Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa, Arundel, West Sussex

The sweet West Beach Café, and its big sister East Beach Café, both nearby at Littlehampton, were designed by famous architect Thomas Heatherwick and serve good seafood.

The hotel has 30 acres of private parkland, near the popular market town of Arundel and 10 minutes' walk from Climping Beach.
By car: Bailiffscourt is 2 hours from London, 1 hour from Brighton and 2 hours 40 minutes from Bristol. There is free parking for guests.
By train: London Victoria to Littlehampton takes around 2 hours. From there, the hotel is a five-minute taxi ride. thetrainline.com

It's hard to believe, but Bailiffscourt was built just a century ago. The architect salvaged windows and doors, even stone and bricks from ancient buildings headed for destruction. It suits spa seekers, history lovers and those after somewhere grand for a special occasion. The grounds are a highlight, where you can walk among roses, play games or swing under a tree and maybe catch a helicopter arrival.

We love the water filled tops to the spa massage tables.

• Two swimming pools
• Restaurant
• Bar
• Lounge
• Tennis courts
• Gym
• Gardens
• Terrace
• Beach access
• Free parking
• Breakfast included
• Room service
• Pet-friendly

The hotel welcomes dogs at a rate of £30 per night per dog (up to two dogs per room) and recommends booking a Climping room or higher. They stay in the room with you and are allowed everywhere except the spa and restaurant. You can dine with your dog in the Courtyard or Rose garden or in one of the lounges.

Baylies looks fit for royalty - although the gold walls are a little theatrical! It includes a sitting area with woodburning stove and a hidden TV. We also love the twin baths side-by-side in the bathroom.

Classic & Cosy, Climping, Climping Original, Sussex, Feature Four Poster, Baylies
Facilities include: ensuite bathroom with tub, Temple Spa products, bathrobes, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, phone, tea and coffee tray with homemade biscuits, hairdryer

The breakfast is excellent - the eggs are spot on.

The restaurant: light bites, fresh pasta, cream teas and a classy European dinner menu. Open daily for dinner, 6.30-9pm. Three courses £65.00. Lunch 12pm-1:45pm, afternoon tea 3pm-4:30pm.