Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa

Bailiffscourt isn’t all about lounging in hot tubs with a gin and tonic (unless you want it to be, of course!) Reaching your workout goals is a breeze here, thanks to all the fitness-fostering activities on offer.

Working out feels less of a chore at the state-of-the-art fitness suite. Hit the bikes, go for a PB on the treadmill or tone up with some weights. And if you prefer your fitness with friends, there’s a whole timetable crammed with classes, from yoga to pilates. Once you feel you've earned a rest, head to the wonderful scented steam room to unwind.

Not a gym lover? We hear you. Bailiffscourt 30 acres of parkland make an excellent place for a stroll or jog, and there’s always the beach for windy walks or a spot of wild swimming. Two hard tennis courts are on offer for those who fancy a game of doubles, or borrow some mallets and play a game of croquet on the manicured lawns.

When you’re having an indulgent spa break it’s important that the eating and drinking options are equally as luxurious. Luckily, Bailiffscourt doesn’t disappoint. 

Glam up and head down to enjoy an aperitif (a glass of sparkling Sussex Ridgeview will do nicely) in the rabbit warren of cosy lounges before heading to dinner. It’s served in the elegant Tapestry Restaurant, with its tapestry-hung walls, low ceilings, mullioned windows and candlelit tables draped in white tablecloths.

Although there’s only one restaurant offering, different menus provide lots of choice. But what they all have in common is the quality of the ingredients - locally sourced, they’ll showcase the very best of Sussex.

It has two! Bailiffscourt’s sumptuous spa boasts a luxuriously warm indoor pool, and a stunningly steamy outdoor infinity pool set in a tranquil spa garden. Each of them are about 14m by 5m, so plenty of room for laps or lounging. 

Here on a spa staycation? You’re in for a treat. Bailiffscourt has 39 beautiful bedrooms within its private parkland. And while some boast period features and others are more contemporary in style, they’re all equally heavenly. In fact, we dare you not to feel like Lord and Lady of the manor here. 

Whether you choose to go medieval or modern, there’ll be something that suits your style. For example, the stunning Baylies Suite is so romantic, with its own fireplace and a TV in a huge wooden chest at the foot of the bed. Rooms in the Moat House and The Oaks are more contemporary, but still elegant.

It is, but bear in mind that much of the hotel’s romantic charm comes from its period features so there will be a few wonky steps or steep staircases. Luckily, you can book rooms on the ground floor and portable ramps are available.

You can check-in anytime from 3pm. If you arrive earlier you can enjoy some lunch or head out to explore and the hotel will contact you as soon as your room is ready. On your day of departure check-out is at 11am. But you just have to give back your room key, there’s no need to rush off if you want to enjoy the grounds for a little longer. 

Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa is in Climping, a very short stroll from the windswept pebbly beach. And, while it may be hard to tear yourself away from the delights of the hotel, it’s well worth taking the 15-minute drive to the market town of Arundel, known for its picturesque castle, independent shops, bustling farmers’ market and elegant restaurants. Or for more traditional English seaside delights, a 20-minute drive will take you to Bognor Regis - don’t forget your bucket and spade.

Bailiffscourt may seem regal, but it’s also very relaxed and the opposite of stuffy so there’s no strict dress code. However dining in the elegant restaurant does have quite a formal vibe, so go smart-casual and you’ll fit right in.

Got the feeling that all isn’t exactly as it seems at Bailiffscourt? You’d be right. The hotel’s best-kept secret is that this ‘medieval’ mansion wasn’t built until the 1920s. Although the chapel on the site dates back to the 13th century, Bailiffscourt’s mock medieval manor house is a faithful interpretation of the 15th-century style, built for Walter Guinness of the famous brewing family out of various bits and bobs (such as stone, woodwork, doors and fireplaces) taken from real ancient buildings across Sussex. 

You might be tempted to while away the hours flitting between the infinity pool, sauna and steam room in the spa, but you’d really be missing out. Bailiffscourt is packed to its medieval-style rafters with fun things to do. 

Wander the walking trail around the 30 acres of private parkland to make new discoveries at every turn. There’s a 13th century chapel, secret rope swings, an inner rose-clad courtyard and a spooky underground passageway to discover.

Stop to smell the roses in the courtyard or rose garden, or unwind with a game of croquet quoits, giant jenga or chess on the manicured lawns. Feeling energetic? Grab some racquets and head to one of the two hard tennis courts. The hotel can even pack you up a picnic to take to the beach! 

And if the weather isn’t playing ball on your heavenly spa break to Bailiffscourt? You could head to the gym for a workout. Or just curl up in one of the many nooks and crannies and borrow a board game to play in front of the flickering flames of a roaring fire.

Robes, towels and flip flops are provided, but you’ll need your swimwear, and dry underwear to wear to your treatment. Otherwise, you might want to bring wellies for walks round the ground, your leggings for a game of tennis or a workout at the gym and something smart/casual to wear for dinner.

Planning an early morning dip? Or maybe you fancy a warm bubbling outdoor spa as the sun goes down. We don’t blame you. Luckily, the spa at Bailiffscourt is open from 7am to 9pm (with last entry at 8.30pm) midweek and from 8am to 9pm (last entry at 8.30pm) at the weekend.

It is! While treatments and poolside spa facilities such as hot tub, sauna and steam room are adults only, children aged under 16 can splash about in the pool between 10am and 11am and 3.30pm to 5pm each day.

There are several comfortable room options available if you’re bringing little ones, from sofa beds and interconnecting rooms to entire cottages. Whichever one you choose, chances are they’ll all fall in love with the stash of homemade biscuits that are ready and waiting for them!

Children are welcome in the restaurant, but it is fairly formal so you might prefer to hunker down in a lounge. They can order off the children’s menu, or just ask for a small portion of adult food - nothing’s too much trouble here. Snacks and light meals are served throughout the day, and thehotel can also rustle you up a picnic to take to the beach.

Waggy tails are welcome at the dog-friendly Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa. Up to two four-legged friends can stay in your room for £30 per night, per dog and your pup can be your faithful companion everywhere except for the spa and restaurant. They’re more than welcome to curl up at your feet as you dine in the courtyard, rose garden or in one of the cosy lounges.

No, but there is some good news for those who like to pamper and parr. Littlehampton Golf Course is just a ten-minute drive away and it’s a beautiful place to tee off, thanks to stunning views over the sea and the South Downs from its undulating fairways.