South Lodge Hotel & Spa
Traditional elegance meets relaxed country house. Lots of original Victorian character in the main house, but the spa building is sleek and modern with floor-to-ceiling countryside views. Not stuffy — guests are as likely to be in wellies as in black tie.
Book The Pass well in advance — it's only 28 covers and fills quickly
Why It Matters
The Pass, the hotel's Michelin-starred restaurant (awarded 2023), operates from a 28-cover table set inside the working kitchen — diners watch the brigade plate every course. The spa won AA Spa of the Year 2023 and spans 44,000 sq ft with an outdoor wild swim pond, vinotherapy treatments using produce from the estate vineyard, and a full thermal journey. Three on-site restaurants each hold AA Rosettes.
South Lodge is a 5-star Victorian country house hotel sitting on 93 acres of Sussex countryside with commanding South Downs views. The original mansion is loaded with character — intricate carved fireplaces, ornate ceilings, and individually designed rooms packed with personality. The real draw here is the combination: a Michelin-starred restaurant (The Pass), a 44,000 sq ft nature-inspired spa that won AA Spa of the Year 2023, and grounds that include a wildflower meadow, vineyard, kitchen garden, and a natural swimming pool.
Where You'll Stay
17 room types available
Comfy Room with a View
From GBP465 / nightSame character as the Comfy Rooms but with the added bonus of proper South Downs views from the windows. Worth the small premium if the countryside scenery matters to you.
Comfy Rooms
From GBP425 / nightA step up from the Cubbies. Individually designed spaces with lashings of charm and character — no two are the same. Good size, well-appointed, and a solid choice for a solo or couple's stay focused on the spa and restaurants.
Cubby Rooms
From GBP415 / nightThe most characterful entry-level option at South Lodge. Each one is different — eclectic, charming, and very much their own thing. These sit in the more compact part of the hotel, hence the name, but they're beautifully dressed and make for a cosy base.
Earl of Athlone Signature Suite
From GBP625 / nightPanoramic South Downs views plus a roll-top bath — two of the best things about South Lodge in one room. A big, well-appointed suite with the kind of outlook that makes you want to linger over breakfast.
Elizabeth le Bay Signature Suite
From GBP625 / nightBright, breezy, and filled with bold prints — a joyful contrast to the more traditional suites. If you like personality and colour in your room rather than muted heritage tones, this is your pick.
Family Junior Suites
From GBP550 / nightBuilt for families who don't want to compromise on comfort. Two king-size beds and showstopping bathrooms — actual space to spread out with kids rather than feeling cramped. Rare to find this level of finish in a family room.
Garden Suites
From GBP700 / nightPositioned to make the most of the South Downs panoramas. These suites are inside the hotel but feel especially connected to the grounds, making them popular with guests who want to wake up to those long views.
Hot Tub Suites
From GBP789 / nightA showstopping suite with a private outdoor hot tub and panoramic views. Very popular with couples celebrating something. Exactly what it says on the tin — and the views from the tub are genuinely special.
Lady Clementine Signature Suite
From GBP525 / nightTruly majestic space anchored by an ornately carved four-poster bed. This is the one for guests who want the full Victorian country house experience — you feel the history of the building in this room.
Four-posterLady Eleanor Signature Suite
From GBP525 / nightSet on the second floor with lovely countryside views and a roll-top tub. A serene, well-proportioned space that's popular with honeymooners and anniversary celebrants. The roll-top tub is the centrepiece.
Luxe Junior Suite with a View
From GBP650 / nightAll the quirk and individual charm of the standard Junior Suites, plus proper countryside views. The view element makes a real difference here — morning light over the South Downs is genuinely special.
Luxe Junior Suites
From GBP525 / nightLocated in the Sussex Wing and stacked with original features. These suites are a favourite for their mix of period character and proper suite proportions. Come with extended spa access from 1pm on arrival — a useful upgrade.
Monarch Suite
From GBP945 / nightThe largest and most luxurious room in the main hotel building. The top of the tree at South Lodge — expect everything done to the highest spec. Popular for honeymoons and landmark celebrations.
Suites
From GBP625 / nightThe mid-tier suite category — individually designed and roomy. Extended spa access from 1pm on arrival. A solid choice for a special occasion when you want more space without going all the way to a signature suite.
The Bothy Cottage
From GBP1,980 / nightA self-contained private cottage in the hotel grounds that sleeps up to eight guests. Has its own fully equipped kitchen (you can self-cater) and a private garden, but you can also take all meals in the hotel restaurants. The best option for groups or families who want total privacy with the luxury hotel infrastructure nearby.
The Reeds — Lakeside Lodges
From GBP1,000 / nightSix freestanding lodges perched at the water's edge on the estate lake. Built with upcycled, locally sourced, and naturally derived materials — genuinely in harmony with their surroundings rather than just marketed that way. Extended spa access from 10am on arrival to 5pm on departure, plus a seasonal welcome cocktail, complimentary drinks and snacks, and a bottle of Ridgeview English sparkling wine. Breakfast delivered by hamper or taken in a restaurant.
The Reeds — Spa Lodges
From GBP1,200 / nightTwo freestanding lodges with exclusive private spa facilities on top of everything the Lakeside Lodges offer. Set back slightly from the water but with their own dedicated wellness extras — the most immersive accommodation option on the estate.
The Property
Eat & Drink
5 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Cycle hire is available at the hotel for exploring the surrounding West Sussex countryside and South Downs.
Up to six fitness classes offered every day — yoga, pilates, spin, and more. Open to hotel residents, spa day guests, and members. Full timetable available on the website.
200 sq metre gym with Technogym equipment, a functional training zone, dedicated spin studio, and holistic studio.
93 acres of grounds to explore: manicured terraces, wildflower meadow, Victorian rockery, vineyard, kitchen garden, and lakes. An estate map is available on the hotel website.
Two all-weather Astroturf tennis courts on the estate. Equipment available.
Guests can tour the hotel's restored Victorian wine cellar, either with a sommelier or independently.
South Lodge has its own vines on the estate. Vine produce is used in the spa's vinotherapy treatments. Nearby Ridgeview Wine Estate (home of English sparkling wine) also offers private tours and tastings.
South Lodge holds a civil ceremony licence and offers bespoke weddings and private events across multiple rooms and outdoor spaces on the estate.
The estate's outdoor natural swimming pool — an eco-friendly wild swim experience in the grounds. Accessible to spa day guests, hotel residents, and members.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
State-of-the-art conference centre on site. Separate meetings section on the website.
Family rooms and junior suites available. Cots, high chairs, and children's menus available.
Technogym equipment, functional training zone, spin studio, holistic studio. Personal training available.
Dogs welcome in designated rooms. Pet bowls and pet baskets provided. Dedicated dog-friendly break packages available.
Free on-site parking, no reservation required.
South Lodge offers spa memberships giving access to the spa, pools, gym, and fitness classes.
AA Spa of the Year 2023. Includes indoor pool, outdoor wild swim pond, thermal suite, treatment rooms, nail bar, gym, spin studio, and holistic studio.
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