Buxted Park Hotel is just outside Uckfield in East Sussex. Ashdown Forest is to the north, and the South Downs National Park is to the south, and the hotel is in a perfect central position for exploring Sussex and its history, countryside and vineyards.
You arrive along the long drive through the grounds to an impressive courtyard and fountain at the front of hotel. It was built in 1722 and is a Grade II listed Palladian mansion, set in 312 acres of garden and parklands. It has 43 bedrooms, and a 2 AA Rosette restaurant in the Orangery overlooking the lawns, as well as private dining rooms for special occasions.
Their menu is full of the flavours of Sussex with such delights as local Buxted Park venison, Hastings stone bass and Sussex lamb when in season, along with a wide range of Sussex cheeses.
Their extensive wine menu includes a number of Sussex wines like Ridgeview, Hidden Spring, Fitz, Tickerage and a number of other English wines.
The staff are charming, and the restaurant and bar team are a delight. Buxted is also a dog friendly hotel and part of the Handpicked Hotels group. But whether you have a dog or not, take a little time to explore the grounds, or just take a moment on your balcony to enjoy the fabulous views across the countryside.
Hotel history
Buxted Park dates back to the 12th century but the present house was built by Thomas Medley, whose family had been keepers of the Privy Purse in the reign of Henry VIII. It has seen many prestigious guests including Queen Mary and George, William Wordsworth, Winston Churchill and Marlon Brando.
In 1940 much of the house was destroyed by fire. The then owner visited bombed out buildings salvaging covings, cornices, chandeliers and beautiful show doors. Following his death, the house was bought by the owner of Twickenham Studios and used to entertain his stars. The current owners have worked hard to restore the building as well as the grounds. The result is a fabulous and elegant hotel which is the perfect place for a luxurious country retreat.
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