HOTEL REVIEW


checkingout


ASHDOWN PARK HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB East Sussex


contact details Wych Cross, nr Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5JR T: 01342 824988 F: 01342 826206 E: reservations@ ashdownpark.com w: www.ashdownpark.com


The Background: A listed 19th century country house which became a hotel only in 1993 after its previous incarnation as a Barclays Bank training centre and, before that, a convent. One remnant of its religious past is the beautifully converted chapel where marriage ceremonies can be held.


Where is it: It’s hard to believe that forest once covered the whole of south-east England. All that remains today is the beautiful Ashdown Forest in East Sussex and set within it is the 106-room Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club, one of four Elite Hotels in the UK. The Room: After checking in – the lobby more reminiscent of a country house drawing room with welcoming log fi re – we were escorted to the spacious Master Suite, the best of seven room categories. Maintaining the country-house theme, the room boasted a four-poster bed, seating area with sofa and two easy chairs, coffee table with wide selection of upscale magazines, wide-screen satellite TV, DVD player, internet connection, Nespresso coffee machine etc. plus wide-ranging views over the landscaped gardens. The spacious marble-dominated bathroom came with a Jacuzzi bath, separate shower and two basins, all complemented with Molton Brown products.


The low-down on the hot spots to stay around the globe


Dining: The main dining room is the Anderida restaurant which made the AA’s Top 10 for notable wine lists in 2010/11 and also boasts two AA rosettes. It offers fabulous views of the hotel grounds and forest beyond with always a chance of seeing deer. Meals can also be served in front of log fi res in the drawing rooms and


in the Country Club’s Fairways Lounge. There’s also a cocktail bar adjoining the Anderida restaurant. Facilities and Activities: Both are very extensive with the country club offering swimming pool, gym, aerobics studio, sauna and steam rooms plus health and beauty spa with Matis products. Outside there’s a par 3 18-hole golf course, driving range, putting green, croquet lawns and tennis courts. Other activities available include off-road racing, archery, laser shooting, falconry, assault course contests and team-building exercise. Nestling within 186 acres of grounds, the Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club also offers extensive walking and jogging opportunities. In the hotel there are snooker tables, bar billiards and spacious lounges. The Ashdown Park also organises special events like fungi foraging with the chance to eat what’s been picked at lunch. Right across the road from the hotel is the informative Ashdown Forest Visitor Centre and the 10 square miles of the Ashdown Forest with its endless opportunities for walking and horse riding. Recommend To: Couples of all ages, weddings, pre-/post-Gatwick fl ight stays and families. With so much to do in around the hotel including a Llama


farm, the Bluebell Railway, Drusillas and various National Trust properties (including Chartwell), Hever Castle and Pooh Country) the hotel is getting increased visitation from family groups. The Cost: From £195pn including breakfast. The Verdict: The quintessential English country house hotel with wide appeal for all types of guest and set in stunning landscaped grounds and with the beautiful Ashdown Forest beyond. The level of service is high and there’s a relaxed yet effi cient ambience in the hotel. Alan Orbell


Exceptional OK


Stay Away! Loved It


www.shortbreaksholidays.com • Spring 2011 33


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