Gravetye Manor

Gravetye Manor was built by Richard Infield as a wedding home for his bride, Katharine Compton, and their initials are carved above the main garden entrance. Their portraits also appear in oak carvings inside the house. For centuries, Gravetye remained a private home, but its most influential owner arrived in 1885. William Robinson, one of the most important gardeners in history, bought the manor and the surrounding land. He lived here until his death in 1935. During this time, he shaped the gardens that made Gravetye famous. Many gardens around the world later followed his ideas, but Gravetye is where his vision truly grew.

The biggest change came in 1958 when Peter Herbert opened Gravetye as a country house hotel. He believed that a quiet rural manor could offer outstanding hospitality and dining. Over the next 50 years, he built Gravetye’s reputation as one of England’s leading country house hotels, known for its warm service and strong connection to the gardens. In 2010, the hotel entered a new chapter under the ownership of Jeremy Hosking. Careful restoration work followed, updating the hotel while protecting its character. The gardens were also revived, staying true to Robinson’s ideas. In 2018, Gravetye celebrated 60 years as a hotel with the opening of a new dining room overlooking the gardens, marking another thoughtful step forward in its long story.

Gravetye Manor still feels more like a private home than a hotel. That is partly because there are only 17 rooms, and also because of how they are furnished. Each room mixes antiques, original paintings, and comfortable sofas that invite you to relax. Some rooms feature wood paneled walls, others use cheerful botanical wallpaper, and have classic four-poster beds. Every room is named after a tree found on the estate. Rooms like Lime, set in the eaves, still feel bright and spacious, with sitting areas and traditional mullioned windows. Many rooms overlook the flower gardens, filling the space with soft morning light and views that feel calm and timeless.

The newer restaurant building was designed with great care to sit quietly beside the historic Jacobean manor. Rather than competing with the original house, the design stays low and horizontal, echoing the lines of the gardens. Large areas of frameless glass allow uninterrupted views of the greenery, keeping the connection between food and garden front and center. The overall layout feels open but intimate. Natural materials like stone, reclaimed oak flooring, and a light wood ceiling help soften the structure and keep the focus on the setting outside. Both old and new parts of Gravetye work together easily, preserving the manor’s character while allowing it to function comfortably as a modern country house hotel.

Dining at Gravetye Manor feels closely tied to the land around it. A large part of the ingredients used come straight from the walled kitchen garden, first created by William Robinson in the late 19th century. What is growing at any given time naturally shapes the menus, which are led by Executive Chef Martin Carabott. The cooking is modern British at heart, seasonal, thoughtful, and focused on letting great ingredients speak for themselves. The kitchen also works with local suppliers who care deeply about quality and animal welfare.

The Dining Room holds one Michelin star and is popular, so booking ahead is a good idea. Guests can enjoy a familiar three-course menu for lunch or dinner, thoughtfully crafted from the freshest seasonal ingredients. If you have any dietary needs, allergies, or preferences, it helps to let the team know at least 48 hours in advance, as the menus are carefully planned around the seasons. Lunch and dinner are open to both resident and non-resident guests, with a well-chosen wine list and a friendly sommelier team on hand to help you find the right pairing.

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea at Gravetye Manor is perfect for enjoying a leisurely treat with friends or family. Priced at GBP 65 (USD 87.81) per person, it begins with a glass of Nyetimber English Sparkling Wine on arrival, setting the tone for a special occasion. You will be served a carefully curated selection of freshly made sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and preserves, delicate cakes, and pastries, all prepared by our talented pastry chefs. Every bite reflects the attention to detail and quality that Gravetye is known for.

From May to September, Afternoon Tea is served in our charming Oak Gazebo in the Little Garden, offering peaceful views over the meadows and lake. From October to April, the experience moves indoors to one of the Private Dining rooms, providing a cozy and intimate atmosphere during the cooler months. Afternoon Tea at Gravetye Manor is designed to be an indulgent experience, combining delicious food, elegant surroundings, and the serene beauty of the estate.

Built by Richard Infield for his true love, Gravetye Manor remains a romantic setting for unforgettable weddings. From its elegant interiors to the breathtaking gardens and countryside views, the Manor provides a naturally stunning backdrop. The hotel offers exclusive hire for weddings, accommodating up to 70 guests for the ceremony and wedding breakfast, with an additional 20 for the evening reception. Exclusive hire ensures complete privacy, and our dedicated Wedding Coordinator helps manage every detail. They assist with planning, seating arrangements, decor, flowers, music, catering, and any other requirements to make the day run smoothly.

The oak‑panelled main sitting room is perfect for ceremonies, with double aspect views over the flower garden and meadow. Drinks receptions can take place in the gardens during warmer months or in cozy lounge areas in winter. The glass‑fronted contemporary dining room seats up to 70 and is ideal for your meals together, with bespoke menus, elegant table settings, and stunning garden views. Exclusive hire also allows allocation of all 17 unique bedrooms to your closest family and friends, who can wake up together in the Sussex countryside and enjoy a full English or Continental breakfast, completing a truly memorable wedding experience.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Gravetye Manor is a place to explore, relax, and enjoy life at your own pace. Whether you want to stroll, play, or immerse yourself in culture and countryside, there’s something for everyone. The local area offers a range of planned routes, from short 30-minute wanderings to longer four-hour adventures. Some favourites include the Cat Walk, Wakehurst Walk, Weirwood Walk, Standen Walk, and the Vineyard Walk, each with its own charm and beautiful views.

If relaxation is your aim, in-room beauty treatments with Ruuby Black Label are a real treat. Choose from facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, reflexology, and skin detoxes, all tailored to your needs. Seasonal oils and fragrances fill the room, creating a sensory escape. Each session begins with a short consultation and lasts one hour, letting you unwind completely in your private room.

For gentle fun outdoors, the croquet lawn, once William Robinson’s playground, is perfect for a game with family or friends, with views across the gardens and meadows. Music and culture lovers can enjoy the Glyndebourne Opera Festival, with Gravetye offering priority access for overnight guests. History and heritage enthusiasts will find plenty to explore nearby, from historic houses like Standen and The Priest House to famous gardens such as Wakehurst Place, Borde Hill, and High Beeches.

For countryside adventures, the Bluebell Railway runs past Gravetye, with seasonal bluebells lining the tracks, while Ashdown Forest, the home of Winnie-the-Pooh, offers beautiful walks. Golfers can enjoy the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club or East Sussex National Golf Club, while horse riding hacks can be arranged on Ashdown Forest. Thrill seekers can visit Goodwood for racing, the Festival of Speed, or the Revival, and polo enthusiasts can experience high-goal polo at Cowdray Park. No matter your interests, walking, gardening, culture, sport, or simple relaxation, Gravetye Manor provides a base for making the most of the Sussex countryside.

During the Christmas season, Gravetye Manor offers travellers a festive experience set in its historic house and gardens. Visitors can enjoy seasonal meals, including a three-course Michelin-starred dinner and traditional Christmas treats such as mince pies and mulled wine. The Manor is decorated for the season, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the house and gardens. Guests can also enjoy seasonal music and events, adding to the holiday spirit. This seasonal offering gives travellers the chance to experience the Manor’s historic charm, festive decorations, and special events, all set against the backdrop of the winter gardens.

Gravetye Manor can host private celebrations as well as corporate meetings and conferences. The combination of historic charm, wood‑panelled rooms, and modern facilities makes it suitable for gatherings that require both style and privacy. The Panelled Room accommodates 9–20 guests boardroom style, with a screen and projector available. Smaller, more informal meetings can be held in the Private Dining Room for 6–8 delegates. Lunch options include a two-course meal for up to 12 guests or a working buffet for 13–20. Whether hosting a family celebration, an important business meeting, or a small conference, Gravetye Manor ensures events run smoothly. For further customization or specific requirements, travellers are advised to contact the team directly.