The Bell in Ticehurst

The Bell in Ticehurst stands in a village whose story goes back over a thousand years. The name Ticehurst comes from Old Saxon words meaning a wooded hill where goats were kept, which gives a good sense of what the area once looked like. The village appears in early medieval records and was part of the Rape of Hastings, an old Sussex land division used for administration and taxation after the Norman conquest.

The building itself began as a house linked to St Mary the Virgin Church. It was built in the 24th year of Edward I, in 1296, and in the late 1400s, it became known as The Bell, named after the church bell nearby. At that time, church-linked houses often served ale, especially to parish workers and travelers, and brewing likely happened on site. By the mid 1500s, the house had developed into a proper inn, licensed to provide beds, food, drink, and stabling.

Over the centuries, the structure was steadily altered and expanded. What started as a simple timber-framed house gained chimneys, extra rooms, service areas, cellars, and later a coach house and function rooms. These changes reflect how the building adapted to growing trade and travel through the village. By the Victorian period, The Bell was the social center of Ticehurst. It hosted agricultural shows, public meetings, auctions, and celebrations. Fields behind the inn were used for fairs, sports, and village events, while the inn itself served as a meeting place for local societies.

After many generations of landlords and brewers, The Bell passed through brewery ownership in the 20th century before being carefully restored in the early 2000s. It reopened in 2011, after three years of planning and restoration, continuing a long tradition of hospitality that shaped both the building and the village around it.

The Bell in Ticehurst sits right in the heart of this East Sussex village, and its design makes it feel like a historic coaching inn brought to life with creative flair. The building is Grade II listed and has a timeless presence that reflects its rural English roots, and the interior carries that story forward with creative details. The exterior follows the look of a traditional English village inn. Its facade features gabled forms and tile-hung walls that give plenty of character. Heavy timber elements make it feel historic.

Inside, exposed timber beams and large brick and timber inglenook fireplaces point to the building's age and structure, while bare board floors and antiqued furnishings keep the interiors grounded in their past. The interiors lean into playful and slightly surreal design choices. In the bar area, pillars built from stacked books and top hat-style lampshades add a sense of quirk. The Stable with a Table room shows a more unusual architectural feature, with its sunken table and surrounding benches that suit intimate dinners or small gatherings.

The Bell offers seven quirky hotel bedrooms, five garden houses, and four rustic lodges. The Between the Lines Lodge features a mezzanine floor perfect for a game or spinning record, with a private patio and wood burner for cozy evenings. Pretty Vacant Lodge is all about playful surprises, with towering hand-painted ceilings and quirky antique touches. Pour L’Amour Spa Lodge comes with a terrace and an outdoor bath, while The Love Nest rounds things off with a romantic roof terrace overlooking the garden and village. Common areas continue the mix of low ceilings and more fireplaces, and classic inn furnishings, keeping the overall feel warm.

Dining at The Bell feels relaxed and generous, with menus shaped by the seasons. The food is comforting, earning the kitchen two AA Rosettes for its quality and service. Expect modern British cooking served across breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with thoughtful options for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets. Drinks matter just as much here. Wine and beer get plenty of attention, with carefully chosen pairings that work with the food.

Sunday lunches are especially popular, often shared around the long table in the Stable, making them ideal for celebrations, family gatherings, or simply spending time together over good food. There is also a children's menu available. Guests are also invited to make a small, optional donation per table to a local charity, which The Bell matched to support the surrounding community.

For couples seeking a wedding that's truly out of the ordinary, The Bell offers a mix of creativity and elegance with a variety of spaces to suit different moments of the day. The Big Room can seat up to 90 guests for a wedding meal and host up to 120 for the evening parties, with bold wallpaper and statement chandeliers providing a striking backdrop.

Downstairs, the historic Stables offer a relaxed setting with a long wooden table, private bar, and space for speeches. The cozy Snug provides a quiet retreat for couples or guests to unwind by the fire during the day. Outdoors, a fire pit creates a charming spot for evening drinks and marshmallow toasts.

The Bell also provides bespoke dining for weddings, with menus crafted by the Head Chef using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. They cater to individual tastes and dietary needs. Every detail, from the red carpet walk to the evening party, is designed to make your wedding truly one of a kind.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

The Bell celebrates the uncommon side of pub culture with a lively mix of comedy, art, music, and creative activities. On-site, they host a wide range of events and workshops designed to engage and inspire. Guests can try portrait paintings, decoupage trays, block printing, or painted treasure boxes, all led by skilled artisans and often including materials and lunch. The hotel also hosts the annual Ticehurst Literary Festival, featuring authors, poets, and workshops for adults and children, as well as fairs like the Cuckoo Fair.

Beyond on-site events, The Bell encourages exploration of the surrounding area. Nearby attractions include Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest for walks, cycling, and adventure trails, the historic home of Rudyard Kipling at Batemans National Trust, and Bewl Water for water sports and outdoor fun. Guests can also visit Wild Iris Spa and take a tour of Cellar Head Brewery.

Scotney Castle offers romantic gardens, a moated 14th-century castle, and a Victorian mansion set in massive parkland. Bodiam Castle provides a glimpse of medieval life with its moated ruins, spiral staircases, battlements, and portcullis. Great Dixter is a historic house and gardens celebrated by horticulturists worldwide, once the home of writer Christopher Lloyd.

The Bell also hosts private celebrations and gatherings, including birthdays, anniversaries, and family reunions. The historic Stables are ideal for big dinners or casual get-togethers, with a long table setup perfect for shared moments. There are additional spaces that can be tailored to suit your party size. Customization is available across decor, dining, and drinks, so your celebration can reflect your personal style. The team works closely with guests' vision and arranges details to make each event unique and memorable. For more details, guests are encouraged to get in touch to see what can be arranged.