The grounds of Ashdown Park Hotel are a true haven, offering 186 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, woodland trails, and serene lakes. The estate is also home to a picturesque golf course, providing stunning views of the surrounding Ashdown Forest. Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll, a location for your next outdoor activity, or simply a place to unwind, the grounds of Ashdown Park Hotel offer a perfect escape into nature.
The Walled Garden
Opposite the hotel's main entrance, you will find cobbled steps leading to our Walled Garden gates. The Walled Garden has a mixture of plantings including herbaceous perennials, fruit trees, herbal and healing plants, and during the summer months seasonal bedding plants. The garden is south facing so gets the sun for most of the day and is normally a bit warmer compared to other parts of the grounds. Shade from the sun can be sought from the trees scattered around the garden. There is ample space to sit and enjoy your surroundings and the garden is ideal for picnics and get-togethers. The leaning tree to the left of the glasshouse is a Black Mulberry tree and normally has fruit between August and September, the natural habit of the tree is to lean hence the wooden prop to provide extra support.
The Secret Garden
Located to the east of the main buildings you will find the Secret Garden tucked away amongst the trees and shrubs. When it was planted all those years ago the theme was a spring garden with lots of Azaleas and Rhododendrons, over the years we have added some new plantings including roses and other flowering shrubs. The garden has its own microclimate and feels warmer in the winter and cooler during the summer. The garden provides an area of calm and peacefulness. A great place to read a book or just unwind. The pond has a selection of freshwater fish and during the spring and summer you are likely to see some newts as well as May and Dragonflies dancing above the surface of the water. The trickle of water from the fountain adds an extra dimension to the surroundings. Just around the corner from the entrance of the secret garden is the old cemetery - can you find this too on your adventures?!
The Sunken Garden
Head up the driveway and look out for the sign to our Sunken Garden. Make your way through the sheltered walkway, spotting the fernery on your right, before the garden comes into sight. This garden is very much a wildlife garden, the idea is to allow nature to flourish and for guests to relax in a natural environment. If you are very quiet, you may be fortunate and see some fallow deer within the garden and also grazing on the grass and vegetation leading to the entrance to the garden. Discover the Bug Hotel and Bird Houses to the left, where we are encouraging wildlife to enjoy this secluded spot. There is a small seating area to rest and take in the atmosphere and sounds. The sunken garden is where sandstone was excavated to build the chapel, hence it's dug-out shape.
The Forest
The Ashdown Forest surrounds our hotel and makes up some of our estate in the top fields. Here you may spot some of our resident wildlife, such as foxes, rabbits, and deer. Known for being the home to the famous 'Winnie the Pooh' stories, the Ashdown Forest continues on past our border and offers lots of hiking routes to enjoy during your stay.
Activities on the Estate
Enjoy a round of golf with stunning views of the forest, or borrow equipment for a game of tennis or croquet on the lawn. We provide everything you need for a spot of sport. For something more unique, our activity fields are available for hire, offering a range of country pursuits, including quad biking through the Bluebell Wood or clay pigeon shooting in open spaces.
Discover our Trail
During your stay ask our reception team for a copy of the 'Discovery Trail' and explore our grounds, and their history, in more detail!