to wind away the evening. Or you could just splash out on the Honeymoon Suite with its four poster bed, views of the Downs and bathroom that includes a double size jacuzzi bath with shower.
A Sussex sense of style
The rooms are decorated with their own theme and you’ll find Sussex threaded through the interiors design, whether that’s with Sussex art on the wall, or Sussex craftsmanship in the design. They care about things here and you’ll also find a wholesome respect for their past. When they were renovating one of the rooms, they found a bundle of Victorian shoes bricked up in the fireplace as was the custom back then to bring luck and ward off bad spirits. And the owners respectfully replaced them where they were found and bricked them back up.
Carefully dog friendly
This is also a dog friendly hotel and downstairs, you’ll find that it’s carefully divided between dog friendly areas and dog free areas. Look for the art of the wall, and if you see a portrait of a dog, you’ll know you’re in the dog friendly half.
Eat alfresco, eat in style
Downstairs, you’ll also find the newly relaunched Terra Restaurant which oozes both contemporary style and local ingredients. Simple ingredients cooked well with flair and passion is the order of the day here and the restaurant changes with the seasons. Check out their wine list too and their very own gin!
In the summer, head on out to the heated pergola style patio with views of the Downs and a fire-pit style tables. In the winter, head into the snug, and settle down to one of the Sussex books in their library while you enjoy local produce in front of the fire.
If you’ve been out exploring all day, you may not want to head back into Brighton or Henfield for your evening’s entertainment and as luck would have it, they have live music on a Friday and various musical events throughout the year.
Green champions
Tottington Manor is striving hard to be kind to the environment too, and they have already won an environmental award. One of the owners is a Green Champion of Sussex and if you ask him, he’ll enthusiastically tell you about all their green plans.
Things to do in the area
The temptation with somewhere like Tottington Manor is to stay put and just enjoy the super friendly atmosphere, iconic views and sense of tranquillity. But there’s lots to explore nearby.
Bramber has the ruins of a Norman castle and the beautiful historic house of St Mary’s. Nearby Lancing is home to the incredible Lancing Chapel that you can see from miles around. Brighton, Shoreham, Worthing, Henfield and Steyning are all within easy reach and the South Downs and surrounding countryside offer never-ending foot and cycle paths to explore.
So, if you’re thinking of an escape to the country, a mini break or a night away, turn your sights to Tottington Manor and enjoy a few of the finer things that Sussex has on offer.
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