Sussex

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/4-4-1000x667.jpg" alt="ashdown hotel" class="wp-image-71463" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/4-4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/4-4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/4-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/4-4.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-location">THE LOCATION</h3>



No prizes for guessing this hotel is in the Ashdown Forest &#8211; the clue is in the name after all, but during a stay here you’ll be rewarded with beautiful landscaped gardens and more walking routes than you can manage on an overnighter. Ashdown Park hotel is in Forest Row, right in the centre of Winnie the Pooh land, ripe for exploring Pooh Sticks bridge and the 100 acre wood. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/2-11-1000x667.jpg" alt="ashdown hotel" class="wp-image-71464" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/2-11-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/2-11-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/2-11-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/2-11.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



But if you don’t want to relive the childhood tales (and why ever not?) You can play it cool and go on a simple stroll in the Sussex countryside instead. The hotel is just 15 minutes in a taxi from East Grinstead station but if you’re driving from the Brighton area as Muddy did, you’ll be taken along the winding country roads, perfect for singing along to the radio with Percy Pigs. Or is it just us who does that?&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/16-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="ashdown hotel" class="wp-image-71465" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/16-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/16-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/16-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/16-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The neo Gothic building feels a little like something out of Beauty and the Beast, there are different ‘wings’ &#8211; we promise that’s the end of the Disney references. The arched windows and hidden walkways add lots of character, hardly surprising given it was built in 1820. At times it can feel a tad overwhelming in its enormity namely when you’re in heels walking from your room to dinner, but then who can complain when you’ve lots of space and a huge suite? Certainly not Muddy.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/5-3-1000x667.jpg" alt="ashdown hotel" class="wp-image-71466" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/5-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/5-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/5-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/5-3.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The hotel is smart with staff who go that extra mile. We hit check in rush hour (who knew there was such a thing) and there was a little queue when we arrived to the dramatic entrance hall. Staff instantly offered to take our bags and made us feel welcome, chatting to us about the building and showing us where the bar was for that all important first glass of English sparkling.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/7-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="ashdown hotel" class="wp-image-71467" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/7-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/7-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/7-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/7-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



In the kindest way possible, the interior felt a little as if it was stuck in the 90s, but then again when everything from cargo pants to bucket hats making back, perhaps it’s more Muddy who needs to get with the programme. We even witnessed staff upgrade one couple who were celebrating a birthday, such a classy move and not performative.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pillow-talk">PILLOW TALK</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/1-13-1000x667.jpg" alt="ashdown hotel" class="wp-image-71468" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/1-13-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/1-13-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/1-13-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/1-13.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



With all its grandeur you will have to put some steps in to get to your room. Via an outdoor route (ahh my hair in the rain) then along a very long corridor with some stunning views through the arched windows&nbsp; &#8211; hello picture stop &#8211; we made it to our room. A very large suite &#8211; in fact it was quite possibly larger than the entire floorpan of Muddy’s beach flat. I’ve never witnessed a baby grand in a hotel room before, but there it was and provided a perch for Muddy to pose on.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/18-1000x667.jpg" alt="ashdown hotel" class="wp-image-71478" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/18-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/18-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/18-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/18.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



I could have done cartwheels around the room and still not done any damage to myself or the furniture. But to really do this review properly we sunk into the sofa, cracked open the fizz and tucked into the complimentary chocolates left in the room. If you don’t do this as soon as you put your bags down I’m not sure we’ll ever be friends.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/17-1000x667.jpg" alt="ashdown hotel" class="wp-image-71469" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/17-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/17-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/17-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/17.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The bathroom was basic but with a powerful hot shower, and the Milton Brown toiletries certainly elevated things. The bed was suitably comfy with crisp sheets. What really made&nbsp; this room so special is the views out and across the gardens.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h3>



While Ashdown Park may be a four star hotel, the food is five star. Muddy would return for the food alone. The Anderida is a two AA Rosette restaurant and deservedly so. Forget the interior design, you’ve a opulent fireplace, a baby grand and a pianist to serenade you while the waiters go above and beyond.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/10-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="ashdown hotel" class="wp-image-71470" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/10-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/10-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/10-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/10-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



After a very warm welcome, we had to order the eight course set menu by 8pm which is fair enough, Muddy can make a meal stretch out for hours so it’s good to be given a deadline. We went with our waiter’s recommendation for wine, stating with a glass of Spanish white while we enjoyed an amuse bouche of spicy cauliflower with hollandaise sauce.&nbsp;This got me excited for things to come.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/11-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="ashdown hotel" class="wp-image-71471" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/11-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/11-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/11-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/11-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



And it did not disappoint. Being two girls we did the whole sharing thing, opting for starters of salmon ceviche with red chilli, avocado, kiwi and lime dressing and then gorgonzola and fig mille-feuille both equally delicious and delicate. Nothing too powerful for the start of our fine dining feast.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/12-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="ashdown hotel" class="wp-image-71472" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/12-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/12-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/12-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/12-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



We ordered a bottle of Malbec to accompany the chateaubriand served medium rare with the all essential chips and béarnaise sauce. Yum. It was heavy and we took our time to savour it, while gassing away. The steak was cooked to perfection, and the ambience really made things. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/13-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="ashdown hotel" class="wp-image-71473" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/13-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/13-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/13-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/13-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Following a mini break, which was needed, we shared the warm chocolate brownie with cherries and blood orange sorbet. This was ripe for sharing as was rich and delicious but a lot after an indulgent main. Naughty us. But then badly behave foodie women rarely make history so we tucked into a cheese board as we put the world to rights albeit a little more, ahem, wise after the glasses of wine.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/14-1000x667.jpg" alt="ashdown hotel" class="wp-image-71474" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/14-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/14-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/14-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/14.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Never wanting to end a delicious dinner no matter how full Muddy is. It was off to retire at the lovely bar for an espresso marine, decaf of course. The chic conclusion to a meal to remember. Full marks Ashdown Park.



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To prevent a breakfast buffet build up, you are asked to pre book your slot which can be a little disarming when trying to relax but it is a wise move. On a busy Saturday morning we had to wait a little longer for service and to pre order but the food was good and the best bit was looking out over he gardens with a coffee once the blue sky returned.&nbsp;



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wellbeing">WELLBEING</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/8-2-1000x667.jpg" alt="ashdown hotel" class="wp-image-71476" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/8-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/8-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/8-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/8-2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



If you’re into golf, or want to start, there’s an 18 hole gold course that weaves you through the forest. Being more of a mini golf type of sportswoman, it was off to the spa via the large tennis courts which also looked like a little to much excursion for Muddy. It was off to float and laze in the hot tub. This weekend a sloth was my spirit animal. Just remember to ask reception where the robes are or you’ll be searching in the lockers for a while before getting dressed again to head upstairs. Learnt the hard way here. But should you desire, you can keep active while walking around the beautiful grounds, and gosh didn’t Muddy need it after al that lovely food. 



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-amp-about">OUT &amp; ABOUT</h3>



If you’re in the Ashdown Forest then you must stop by Pooh’s House. Winnie the Pooh that is. The infamous 100 Acre Wood is there and you can go on a feature hunt to find Pooh, Piglet and Owl’s houses, hiding in the trees. There’s also Pooh Sticks bridge and further up into Hatfield is Pooh’s Corner and themed tea room and museum dedicated to the bear and his pals.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict-nbsp">THE MUDDY VERDICT?&nbsp;</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/6-2-1000x667.jpg" alt="ashdown hotel" class="wp-image-71477" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/6-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/6-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/6-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/01/6-2.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Good for: A romantic getaway the history of the building makes it super romantic, and there a lots of walks you can hold hands on and even sneak a kiss. However, taking a gal pal is always a lot of fun and you have plenty of space to stretch out in your room. Families seem more than catered for with lots of activities on offer.&nbsp;



Not for:&nbsp;Fans of the super sleek modern look, this is classic British arhitecture and service too at its absolute best.&nbsp;



<a href="https://www.ashdownpark.com/">Ashdown Park</a>, Wych Cross, Forest Row, East Grinstead RH18 5JR



READ MORE: <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/uk/hotels-inns/review-buxted-park-uckfield/">Muddy reviews Buxted Park, Uckfield</a> READ MORE: <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/baby-toddler/luxury-baby-toddler-friendly-hotels/">5 luxury baby and toddler friendly hotels</a> READ MORE: <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/uk/hotels-inns/luxury-hotel-south-coast-white-horses-rottingdean-review/">Muddy reviews The White Horses, Rottingdean</a>&nbsp;

Luxury hotel near East Grinstead! Muddy reviews Ashdown Park

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