Ockenden Manor – the perfect country escape

Sussex is well known for its charming and picturesque countryside and for being the ideal location for a break away. And whilst the location has it all, a respite in the country would be nothing without the ideal accommodation- and that comes in the form of Ockenden Manor. A tranquil Elizabethan Manor House tucked away in the quaint village of Cuckfield, this is one of the most beautiful Hotels you will ever stay in.

The Hotel is set in nine acres of gardens and parkland with views across the West Sussex countryside to the South Downs, an ideal setting for a bit of rest and relaxation and to leave your worries behind.

It has 28 distinctive rooms and suites, each as interesting, quirky and homely as the one before. Every room is named after a member of one of the two families who have owned the building since 1520 and the Hotel does well to encapsulate that welcoming, family feel. When we stayed, we were in the Elizabeth suite and as far as Hotel rooms go, this has to be one of the best I have ever seen. In short, if I were to design my own flat, I would want it to look exactly like this. A unique two-tier room, as you walk in you are welcomed by a cosy living room, with a contemporary bathroom to the left. Walk round a corner and there is a flight of stairs leading to the bed area with chairs and a table, a beautiful King-size bed and large French windows leading way to breath-taking views. With the sunlight flooding in, the smell of fresh flowers and the soft sounds of twittering birds, it really is a hidden paradise.

Each room in the Hotel has an en-suite bathroom, hospitality tray, satellite TV, trouser press and hairdryer, as well as complimentary WiFi throughout the building.

The Hotel is home to a relatively new spa – and whilst I’d heard rave reviews, I never like to judge something too much until experienced for myself, and have to say my expectations were (pardon the pun) blown right out of the water. Purpose-built inside a 19th century walled garden, it is contemporary, airy and beautiful, encapsulating the perfect atmosphere to relieve all your stresses. There are eight beautifully appointed treatment rooms, a heated indoor swimming pool with a swim-through to the outdoor pool, different saunas and steam rooms, a rain shower and a state of the art fitness suite and studio. The outdoor area is also host to a hot-tub.Nestled in a contemporary decking area and with beautiful views heading off for miles, it is the ultimate spot for relaxation.

After a day of relaxing in the spa, nothing is better than dinner in the Michelin-starred restaurant. The dining room overlooks the gardens and serves some of the finest food in Southern England. Under the expert guidance of Head Chef, Stephen Crane, they incorporate the freshest ingredients, sourced locally in Sussex wherever possible. You can choose from Stephen’s selected Cuckfield Menu or the Gastronomic seven course tasting menu and an inspired wine list. For something that little bit more special, there ios also the option of Private Dining. This takes place in their Oak Panelled Burrell Suite, with a painted ceiling and stained glass windows it’s the ideal location for up to 40 guests for a more intimate experience. For that is what dining at Ockenden is – an experience.