Summer hits us differently, there is nothing quite like those late balmy evenings and hot sunny days to put a smile on everyone’s face. We thought we would bring you something a little bit different. Perhaps you are thinking of spoiling yourself this year and going a little bit extra! After all, if we don’t deserve it now, when do we!
Besides the usual activities such as basking in the sun or late evening strolls with an ice cream, there are several ideas we have for you to try out. Get your glad rags out the back of the wardrobe, you will finally be able to get some use out of them!
Beaverbrook, Leatherhead
Have you ever thought about flying above the treetops on a hot air balloon but have never had the courage to as heights aren’t quite your fortay?
The absolutely exquisite, Beaverbrook luxury hotel and spa are hosting ‘Reach For the Sky’ this summer. Think alfresco dining but with a twist. Based in their stunning Italian Gardens they have six stationary hot air balloons where guests have the rare opportunity to experience a special meal. The vintage style, ruby and pink striped hot air balloons seat a party of up to four people within wooden, wicker comfortable seats, where you will be served an authentic menu from their Japanese grill. Offering beautiful views of the estate and garden, you will start your dining experience with cocktails and a selection of Japanese amus-bouches, followed by a spectacular sushi and sashimi sharing platter. Then a selection of their finest meats and vegetables to grill tableside. To finish, a selection of fluffy, sweet puddings inspired by clouds.
This beautiful, quintessential English estate overlooking the Surrey Hills is steeped in history. The hotel’s remarkable and truly marvellous interiors and architecture immediately draw you in (take a look at their website gallery if you don’t believe us!) An opportunity to experience an overnight stay, to dine, or perhaps the chance to take part in one of their many seasonal and in-house activities, would make a very extravagant but joyous treat!
Glyndebourne, Lewes
One of the finest and most celebrated opera houses in the world can be found in the heart of the Sussex countryside, nestled into the Sussex Downs. The original opera house was founded in 1934, the theatre has largely expanded and improved due to its popularity over the decades.
Glyndebourne summer festival takes place annually between May and August staging Glyndebourne Festival. Their flagship season of world class opera during which audiences can relish in a performance in their state-of-the-art auditorium and the choice to enjoy a picnic in the gardens or dine in one of their restaurants, during the traditional 90-minute interval. You are welcome to bring your picnic from home and find a place in the garden during the interval or even one of the marquees. Subsequently, you are able to reserve a traditional picnic to pick up on the day, featuring freshly prepared treats using local suppliers.
Alternatively, dine in one of their restaurants which includes a choice between ‘Middle and Over Wallop’ bringing you fine dining via their exclusively curated menu featuring dishes from their Michelin Starred restaurant, Galvin La Chapelle. ‘Mildmay’ offers traditional English cuisine, and “Nether Wallop’ brings you a traditional carvery. The festival ‘s long standing tradition of formal dress is a fabulous opportunity to dress up for the day, whether you decide to go for formal vintage attire or sophisticated modern fashion, this will make for a memorable day out.
Ashdown Park, East Sussex
Surrounded by the Ashdown Forest, which is famously known for being the inspiration behind the Winnie the Pooh stories, The Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club offers the height of luxury in a beautiful setting of 186 acres of Sussex countryside and surrounded by immaculate lawns, secret gardens, lakes and lush woodland trails.
If you are a lover of award winning, gourmet cuisine whatever the setting, the hotel and country club offer some fabulous restaurant choices to pick from. The Anderida Restaurant is a two AA Rosette restaurant and has a renowned reputation for being one of the best restaurants in East Sussex. The restaurant itself is stunning- its high windows are framed by heavy curtains with views out towards the gardens, which are bright by day or warm and cosy by evening candlelight, both offering a grand yet relaxing atmosphere. A carefully chosen wine list established via Sussex, European and New World vineyards accompany the divine seasonal a la carte menu. Forest Brasserie is located in the Country Club offering magnificent views over the golf course and the forest beyond. A more informal dining setting, celebrating fresh, locally sourced produce from around Sussex and Kent.
Lastly, their award-winning afternoon tea is offered in four different packages, each including an assortment of homemade, sandwiches, cakes and scones served on tiered bone china plates. High tea can be enjoyed in the ornate period lounges or on the terrace overlooking the lawns and lake for a sunnier alternative. Perhaps you would even like a picnic hamper so that you may sit out on the lawns or maybe a beautiful quiet spot in the grounds.
South Lodge, Horsham
South Lodge Luxury Hotel and Spa is situated in the heart of West Sussex with breathtaking views over the South Downs. If you are looking for some much-needed R&R and a chance to disconnect from the world, their spa offers a wealth of rejuvenating treatments and an array of thermal experiences.
The Spa at South Lodge covers an extensive 44,000 square feet of luxury spa, state of the art gym and spin studio, indoor swimming pool, an outdoor hydrotherapy pool and a wild swimming pool. Furthermore, a thermal suite, treatment rooms, Ridgeway Beauty Bar and Botanica and a Mediterranean restaurant. They offer a range of spa breaks and spa day packages to choose from as well as a fantastic selection of treatments.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing massage or a deep tissue massage to relieve some sore muscles, they offer five different massages to choose from. Their incredible facials are bespoke to your needs and use high end skincare such as the renowned Hungarian products by Omorovicza and The Spa which is their exclusive range. Revive and rejuvenate your skin with a body scrub or a wrap to exfoliate your skin leaving it hydrated and refreshed or try a detoxifying wrap to help increase circulation, remove toxins, and reduce fluid retention. Other speciality treatments on offer include a mud room experience, reflexology, manicures, pedicures and make up experiences at their Ridgeview Beauty Bar. A perfect girls day out or weekend away, or even a romantic spa break for two.
Bailiffscourt Hotel, Climping
For an extra special break by the English seaside, Bailiffscourt is the ultimate country escape. A medieval style house and a series of charming cottages and houses, a 13th century chapel, an inner rose clad courtyard and an underground passageway, set in 30 acres of private parkland leading to Climping Beach, West Sussex. The grounds have a beautiful rose garden a spa with an indoor and outdoor pool, a croquet lawn and tennis courts.
This year, Bailiffscourt is offering families a ‘Sparkle, Splash & Sun’ package. It includes overnight accommodation in a ‘Climping Room’, all your beach necessities such as a bucket and spade, a frisbee and a fishing net. A fabulous three course dinner and children’s menu, pre-dinner glass of wine and a full English and continental breakfast. En route to the beach you can also enjoy lovely walks in the grounds or play a round of croquet or quoits, tennis or tumbletowers.
The contemporary style accommodation is bright and spacious, exceptionally designed with oversized bathrooms and entrance hallways with lovely interior furnishings. Breakfast and dinner are served in their beautiful medieval architectural dining rooms, with mullioned windows and tapestry hung walls, a remarkable setting to dine in however, if you would prefer to tuck yourself away, there is an option to go in one of their comfortable lounges.
The above recommendations are located around Sussex and Surrey. We would love to know if you decided to try out one of our fabulous recommendations!
If you are thinking of moving or selling this Summer, we have offices all over Sussex and Surrey. Why not take a look at our current property portfolio – we would be delighted to have a chat with you about your dream home. Whether you are thinking of moving or selling, please give us a call to book a valuation or have a chat– we can’t wait to speak with you!
Images are via the stunning locations we have recommended, all venues have been linked.