Ashdown Park Hotel

Ashdown Park used to be part of the huge Ashdown Forest, which was enclosed way back in 1693. Over the next hundred years, it changed hands a few times. The first big house here was built in the early 1800s, either by Thomas Bradford in 1815 or by Rear Admiral Jacob Henniker, who owned it from 1822. Back then, the Estate was massive and included Pippingford Park, Old Lodge, and even an Army Training Ground. In 1867, Thomas Charles Thompson, a Member of Parliament, bought it. He knocked down the old house and built the main part of the house that’s still there today. In 1886, he added a small church for his family and locals and even built a school for children, giving them free lunches until it closed in 1943.

During World War I, the house was turned into a hospital for Belgian officers. Later, in 1919, Sister Marie Saints Anges of the Notre Dame Order bought it as a convent. She added the West Wing, the Church of Our Lady and St Richard, and the East Wing over the next couple of decades. The nuns stayed for nearly 50 years. After that, it became an educational center, then a Barclays Bank training center.

Since February 1, 1993, Elite Hotels has owned Ashdown Park. They carried out a major refurbishment, restoring the interiors, redecorating, and updating the building. Following the renovations, the property reopened as Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club in October 1993.

Over the years, Ashdown Park has earned numerous accolades, highlighting its exceptional quality and service. It proudly retains its AA 4 Red Star Hotel 2024 status, recognising it as one of the very best hotels. Other awards include the AA Inspectors’ Choice Award 2024, AA Award for Culinary Excellence 2024 (Two Rosettes), AA Recommended Spa Award 2023 & 2024, WeddingDates Top Rated Venues, and many more.

Ashdown Park started life as a country mansion in the 1860s and still carries that Gothic Revival character today. As a Grade II listed building, the original structure has been carefully looked after, and you can still see its personality in the stonework, proportions, and details throughout the house. One of the standout spaces is the former chapel, now beautifully repurposed. Surrounded by Ashdown Forest, the landscape that inspired A. A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh, the hotel feels closely tied to its surroundings. That influence shows up in the interiors, where each room has its own style and is named after trees found in the forest.

With nine room categories to choose from, the accommodation ranges from individually styled rooms to spacious Master Suites with sweeping forest views. The Fairways Suites sit beside the Country Club, overlooking the first tee and ninth green, making them a great pick for golfers and spa lovers. Guests also have access to the indoor swimming pool, rounding out the lived-in country house feel.

The Anderida Restaurant
The Anderida Restaurant is a refined dining option at Ashdown Park and is well known around East Grinstead and across East Sussex. It focuses on seasonal dishes made with fresh, carefully chosen ingredients, making it a good choice if you’re in the mood for a more polished meal. The dining room feels special, with big windows looking out over the gardens and a warmer, candlelit feel in the evenings. It holds two AA Rosettes and is backed by a well-chosen wine list, alongside a seasonal à la carte menu. Children are welcome too, with a separate children’s menu available.

Opening hours:
Breakfast:
Monday to Friday: 7:00 am to 10:00 am | Saturday and Sunday: 7:30 am to 10:30 am
Daily Dining:
Wednesday to Saturday: 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm | Sunday: 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Dress code: Smart casual or formal wear

Forest Brasserie
The Forest Brasserie is the more relaxed place to eat at Ashdown Park and sits inside the Country Club, with open views across the golf course and Ashdown Forest. It’s an informal space that works well for families and casual meals. The look and feel take cues from the surrounding forest, and the menu keeps things local, using fresh produce from Sussex and Kent. The bar follows the same idea, with wines, beers, and spirits from nearby vineyards and breweries, along with locally sourced non alcoholic drinks. There’s something for everyone, including children’s portions and plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. If you have any food allergies or dietary needs, the team is always happy to help.

Opening hours:
Daily Dining:
Monday and Tuesday: 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Wednesday and Thursday: 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Friday and Saturday: 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm

The Lounges
The Lounges are where you can enjoy Afternoon Tea, along with warming drinks and light bites. It’s a great spot to catch up with friends or take a break after a walk around the grounds. The menu uses quality ingredients and has something for every taste. In winter, the fireplaces make the room feel really cozy, and on sunny days, you can relax and enjoy views down to the lake and the surrounding forest.

Opening hours:
The Lounges are open to residents throughout their stay.
Food served: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

The Cocktail Bar
Just down the corridor, past the 'Winnie the Pooh-seum', is the modern Cocktail Bar. It offers a range of drinks to suit every taste. Guests can enjoy signature cocktails like a tangy Margarita, seasonal twists on classic favourites, or choose from the selection of beers and wines available. Just below the bar is the Snooker Room, featuring two tables and plenty of comfortable seating, making it a great spot for guests to relax, play a game, or spend time with friends during their stay.

The Harry Clarke
Venue type and style: The Harry Clarke Suite is a showstopper, featuring spectacular stained glass windows by the famous 19th-century Irish artist Harry Clarke. With the original organ, wedding bells, and a vaulted timber ceiling, it offers a truly impressive and memorable setting for your special day.

The John Hayward
Venue type and style: Located just below the Harry Clarke Suite, the John Hayward is licensed for civil ceremonies and has a private terrace and the option to use the summer house overlooking the lake. After the ceremony, parties often move upstairs to the Harry Clarke Suite for the wedding banquet.

The Richard Towneley Bar
Venue type and style: Next to the John Hayward, the Richard Towneley Bar is a private, well-stocked space. Perfect for intimate moments or just relaxing after dancing, it adds a beautiful touch to your wedding day.

The Courtyard Garden
Venue type and style: The Courtyard Garden sits behind the Richard Towneley Suite and is framed by the elegant architecture of the East Wing. It features a catalpa tree that changes color with the seasons and vibrant floral borders, making it perfect for photos and capturing lasting memories outdoors.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

There’s plenty to do at Ashdown Park, whether you feel like chilling on-site or heading out to explore the area. If you want to stay close to the hotel, the Country Club and Spa is just a short walk from the main house and is all about treating yourself. You can spend the day completely relaxed with a spa day, try a massage, facial, or body treatment, or even get a little pampering for hands and feet. There are options for everyone, including pregnancy treatments. You can also take a dip in the heated indoor swimming pool, perfect for a relaxing swim after a long day.

Once you’re ready to move around, you can play a round of golf with forest views, hit the tennis courts, or grab a mountain bike and explore the trails. If you want something a bit more adventurous, the activity fields are available for clay pigeon shooting or quad biking through the Bluebell Woods. And if you just want a slower pace, wandering through the Walled Garden, the Secret Garden, or the Sunken Garden is always a treat. For families or those looking for a day out, Knockhatch Adventure Park is a short drive away. There’s indoor and outdoor play, rides, a splash pad, a zoo, and daily owl displays. Plus, if skiing or snowboarding is your thing, their 110m dry slope is perfect for a quick lesson or some practice runs.

If you’re after a bit of storybook magic, the Hundred Acre Wood, also called Ashdown Forest, is right on your doorstep. You can follow the Winnie the Pooh trails, see the spots from A.A. Milne’s stories, and pop into Pooh Corner Cafe for Pooh Toast with Hunny or a quick visit to the little ‘Pooh-seum’. Animal lovers will enjoy the British Wildlife Centre, a former dairy farm that’s now home to over forty native species. There are interactive areas, and you can get up close to the animals while they stay in natural-style habitats.

History fans can head to Hever Castle, Anne Boleyn’s childhood home, set in beautiful gardens. For family fun, Tulleys Farm has events all year, from the famous Shocktober Fest to sunflower and tulip fields, so there’s always something happening. If wine is more your thing, check out Bluebell Vineyard, where you can tour the winery and taste their award-winning sparkling and still wines. And for a slower, scenic day, the Bluebell Railway runs through the Sussex countryside, with picnic spots along the way.

When the festive season rolls in, Ashdown Park takes on a completely different feel. The house fills with lights, decorations, and Christmas buzz. Festive menus run across both main dining spaces, whether you’re in the mood for a longer, more traditional meal or something relaxed and informal. Seasonal lunches, dinners, and gatherings with family and friends are all part of the rhythm, and festive Afternoon Tea adds a cozy pause to the day. Christmas Party Nights bring music and laughter into the converted chapel, while Boxing Day is all about switching off with a leisurely lunch and good company.

As the year comes to a close, New Year celebrations take over, with entertainment, a lively atmosphere, and a sense of ending the year on a high before stepping into the next.

Ashdown Park is a great fit for all kinds of celebrations beyond weddings. With a choice of elegant spaces, flexible layouts, and menus that can be tailored, it works well for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, baby showers, or relaxed get-togethers. The setting feels special, and the team helps take care of the planning so you can focus on enjoying the day. It’s also a popular choice for corporate events and team days. Set within wide open grounds, it offers a real break from the office. They work with two professional event companies to deliver a variety of team-building events. GoTo Events offers a wide mix of indoor and outdoor challenges, while Wright Events brings in motor-based activities and classic country pursuits. To begin planning, get in touch with the team, share your vision, and they’ll help make it happen.