Real guest reviews of Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club paint a picture of a Victorian country house with a golf course, spa, and two restaurants set on roughly 180 acres in East Sussex. This article draws on verified feedback from Booking.com, Hotels.com, and TripAdvisor, along with official property details, to help you decide whether this four-star retreat matches your expectations for cost, comfort, and dress code.
Last checked: 2026-07-02
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Location: Gorey, County Wexford, Ireland · Rooms: 100 · Grounds: 186 acres · Star rating: 4 stars
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-07-02.
Sources reviewed: official hotel website, Booking.com listing, Hotels.com listing, TripAdvisor reviews, Expedia listing, KAYAK price data, Travelocity listing, Hilton branded page, independent travel blogs.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent price verification from the hotel booking system.
Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club at a glance
- Ashdown Park, Wych Cross, near Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JR (Ashdown Park Hotel)
- 106 individually decorated rooms, two restaurants, three bars, indoor pool, spa, gym, tennis courts, 18-hole par-3 golf course (Expedia)
- 8.8 out of 10, with frequent praise for peaceful atmosphere, spacious rooms, and high-quality linens (Hotels.com)
- Guest review score of 8.5 for breakfast quality, with hundreds of verified reviews (Booking.com)
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Ashdown Park, Wych Cross, near Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JR, United Kingdom |
| Number of rooms | 106 |
| Grounds | Roughly 180–186 acres |
| Star rating | 4 stars (industry standard) |
| Check-in / Check-out | 3:00 PM / 11:00 AM |
| On-site dining | Anderida Restaurant (fine dining), Forest Brasserie (casual) |
| Leisure facilities | Indoor pool, spa, gym, tennis courts, 18-hole par-3 golf course |
| Breakfast fee (adult) | GBP 29.50 per adult |
| Breakfast fee (child) | GBP 19.50 per child |
| Pet policy | Allowed for GBP 25 per pet per night |
How much does it cost to stay at Ashdown Park?
Nightly rates at Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club vary significantly by season and day of the week. Aggregated data from KAYAK suggests November as the cheapest month, with prices roughly 36% below the annual average, while October is among the most expensive, with rates approximately 89% above baseline (KAYAK). Weekend stays (Friday and Saturday) command a premium over Sunday through Thursday nights.
Expedia quotes a recent example rate of about $243 (including taxes and fees) for one night for two adults, illustrating that mid-week or off-peak stays can fall in the mid-$200s. On TripAdvisor, the price-range widget shows typical nightly rates between $190 and $500 depending on room type and booking date.
Ashdown Park Hotel and Leisure Club prices
Leisure club access is included for hotel guests, but separate membership pricing for the Country Club is not publicly listed on the official site. The hotel’s leisure facilities include a 12 x 6 metre indoor heated pool, fully equipped air-conditioned gym, and two outdoor all-weather tennis courts (Ashdown Park Hotel).
Ashdown Park Hotel offers
Special offers and packages are listed on the hotel’s own website and often include spa breaks, golf packages, and wedding deals. These are typically seasonal and require direct booking.
Ashdown Park Hotel carvery menu
The Forest Brasserie serves a carvery on Sundays, according to multiple guest reviews on Booking.com and TripAdvisor. The carvery is frequently mentioned as a popular, good-value option within the hotel’s dining offering.
Who owns Ashdown Park Hotel?
Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club is owned by Elite Hotels, a small UK luxury hotel group that also operates properties including The Grand Hotel in Eastbourne and Tylney Hall in Hampshire. The group acquired the hotel in the late 20th century and has since developed it into a full country-club destination with golf and spa facilities.
Who is Alex Langsam?
Alex Langsam is the founder of Elite Hotels. He established the group in the 1970s and was instrumental in acquiring and developing Ashdown Park into its current form. His Wikipedia entry notes his role in building the collection of country house hotels.
Ashdown Park Hotel Owners now
Elite Hotels continues to own and operate Ashdown Park as of 2025. The group’s website lists the property as part of its portfolio, and no change in ownership has been reported in public sources.
How many stars is Ashdown Park Hotel?
Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club is classified as a four-star property by industry standards. This rating aligns with its offering of individually decorated rooms, multiple dining venues, and extensive leisure facilities including a spa and golf course.
Awards & Accolades
The hotel’s website highlights several awards, including recognition for its wedding venue and spa services. Specific accolades are listed on the official site’s awards page.
What is the 5’10 rule in hotels?
The “5’10 rule” is an informal industry guideline suggesting that hotel staff should stand at least 5 feet 10 inches away from guests to maintain personal space. No guest reviews mention it in connection with this property, and publicly available sources do not confirm it as a formal policy at Ashdown Park.
Is there a dress code for the Ashdown Park Hotel?
Ashdown Park does not publish a strict, written dress code on its official website. However, the tone set by the property and its two restaurants creates clear expectations. The Anderida Restaurant is marketed as a fine-dining venue with white-tablecloth service, and independent reviews from Silver Magazine describe it as “posh” with pricing at the higher end of local dining (Silver Magazine). Guests typically wear smart-casual or more formal attire there.
The Forest Brasserie offers a more relaxed atmosphere, and guest reviews on Booking.com describe it as suitable for smart-casual dress. In public lounges and bars, reviewers from A Lady of Leisure note that the historic, Victorian ambience means very casual or beachwear would feel out of place even if not formally prohibited.
What real guests say: pros and cons
Guest reviews across multiple platforms reveal consistent patterns. On Hotels.com, the property scores 8.8 out of 10, with reviewers praising the peaceful atmosphere, spacious rooms, and high-quality linens. One verified guest wrote: “It is a peaceful comfortable hotel. The rooms are spacious, with lovely smooth bed linen and fluffy soft towels” (Hotels.com).
On Booking.com, breakfast receives a guest review score of 8.5, with many describing it as delicious and offering a large variety. TripAdvisor reviews frequently praise staff attentiveness and service, particularly in the Anderida Restaurant and at weddings.
However, not all feedback is glowing. Several reviews on Travelocity note that some rooms feel dated, with comments about worn carpets, uneven floors, and older bathroom fixtures. One reviewer stated: “The room was really knackered, uneven floor, very old carpet, could feel the mattress springs” (Travelocity).
Isolated reviews on TripAdvisor describe some organisational lapses during busy periods, though the majority of feedback remains positive about service quality.
“As beautiful settings go, Ashdown Park hotel in East Sussex certainly has the ‘wow’ factor.”
— A Lady of Leisure, travel writer
“The relaxation room is gorgeous, the pool is a great temperature, the staff are lovely, the setting is beautiful.”
— Silver Magazine reviewer
Our pick: who should stay at Ashdown Park?
Based on the consensus of guest reviews and verified facts, Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club is best suited for:
- Couples looking for a romantic getaway – The peaceful grounds, spa, and fine dining create a classic romantic setting.
- Guests attending a wedding – The hotel is a popular wedding venue with dedicated event spaces and strong service reviews.
- Spa and leisure seekers – The indoor pool, spa treatments, and 18-hole par-3 golf course offer a full country-club experience.
- Travelers wanting a country retreat – The 180-acre grounds, jogging trails, and converted chapel provide a genuine escape from urban life.
If you prioritise ultra-modern rooms or need a strict budget option, the variability in room condition and premium breakfast pricing may be drawbacks worth considering.
Location and getting there
Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club is located at Ashdown Park, Wych Cross, near Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5JR. The property sits within Ashdown Forest, approximately 30 miles south of London and about 10 miles from Gatwick Airport. The nearest train station is East Grinstead, roughly 5 miles away, with direct services from London Victoria.
Driving is the most practical option for most guests, with free on-site parking available. Taxis from East Grinstead station take about 15 minutes.
Timeline: Ashdown Park through the years
- Circa 1867: Victorian country house built for Durham MP Thomas Thompson, establishing the historic core of today’s hotel (A Lady of Leisure).
- Late 20th century: Development into Ashdown Park Hotel & Country Club, with addition of golf course and spa facilities, positioning the property as a luxury country-club destination in East Sussex (Ashdown Park Hotel).
- Present day (2025): Operated by Elite Hotels, offering 106 rooms, two restaurants, and full leisure facilities across 180 acres.
Related reading: Hardwicke Hall Manor Hotel: Historic Country House Review ? Bowood Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort: Costs & What to Expect
Guests comparing upscale country club hotels should consider the Forest of Arden Hotel & Country Club alongside Ashdown Park for a balanced view.
Frequently asked questions
Does Ashdown Park Hotel have a swimming pool?
Yes. The Country Club and Forest Spa include a 12 x 6 metre indoor heated pool, as confirmed on the official hotel website.
Is there a spa at the hotel?
Yes. The Forest Spa offers treatments including massages, facials, and manicures. Spa packages are available through the hotel’s website.
Does the hotel offer wedding packages?
Yes. Ashdown Park is a popular wedding venue with dedicated event spaces, including a converted chapel. Wedding packages are listed on the hotel’s website.
Is there a dress code for the restaurant?
No strict written code exists, but the Anderida Restaurant expects smart-casual or formal attire. The Forest Brasserie is more relaxed. Beachwear is not appropriate in either venue.
Can I bring pets?
Yes. Pets are allowed for an additional fee of GBP 25 per pet per night. Service animals are exempt from the fee.
What is the check-in/check-out time?
Check-in is at 3:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM, as confirmed by both Booking.com and the Hilton branded page for the property.
Sources cited
- Ashdown Park Hotel (official site) – Property identity, facilities, location, awards
- Booking.com – Verified guest reviews, breakfast rating, check-in/out times
- Hotels.com – Guest rating (8.8/10), review highlights
- TripAdvisor – Review volume, price-range widget, service feedback
- Expedia – Room count, example nightly rate, pet policy, breakfast fee
- KAYAK – Monthly price trends, day-of-week pricing
- Travelocity – Breakfast fee, dated room reviews
- Hilton branded page – Check-in/out times
- Silver Magazine – Anderida Restaurant description, spa review
- A Lady of Leisure – Historical notes, ambience description
- Julia’s Bookcase – Grounds description, converted chapel
- Business Traveller – Room facilities list