Seeking
downtime in the beautiful Sussex countryside? Ashdown Park makes
Like many
working parents, I struggle to find the time to connect with my family, and all
too often weekends are spent catching up with the mundane at home. To break
that, recently, my husband and I took our two girls away to Ashdown Park Hotel
and Country Club to spend some time together. What we found was a most relaxed
setting and a return to innocent childhood days…
Ashdown Park
Hotel and Country Club in Sussex is situated in the heart of Ashdown Forest, an
area no doubt far better known as One Hundred Acre wood, for this is
where A.A.Milne created his wondrous stories for the classic Winnie The Pooh
collection. Needless to say we found ourselves playing pooh sticks, eating
honey sandwiches and quoting the much-adored characters while rambling about
the stunning countryside. And if that’s not considered bonding with ones own,
I’m not sure what is?
Ashdown Park’s
grounds comprise of 186 acres. The estate is mainly landscaped woodland, but
also 40 acres of grazing land where wild deer roam freely. Renowned for misty
mornings, you can imagine the dramatic views our suite surveyed.
A spacious
suite that was pure elegance: Think sumptuous velvet soft furnishings and
lavish drapes, a whirlpool bath and breath taking vistas. The side windows
looked out to the adjoining chapel - constructed in the same gothic style as
the house, the stone all quarried from the estate grounds.
The chapel,
which makes for a stunning backdrop for any private dining
celebrations/weddings/business conferences thanks to its astonishing stained
glass windows, is a key piece of Ashdown’s history and was completed (along
with many of the extensions) when the house became a Convent. Prior to that,
for the duration of the 14-18 War, the house was a convalescent home for army
officers. All of which perhaps lends itself to the distinct aura of tranquility
one quickly feels Ashdown Park possesses.
The calming
effect rubbed off on the children who behaved wonderfully in such a grown up
setting. They weren’t alone, but then Ashdown Park is a family friendly hotel. Children are
well catered for and in the warmer months can opt to take a picnic out into the
grounds. The carp-filled lake makes for great vistas and the rhododendrons for
fabulous playgrounds. Through the
winter months they can take advantage of the especially designed menu in the
informal setting of one of the many lounges. My girls loved the Winnie The
Pooh themed afternoon tea sat beside one of Ashdown’s many roaring log
fires. We ate dinner
in the formal dining room; The Anderida restaurant – its award winning
wine selection accompanying a first class menu, with all locally sourced fresh
meat. The experience was really very good.
We made great
use of the pool in the Country Club three minutes walk away. There are tennis
courts too – and if you happen to forget your trainers, no worries, these are
available to purchase. I found this out when mentioning the fact that I’d
forgotten my Welly boots. This wasn’t a problem either, and I was quickly lent some - but then the hotel is happy to help, catering to all needs, bespoke and
otherwise. It’s not uncommon for guests to
fly in (there’s a helipad), play golf, use the spa and fly out again. Personally I’d
rather be left to squelch in the mud and run ragged across the rugged terrain
with the children. But you know, for me that was what our stay was all about -
a chance to reconnect.
The combination
of friendly staff, the relaxed environment and the beautiful location,
certainly made for a wonderful break from routine. All that’s left to do now is
book in again in time to catch the carpet of bluebells and the cherry blossoms
waking up for spring.
DETAILS:
What: 4* Hotel
and Country Club
Where: Ashdown
Park, Wych Cross, Nr Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JR
Phone: 01342
824988
Price: The
Master Suite we stayed in was £555.00 per night. Family rooms start from the
Executive bedrooms at £225.00 per night for two adults and one child. There are
many other suites and bedrooms at various prices, some with adjoining rooms for
children/parents/nanny.
Breakfast
included: Yes
Disabled access:
Individual requirements are discussed on booking to ensure the best room is
allocated.
Facilities:
Indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, gymnasium, 18-hole-par three golf course, club
house, spa, cycling, jogging, tennis courts, tennis table, putting green, croquet
pitch, driving range, spa treatment rooms, snooker room and conference and
private dining facilities.
Family
friendly: Yes
Nice
touch: Children’s welcome goody bags