The Bailiffscourt Spa & Hotel
If you’re looking for a stay-cation get away, not too far from our fair city and perfect for all seasons, you could do worse than consider Bailiffscourt Spa on the Sussex coast. An old-fashioned country manor set in beautiful grounds, just a couple of minutes’ walk away from an unspoiled beach, Bailiffscourt Spa is nested between Bognor Regis and Littlehampton. Looking somewhat like a medieval manor, the 30 acres of private parkland have ultra modern spa facilities, charming chill out areas, board games, outdoor games, and a first class restaurant.
Baliffscourt was created in the 1920s by Walter Guinness, later Lord Moyne, and his wife Evelyn. She had a passion for all things medieval; they bought land on which a small 13th century chapel already stood, and built a bewitching folly using a wide variety of authentic materials, from golden Somerset stone walls to the vast 15th century oak front door from South Warnborough church.
A separate building is home to Bailiffscourt’s spa facilities, indoor pool and heated outdoor infinity pool. The spa, which opened thirteen years ago, is a modern attraction housed in a barn-like building, with a pleasing view across the woodlands from the indoor pool.
The staff are friendly and really helpful, and the list of spa treatments is impressive. I got the new beginnings pregnancy massage, which was a fantastic way to relax and relieve the aches and pains associated with pregnancy. The hydrothermal massage system really helped ease my aching back and muscles. It’s a full hour of relaxation heaven, which allows you to rest and take the pressure of your limbs, and your bump! A rarity for pregnant women and I couldn’t recommend it highly enough!
A 10-minute stroll from the hotel across fields will bring you to the coast, with long winding walks and cute seaside cafes. It’s ideal for a summer’s day stroll or a longer winter wander. The picturesque Climping Beach is, like many of the beaches in the area, made up of shingle and pebbles held in place by a series of wooden groynes. It’s a lovely stroll to get a breath of fresh air or if you’re feeling adventurous, take a dip in the sea!
Accommodation is grand at Bailiffscourt and we stayed in the Tattersham period room in the main house. There was a grand double bed and traditional decor, a stylish and elegant room with a modern bathroom.
If you fancy a pampering, you can take a stroll down to the spa that has floor to ceiling windows, a state of the art gym and plenty of areas to relax and unwind. There are also facilities to play board games and snuggle up next to a fire with a glass of red wine, if you that’s more your glass of Merlot.
In the evening we dined at the hotel restaurant which really was something special, with a show-stopping menu and very friendly and helpful staff. The A la Carte Sussex Menu provided us with delicious and memorable dishes. The lamb was cooked to perfection and the chicken was perfectly flavoured. I started with the langoustine which were tender and juicy, and my partner enjoyed his perfectly al dente risotto. A hearty and healthy freshly-cooked breakfast is also served up in the mornings.
- Bailiffscourt Hotel makes for a great weekend away, and is easily accessible from London. Well behaved pets are welcome in some rooms too. To find out more visit www.hshotels.co.uk/bailiffscourt
