Classified as a Grade II listed property by Historic England
Winner of the ECOsmart 2024 Silver Award
Donnington Manor Hotel is a somewhat unusual historic property; it is recognized by Historic England and given a Grade II heritage listing, though part of the reason is that the manor has been reassembled from an earlier incarnation. The original Donnington Manor was built during the 15th century, yet the one we see today is a reconstruction using many of its original materials. It has been operating as a hotel for nearly half a century now, providing impeccable hospitality with its stylish modern rooms, delicious Pan-European dining, and versatile venues for celebrations and happenings. For its dedication, Donnington Manor was awarded The AA's coveted 4-AA Stars Hotel rating, making it a highly trusted stay establishment in Kent.
london road, TN13 2TD Sevenoaks, United Kingdom
The history of Donnington Manor Hotel could be called quirky, as it has some notable twists. While the manor indeed originates from the 15th century, the hotel we see today is a reassembled version from 1936. Because of this, the property is recognized with a Grade II listing by Historic England. The site it now stands on does bear a bit of historic notability, as it is part of the battlefield where Edmund Ironsides repelled the Danish forces of King Canute in 1016.
For its more recent history, the building operated as an Italian restaurant during the 1960s. It was expanded in 1976 and renamed the Emma Hotel. It has since returned to being the Donnington Manor, making full use of its location and amenities to provide a wonderful heritage stay in the outskirts of Greater London. Donnington was even recognized by The AA British motoring association and awarded a four-AA Stars hotel rating.
Although the current Donnington Manor Hotel is more of a reassembly, it retains many core aspects of its original incarnation. The timber-framed manor features its 15th-century architecture, particularly the aged wooden beams and supports, and oriel windows. Its roof uses plain tiles, though styled with gables and half-hipped portions, thus creating a classic look. Right next to the old structure are the hotel's modern additions, which were built in 1968. Despite being more recent, it retains a sense of 20th-century vintage aesthetics and nostalgia that complements the half-timbered manor's much older facade.
When it comes to the old manor's interiors, the reconstruction made sure to be as faithful as possible to Medieval design. The bar and restaurant still give off an age-old tavern feel, despite the use of modern chairs and tables. The rooms and event facilities, however, embrace their contemporary finishes, opting for sleek styles that are attuned to present-day tastes and needs. These include modern accessibility features such as wheelchair-friendly bathrooms and braille signage.
The hotel's current location was part of a battlefield where Edmund Ironsides fought the Danish forces of King Canute back in 1016.
Chartwell Restaurant
The signature restaurant of Donnington Manor boasts a unique dining experience you won't find easily. Chartwell Restaurant offers exquisite European cuisine prepared in gourmet style by the skilled chefs and kitchen staff. Bask in the historic setting while savoring delicacies such as slow-cooked lamb shank and original specialties like Mediterranean fillet of salmon. The menus change with the seasons, taking advantage of the availability of ingredients to craft diverse and flavorful dishes.
Aside from the menu fare, Chartwell also celebrates every weekend with a Sunday Roast service. They expand the beloved British tradition by offering different sorts of meats and cuts, such as beef, pork, and turkey.
Reservations are highly recommended and can be made via the hotel's website.
Spectrum Bar & Lounge
Celebrate the good times with a delectable drink at Spectrum Bar, the special lounge and party space of Donnington Manor. Hang out with friends or make some new acquaintances while sampling the delicious cocktails, mocktails, and light bites. The bar has an extensive drinks list, including fancy wines, aged spirits, and beers.
Opening hours:
Open 24 hours for hotel guests
Non-residents: 11 am - 11 pm
Afternoon Tea
Another beloved British tradition that took root during the Victorian Era, no England holiday is complete without at least one idyllic afternoon enjoying rich tea blends paired with decadent cakes and pastries. You may also celebrate a special moment with a glass of Champagne, enjoying an afternoon of overwhelming sweetness.
Set within a peaceful country village outside of London, Donnington Manor Hotel provides a verdant and vibrant venue for your vows. Celebrate your Happily Ever After with the scenic meadows and historic facade of the manor as your backdrop. There will be plenty of venues to choose from, ranging from intimate indoor spaces to the expansive lawn. These can be set up in various configurations, such as for banquets with a dance floor or a cocktail party.
The hotel has its own experienced wedding coordinator who will assist in the planning and execution of your event. They'll work together to make your vision a reality, bringing in partner services as you need them, whether it's decorators, toastmasters, or musical performers. They'll also fine-tune Donnington's wedding packages, making adjustments that will help fit your budget or expand it further into a dazzling gala.
Riverhead Suite - An expansive events hall tailor-made for large gatherings. Capacity: 160 guests (buffet with dance floor)
Cromwell Room - A modern venue designed to be versatile and highly customizable. Capacity: 50 guests (buffet with dance floor)
Lawn & Patio - Beautiful, well-kept lawn of the hotel, letting weddings use the historic facade as the backdrop. Capacity: 120 guests (marquee)
Donnington Manor Hotel takes advantage of its beautiful historic architecture and large venue spaces to host its very own Escape Room Games. These challenges come in a wide variety of themes, from the Cabin In The Woods' Hollywood horror to classic murder mysteries aboard the Enigma Express. The hotel and its signature Spectrum Bar also get involved with other themed events, such as Tribute Nights and Cabaret Nights.
If you'd like to go out and explore the surrounding region, Donnington recommends several other historic sites that are nearby. Chartwell, for example, is the historic home of Sir Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister who steered Britain through World War II. Hever Castle & Gardens is the historic home of Anne Boleyn, and where Henry VIII constantly wooed and courted her.
Donnington Manor Hotel warmly welcomes guests looking for a bespoke venue to celebrate their special occasions and corporate gatherings. For company meetings, seminars, or retreats, the hotel has a lineup of sleek rooms and halls you can choose from. These can be configured in various layouts, such as classroom, boardroom, and theater. These also come with rated packages that include refreshments and rentals for audiovisual equipment. You can further customize these with stay combos for corporate retreats and tie-in activities and services, such as the escape rooms.
Also on offer are seasonal packages in line with certain festivities. The Christmas Party Nights package, as an example, can be bundled with escape rooms, dinners, and a photobooth. The hotel also sets certain nights for hosting their very own festive parties, complete with a three-course dinner, novelties, and a DJ playing music.
Beautifully preserved country mansion that was the home of Sir Winston Churchill, now serving as a museum to his legacy and accomplishments. (15-minute drive)
Fortified country house and archbishop's palace, surrounded by woods and parklands, and still owned by Sackville family who were given this domain 400 years ago. (15-minute drive)
Iconic 13th-century castle famed for its beautiful gardens, and also for being where Henry VIII courted Anne Boleyn. (22-minute drive)
The closest railway station to Donnington Manor Hotel is Dunton Green Station, an 18-minute walk from the hotel.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is the nearest international airport to Donnington Manor Hotel, 30 minutes away from the property.