South Lodge, Horsham, West Sussex

We loved the feeling of being properly "out in the country" but just a short hop from city life. South Lodge is perfect for foodies wanting to enjoy first-rate British cooking then work off the calories exploring the South Downs Way on foot.

Situated between Haywards Heath and Horsham, with striking views of the South Downs.
By car: easily reachable from Brighton in 40 mins, London in 2 hours, and Guildford in an hour. Free private parking is available.
By train: Horsham station is a 13-minute drive away with trains to London Victoria (51 minutes), Peterborough (2 hours 40 mins), Southampton Central (1 hour 35 mins) and Bognor Regis (45 mins). thetrainline.com

It's a winning combination of old-style British grandeur and elegance in the restauarants and bars, with modern facilities and the fantastic spa. The dark wood panelling and antique furnishings nod to the hotel's historic past but can make some parts look a little dated.

Wandering through the hotel's gorgeous gardens, you can spot the UK's largest single-stemmed rhododendron, which is 120 years old and draws visitors from all over the world. We loved visiting the chickens who lay your morning eggs, in the walled kitchen garden.

• Gorgeous grounds
• Sunny terrace

• Three restaurants

• Billiard Bar and lounge
• Afternoon tea
• Spa
• Steam room
• Indoor and outdoor pools
• Outdoor jaccuzzi
• Hydrotherapy pool
• Beauty bar
• Fitness studio
• Spin room
• Dog and family friendly

Naming the rooms after local places is a lovely touch. Crestwood has beautiful views across the grounds towards the South Downs. The bathroom with its walk-in shower is large enough to hold a party and the marble bath features a built-in television screen.

Smart and Cosy Rooms, Dog-friendly rooms, Junior Suites, Master Suites, Family Suites, and the Bothay Cottage
Facilities include: work desk, seating area, king or queen-sized bed, handmade mattress, Sky TV, soft furnishings, quirky furniture

We loved the open-plan feel of Botanica in the new spa building with its large glass window overlooking the pretty grounds. Camellia serves up pescotarian paradise in a starter of cured and blow-torched mackerel with pickled kohirabi, yuzu and granita.

Tom Kemble at The Pass (temporarily closed): fresh on-site ingredients, seasonal. Dinner Wed-Sun. Six courses from £70.
Camellia: fine dining, two AA Rosettes. Dinner Monday-Saturday. Three courses from £45.
Botanica: spa restaurant, Mediterranean-inspired light bites, plant-based. Open Monday-Sunday. Large plates from £13.
The Cellar: wine and sharing platters.
The Billiard Bar: cocktails and informal dining.
The Watershed: open in summer, light bites.