Bailiffscourt Hotel: The perfect beach-side getaway (without the holiday crowds)

Featuring the most insta-worthy indoor/outside pool

Come winter or summer, a beach-side location usually features top of The Holiday Wish List. What doesn't feature on said hypothetical wish list however, is the associated crowds that come with such a sought after location.

Hurrah then for Bailiffscourt Hotel, a beach side West-Sussex haven that as well as being far from the madding crowd, features an incredible spa and pool and is as grand as you like...

THE LOCATION

It took us under an hour and a half from London on the train to get to Barnham (the nearest station to Bailiffscourt), and immediately it felt distinctly 'country': fresh, clean air and real life wildlife. After a ten minute taxi ride, we arrived at Bailiffscourt, set withing the sprawling 30 acres of private parkland that makes up the estate.

Acting like a plush medieval hamlet (you can't miss the 13th-century chapel that sits within the surrounds), Bailiffscourt is also home to one of the area's best kept secrets; the charming beach at Climping. Just a five-minute stroll through the grounds and you will find yourself walking along this unspoilt strip of beach, where you can get your sea air fix before returning to the snug surrounds of the hotel. If, like us, you are truly awful at directions, the staff will happily give you an illustrated map that simply points 'to the sea!'. It really is that simple.

THE ROOM

The oak beams and panelled passageways and annexes give the hotel an other worldy feel, a theme that weaves its way throughout the property. We opted for the signature Baylies suite, which came complete with a huge, wooden sculpted four poster bed, twin roll top baths and was decorated in rich, sumptuous tones that played on the mock-medieval style right up to the incredible vaulted ceiling. Should you want a bit of 21st century in your life however, you do have satellite TV, but we suggest curling up in front of the wood-burning stove with a book for a truly restorative evening.

THE VIBE

With stunning period rooms that rival Hogwarts, Bailiffscourt hotel is the right amount ‘old timey’. Stone walls, tapestries and rich printed fabrics give the coziest feel, whether you’re having afternoon tea, or ordering room service to your king sized bed. Roaring open fires make for an unforgettable winter getaway, while the gardens and short walk to the stone beach are perfect for a summer stay. Basically, similar to Hogwarts, it's glorious year round.

DON'T MISS

The aforementioned indoor/ outdoor pool is not to be missed. Nor the first rate spa. Akin to some fancy members club (but with none of the stuffiness), the exposed timber framed wellness area features relaxation rooms, steam room, sauna and a heated indoor pool with comfy lounge seats spanning the sides, so you can dip in, dip out, relax and repeat as much as you please. It was raining the afternoon we went, but that made the swim in the heated outdoor infinity pool that much more enjoyable, with the steam and idyllic country surrounds making for a thoroughly atmospheric swimming experience.

Stays at Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa start from £249 per night.

For reservations visit www.hshotels.co.uk or call 01903 723511. Find the hotel at: Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa, Climping, Nr Arundel, West Sussex, BN17 5RW