West Sussex is rightly renowned for its delightful coastal treasures, such as West Wittering, Littlehampton and the city of Chichester. But inland, it’s also home to the South Downs, soon to become the UK’s newest National Park. Visit stately homes, castles and famous gardens, all underpinned by cosy pubs and some meticulously-restored historic hotels. 
Recommended places to stay: Historic Sussex Hotels
Historic Sussex Hotels says
Our passion is to turn beautiful historic buildings into luxurious country house retreats. A family-owned group of just three hotels, we source everything ourselves, from the period antiques to the rich fabrics and we throw in four poster beds, roaring fireplaces, oak-panelled sitting rooms, gracious and friendly service and beautiful gardens as standard.
Great food is key to any indulgent break and our restaurants offer locally-sourced produce including sparkling wines from RidgeView, crab and lobster from Selsey, lamb from Ditchling and game from the Balcombe Estate.
Originally a 15th century coaching inn, The Spread Eagle Hotel and Spa at Midhurst has hosted luminaries including Elizabeth I, Guy Fawkes, Edward VII and HG Wells. Six centuries on, the hotel offers intriguing antiques, 38 individual rooms, an indoor pool, the Aquila Spa with Elemis treatments and a two-Rosettes restaurant.
Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa was originally built by Lord Moyne as the home for the Guinness family in the 1920s and that feeling of a seaside family home still pervades. Right by Climping beach with 39 rooms, it boasts an award-winning spa and outdoor hot tub and is a great spot for sailing at Littlehampton or racing at Goodwood. Dogs are welcome and even have their own Bailiffscourt Doggie Room-Service List.
Close to Haywards Heath, Ockenden Manor is an Elizabethan manor house set in Cuckfield, one of England’s prettiest Tudor villages. Home to one of only two Michelin starred restaurants in Sussex, it has just 22 rooms and is set in nine acres of peaceful gardens and parkland with stunning views across the South Downs. A spa is planned for 2010.
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