Luxury pubs stays in Sussex

The George in Rye

The cobbled streets of medieval Rye are steeped in history, lined with beautiful heritage buildings each with their own story to tell. One such building is the town’s 16th-century coaching inn on the High Street, The George in Rye, which continues to fulfil its purpose as a resting place for travellers as it has since 1575.

Today, the Grade II listed hotel maintains its historical charm (with original features including the Georgian ballroom and beams from an Elizabethan galley) whilst an extensive refurbishment has introduced luxurious modern comforts including a range of sumptuous bedrooms. The George’s Dragon Bar has long been one of the town’s most popular drinking venues and the George Grill sizzles and serves freshly caught seafood from Rye Bay.

Visit nearby: The pretty streets of Rye are a joy to explore, don’t miss the famous Mermaid Street and the Rye Castle Museum with its Ypres Tower offering panoramic views. The sweeping dunes of nearby Camber Sands are one of the most beautiful places in the UK to get some sea air.

The Jolly Sportsman, East Chiltington, Lewes

A village pub dating back to the late 18^th century, The Jolly Sportsman earned its name from the convivial sports competitions organised by the villagers and held in the surrounding fields.

Nestled in the picturesque village of East Chiltington, at the foot of the South Downs National Park, The Jolly Sportsman warmly welcomes locals and visitors to enjoy its locally sourced food, Sussex bitters, and local wine to savour cosily inside or al fresco at the stunning garden bar.

A perfect Sussex countryside break, the pub’s comfortable rooms leave guests rested and ready to enjoy breakfast the next morning.

Visit nearby: The market town of Lewes is just a 10-minute drive away, or visit the Sussex vineyards featured on The Jolly Sportsman’s wine list including the Artelium vineyard just a walk away.

The Star, Alfriston

With its distinctively medieval timber frontage, The Star in the South Downs village of Alfriston shines as a historical hotel, beautifully blending its original features with remodelled design.

Created by Olga and Alex Polizzi, the mother-daughter duo has cleverly combined the surrounding old and new buildings to design a stunning hotel centred around the oasis of a tranquil Mediterranean courtyard.

The 15^th-century front of the hotel, known as The Inn, opens onto the High Street and provides relaxed dining, with local beers, open fires, and oak beams. The library is a sanctuary with a secret door that opens onto the restaurant, where seasonal menus celebrate Sussex produce. Each of the individually designed 30 bedrooms has its own distinctive features, with thoughtfully curated furniture and local art.

Visit nearby: Alfriston serves as an ideal gateway to the hiking and cycling of the South Downs Way. The Rathfinny Wine Estate is an expansive vineyard just a short drive from Alfriston, offering tours and tastings of its acclaimed English sparkling wines.

The White Hart, Lewes

In the heart of the historic Sussex town of Lewes, The White Hart is a charming 16^th-century coaching inn that has recently been restored to create a beautiful boutique hotel.

The restaurant serves up delicious dishes, including Aubrey Allen steaks, and a highlight of the hotel is the sun-soaked roof terrace overlooking the South Downs, perfect for an al fresco breakfast or sunset cocktails.

Alongside the welcoming pub and restaurant, 23 characterful bedrooms provide all the comfort needed after a day of exploring Lewes, including roll-top baths in the luxe rooms.

Visit nearby: The market town of Lewes is home to wonderful historical attractions, including the 950-year-old fortress of Lewes Castle & Museum.

The White Horses, Rottingdean

In a prime location on the seafront of Rottingdean, a coastal village three miles from Brighton, The White Horses is a stylish seaside hotel backed by breathtaking white cliffs. 

Following a recent refurbishment, this former coaching inn has 32 freshly designed bedrooms and suites, with superior rooms featuring sea views and private balconies.

The light and airy dining room is the perfect coastal outlook from which to enjoy the kitchen’s locally sourced menu, washed down with regional craft ales and fine wines.

On a sunny day, The White Horses’ expansive terrace is unbeatable, with Riviera-chic striped umbrellas casting shade whilst guests sip cocktails shaken from Sussex gin, enjoying uninterrupted vistas of the English Channel.

Visit nearby: Step out and enjoy a Sussex coastal walk to nearby Brighton, or the Seven Sisters Country Park is a 30-minute drive from Rottingdean.

The Swan Inn, Fittleworth

Recently reopened after a transformative refurbishment, The Swan Inn is a meticulously restored 14th-century coaching inn in the idyllic Sussex South Downs village of Fittleworth.

The refurb has included 12 en-suite bedrooms, each inspired by the artists, writers, and musicians who have stayed at The Swan Inn, drawn to the area for its natural beauty.

In the wood-panelled dining room – where the inn’s rich history is evident on the walls adorned with artworks from past patrons like J.M.W. Turner and John Constable – guests can enjoy rustic gastronomy from the kitchen including South Downs lamb, whilst the bar provides traditional local ales, world-class wines, and craft ciders.

Visit nearby: Petworth House and Park is a beautiful 700-acre estate famous for its gorgeous grounds, fallow deer, and one of the finest art collections in the care of the National Trust.

The Bell, Ticehurst

Situated in the picturesque village of Ticehurst, The Bell is a historic 16th-century coaching inn that complements rustic charm with contemporary luxury.

Above the pub, seven inviting rooms each feature distinctive elements including their own silver birch tree, and some have the additional luxury of a deep copper bath.

Outside, five new garden houses offer a serene retreat with large comfy beds, and the four whimsical garden lodges each have their own charm including The Love Nest with a spiral staircase leading to a private roof terrace.

In the restaurant, dishes are traditionally English with a modern twist including Sussex Wagu Beef roasts on Sundays.

Visit nearby: The National Trust’s Bodiam Castle is a 15-minute drive from Ticehurst, a marvellous medieval monument encircled by a moat.

The Fox Goes Free, Charlton

A traditional English country pub inn, The Fox Goes Free in the pretty village of Charlton has been welcoming punters through its historic doors for 400 years.

A picturesque pit stop when exploring the South Downs, or a place to stay when visiting the nearby Goodwood Estate, The Fox Goes Free offers homely bed and breakfast in five comfortable bedrooms.

Inside the Grade II listed building, handmade food and handpicked wines are served beneath original low-beamed ceilings, and the spacious garden has sweeping views of the National Trust’s Levin Down.

Visit nearby: A mile away, the Weald & Downland Living Museum offers insight into rural life over the past 1000 years. And just a 10-minute drive away, the Goodwood Estate is famous for its racecourse, motor circuit, and stately home.

Middle House, Mayfield

An outstanding example of Elizabethan Architecture, The Middle House, Mayfield is a distinguished Grade I listed building dating back to 1575. Originally built for the financier, Sir Thomas Gresham, Keeper of the Privy Purse to Queen Elizabeth I, The Middle House is now a cosy pub, restaurant, and small charming hotel. 

Uneven floors and wonky walls are juxtaposed with modern elements in the quartet of four-poster bedrooms with views of the quaint High Street or the picturesque valley. The on-site restaurant has a menu of homemade dishes, complemented by wine kept in the cellar that sits at the end of one of the old smuggler tunnels that run under the village. 

Visit nearby: The historic Sussex village of Mayfield is so brimming with listed buildings (the parish as a whole contains nearly 180) that much of Mayfield is classed as a conservation area. The Middle House sits on the High Street in good historical company alongside 40 listed neighbours.

The Highdown, Goring-by-Sea

From its location between the South Downs and Goring-by-Sea, The Highdown enjoys both countryside and coastal views.

Built in 1820 as the home for the Lyons family, The Highdown retains its homely feel in its 13 elegant bedrooms, ranging from classic twin rooms to spacious suites.

At the heart of the building, the bar serves an array of local ales, wines, and spirits and the restaurant cooks up classic British dishes crafted from fresh, quality ingredients that can be enjoyed out on the terrace.

Visit nearby: The adjacent Highdown Gardens showcase a National Plant Collection of rare plants and trees adapted to live on chalk.

The Halfway Bridge Inn, Lodsworth

At the midway point between the historic market towns of Midhurst and Petworth in the South Downs National Park, The Halfway Bridge Inn is a restored 17^th-century coaching inn with eight deluxe en-suite rooms housed in the former stable yard.

For a unique experience, guests can opt to stay in the cosy shepherd's hut, complete with a double bed, shower room, wood burner, and kitchenette.

The restaurant uses seasonal ingredients, to serve a delightful mix of traditional English and Mediterranean dishes. The bar has local ales including those from Arundel Brewery, and a selection of wines including sparkling from nearby Upperton Vinyard.

Visit nearby: See the polo or try country pursuits at the Cowdray Estate, or visit Petworth with its famous country house and deer park.

The Black Horse, Climping

A stone’s throw from Climping Beach, The Black Horse invites its visitors to join in with a spot of clymping – friendly and fun socialising.

The Black Horse has oodles of historic charm with its double-sided wood burner and cosy nooks. The addition of the Ryebank, a stunning oak-framed restaurant extension, enhances the dining experience, offering seasonal menus that highlight traditional pub favourites.

Upstairs, seven individually designed en-suite bedrooms feature nature-inspired wallpapers, antique furnishings, and modern amenities, with select rooms boasting rooftop balconies overlooking the scenic fields towards the coast.

Visit nearby: The quiet pebble Climping Beach is just a stone’s throw away or for more bustly seaside fun head to nearby Bognor Regis and Littlehampton.

The Crown, Horsted Keynes

A gem of a pub in the village of Horsted Keynes, The Crown Inn has four en-suite double bedrooms with views of the village and cricket fields.

A traditional Sussex village pub, The Crown’s bar is a cosy corner in the winter with its original fireplace, and in the summer the large patio lends itself to enjoying the freshly cooked pizzas from the traditional pizza oven.

The Crown’s menu has pub classics, all crafted from locally sourced ingredients. The bar features a selection of local beers, including the locals’ favourite Harvey's Sussex Best.

Visit nearby: Take a nostalgic steam train journey – Horsted Keynes Station, restored to its 1920s Southern Railway appearance, is a stop on the heritage Bluebell Railway.