The beautiful south

ASHDOWN PARK

The big picture
Built in 1867, Ashdown Park is a country house hotel set in 186 acres of Sussex countryside in the heart of the Ashdown Forest. As it was once used as a convent, stained glass windows punctuate the grand faade.

The commute
It's an hour by train from Victoria to East Grinstead station, then a 10-minute taxi ride to the hotel. By car, run the gauntlet that is the A23 out of town. After Croydon, you'll encounter increasingly leafy driving to the destination. The drive time is about one hour 15 minutes.

The rooms
There are 106 bedrooms and suites. Enormously sized, each is individually styled with antiques and restored period features. The rooms are loaded with character - and goodies from Molton Brown.

The food
Anderida Restaurant makes the most of the setting with gorgeous views of the surrounding parkland. The menu features seasonal produce and traditional dishes. On our visit, Chateaubriand and silver service made a superb impression.

The fun
The hotel's country club features a par three 18-hole golf course and spa, and there are country pursuits on the lawn too. We managed to squeeze in archery, a tennis lesson, jogging on the hotel's exclusive woodland trails, a session with the indoor golf nets, snooker on their full-sized table and swimming in the indoor pool. Only exhaustion kept us from the putting green, croquet lawn and gym.

The bottom line
If your ideal break includes a broad choice of activities that don't require you to leave your hotel, Ashdown Park is perfect for you. The cost - Prices start at £190 for a deluxe double bedroom per night. A family package for two adults and two children sharing an executive bedroom is £240 and includes entrance to a choice of nearby attractions.
01342 824988; www.ashdownpark.com


THE MONTAGU ARMS

The big picture
In the sweet New Forest village of Beaulieu, there's been an inn on the site of the Montagu Arms since the 16th century. The current building dates to 1888. Oak panelling, wood beams and brick fireplaces achieve a feel of quiet comfort.

The commute
By train from Waterloo, the trip to Brockenhurst is an hour and a half; the hotel is then a six-mile taxi ride. By car, it's an uncomplicated two-hour drive - take the M3 to the M27 towards Bournemouth - then watch out for New Forest ponies as you approach!

The rooms
This is an intimate place, with just 22 individually decorated and furnished bedrooms. Four-poster and canopy beds lend luxury to several, and some offer views of the magnificent Beaulieu Palace.

The food
The Terrace Restaurant overlooks the intimate rear garden and serves beautiful dishes that emphasise free range and organic ingredients. The menu is created by Michelin-starred chef Shaun Hill. We were particularly taken with the seafood - a scallop starter and sea bass main were outstanding.

The fun
While Beaulieu Palace House, Abbey and Motor Museum are a five-minute walk away, we opted to follow a footpath from the hotel garden through two serene miles of diverse scenery to Buckler's Hard, the 18th century village where Nelson's warships were built. Montagu Arms guests also receive access to the spa at sister hotel Careys Manor in Brockenhurst, so there we luxuriated in the indoor pool, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi.

The bottom line
The Montagu Arms is an ideal stop for couples with a taste for traditional charm who are in need of a secluded getaway in a cosy setting.

The cost
Prices start from standard double rooms at £89 on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Upgrade to include dinner and a standard double is £129.
01590 612324; www.montaguarmshotel.co.uk


CHICHESTER

The big picture
For a tour that takes in Roman, Norman and Georgian Britain, head to Chichester. Its sandy, uncommericalised beach at West Wittering and the pebble shore of East Wittering make it perfect for families.

The commute
The train journey from Victoria to Chichester lasts an hour and a half. By car, get out of town on the A3. Past Guildford you'll reach green rolling hills, and eventually you'll catch glimpses of the sea. It's a two-hour drive.

The rooms
If you're travelling with kids, try the new self-catering Laneside Cottages, at Chichester Harbour's Millstream Hotel. Extra touches include flat-screen TVs, barbecue, Wi-fi and a summerhouse.

The food
You'll not starve in Sussex. Try local favourites at the Millstream Hotel's restaurant (roast belly of Sussex pork, local handpicked crab or spinach and Goodwood smoked cheese tart). Then treat yourself to the best restaurant in town - The Dining Room at Purchases is found in a Georgian mansion that until recently housed wine merchants Arthur Purchase & Son, established in 1780. True to its heritage, the wine list offers over 220 selections. We feasted on Colchester oysters washed down with Nyetimber, the country's leading sparkling wine and a product of West Sussex.

The fun
Keep kids and adults happy with experiences such as the fine Fishbourne Roman Palace (with outstanding mosaics and model gardens), Chichester Cathedral (900 years old this year) or the Weald & Downland Museum (where you can stroll through 50 acres of farmland and 45 rescued buildings dating from as early as the 13th century). Local outdoor activities include cycling, boating and even stand-up paddle surfing.

The bottom line
For families Chichester offers plenty of diversions, ranging from educational sightseeing to outdoor adventures.

The cost
A long weekend stay (Friday to Monday) in Laneside Cottages is £210-£252 in the low season.
01243 573234; info@millstream-hotel.co.uk

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