A medieval-style house, beautiful thatched houses, a 13th century chapel, outdoor bubbly hot tub and acres of lush green private land. Just a few of the many many things you can expect from Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa. Located on the coastline of Climping in West Sussex, you really wouldn’t know. You feel as thought you’re stranded in the middle of the countryside, yet a beautiful coastline awaits just moments away. It’s an incredible place and somewhere I used to spend a lot of time in many years ago.
We arrived at the hotel on a gorgeously sunny afternoon. The roof down on our shiny new Fiat Spider 124, winding roads covered in Spring flora and the sound of sheer silence – apart from my awful playlist. As soon as we drove up the driveway to the hotel it brought back so many memories, but more interestingly it made me realise just how much I had forgotten everything. I can picture snippets in my mind, but seemed to have mapped the property out in my head entirely differently. Either way one thing that hasn’t changed – is its beauty.
We stayed in the hotels top suite, Baylies. The room screams history and comes complete with vaulted ceiling, a sumptuous fireplace and four-poster bed. A large seating area for enjoying an evening game of chess, views out across into the gardens and lots of antiques dotted around the room. If there was ever an award for the most romantic room – this is it.
There was also some lovely little treats waiting for us in our room. A chilled half bottle of Gosset Champagne and some home-made shortbread biscuits which got devoured within seconds of arriving into our room. As did the Champagne.
The very spacious Baylies Suite certainly had the wow factor and even more so in the huge bathroom. Complete with large walk-in shower and twin roll-top baths for a little extra romance. It’s the perfect honeymoon or wedding suite.
After settling in to our room we went off to explore the inside of the hotel. Nooks and crannies, hidden rooms and lots of very comfy sofas. Arriving at the hotel early we enjoyed a lovely couple of sandwiches in one of the lounges and a really solid offering to my surprise. The bread was fantastic, the home-baked ham was tasty and the fillings fresh. A little steep in terms of price, but it was worth it.
Afternoon tea looked pretty spectacular here too. With all of the lounges to enjoy it in, there’s also a fabulous private dining space for larger groups and a sun drenched outdoor terrace which is located at the heart of the hotel. There are four doors on the terrace if my memory serves well and each connects to different parts of the hotel. It’s perfect for a pre-dinner drink – weather dependant.
Full and relaxed it was time to enjoy my favourite part of this hotel – its spa! Bailiffscourt Spa has been awarded many accolades over the years and offers relaxation in abundance. With a wonderful choice of treatments to choose from, the spa has been sympathetically built in the style of a Sussex barn which really blends into the landscape very well. I could spend hours in the fabulous indoor swimming pool and heated outdoor pool.
When I say the outdoor pool is heated, I really mean it. It was approximately 14 degrees outside that day and the water was like stepping into a warm both. It was glorious. Finishing up in the warm outdoor hot tub with a glass of Champagne.
Relaxed and rejuvenated we set off to explore the grounds of the hotel. A total of 30 acres of private parkland and coastline. Medieval style thatched cottages, antique cars and swings hanging from trees. There’s even resident peacocks – though they were hiding from us that afternoon.
As well as the Medieval style rooms in the main house, there’s also the Thatch House accessed by an underground passageway, The Court and Coach Houses opposite the main entrance, the Gate House and the more modern Moat House which is located a little further away from the main building.
Croquet on the lawn, bowls and so many places to sit and enjoy the weather over a glass of wine and few too many cakes. The grounds are particularly perfect for families and dogs, the latter very much welcomed in the hotel with up to two dogs per room.
After you’ve roamed the lush green parkland of the estate, look for signs on trees pointing to the beach. About a 10 minute walk through stony walkways and wild flora, the sand appears and so does the miles of untouched coastline.
We spent dinner in the hotels Tapestry Restaurant. From the many times I’ve stayed at Bailiffscourt all those years ago, we never actually ate in this restaurant so it was lovely to finally experience it. Head chef, Russell Williams has created some lovely menus and dishes which really pack a punch. Read all about my full dining experience in the Tapestry Restaurant.
Incredibly full from dinner, we took a short evening stroll around the estate and ordered petit fours to our room. Staying in such a romantic room we couldn’t resist lighting the fire, setting the chess board and opening a cheeky bottle of red wine before bed. It was very cosy.
As some of you may have discovered, breakfast in bed is a guilty pleasure of mine. I love waking up early, heading to the spa in my gown and coming back to my room with an appetite and full breakfast spread! Full English, croissant, waffles, fruit salad, ham, cheese – essentially the entire breakfast offering and of course this wasn’t all just for me.
Sadly all good things must come to an end as we checked out of Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa – but we really did have a lovely time. The spa is a wonderful place to waste away an afternoon, the proximity of the beach and mix of countryside was very unique and our room was spectacular. It may have taken us ten years to return back to this historic hotel, but we certainly won’t be making that mistake again.
