Old Thorns Hotel & Resort

Like to crunch before brunch? You’re in for a treat at the Elevation Health Club. Forget hotel gyms with long queues for the one solitary treadmill in a room no bigger than a cupboard. This is a gym with the wow-factor. 

The sheer size and scale of it is seriously impressive. Every inch of its 26,000 square feet is crammed with all the equipment you’d find in some of the UK’s finest modern fitness suites. But that’s not all. Here you’ll also find expert trainers, instructor led classes and a supportive community, all in beautiful and tranquil surroundings.

Jump on the treadmill for a run with views across the golf course. There’s also resistance machines as well as a free weights area, Mega Rack, TRX suspension trainer and even a climbing wall. 

Prefer to sweat it out with friends? Book into one of Elevation’s exciting fitness classes. With over 100 classes a week including bootcamp, spinning, pilates, rebound, cardio tennis, weights and more, you can try an old favourite or take on something new.

You’ve pampered yourself at the spa, now it’s time to indulge and at Old Thorns you won’t go hungry or thirsty. 

Sports Bar and terrace

Head over to the Sports Bar to choose a pre-dinner livener from their huge selection of beers, wine, gins, spirits and alcohol-free options. Stay inside for a game of pool. But if the sun has its hat on why not take to the terrace for a drink overlooking the driving range?

Kings Restaurant

The home of breakfast buffets, Sunday carvery and afternoon tea, take a seat in Kings for a delicious dinner with fantastic vistas over the golf course. Just remember to pre book your table as weekends can get busy. 

Champagne Bar

After dinner it’s time to head to the stunning yet decadent atrium Champagne Bar, where expert bartenders will whip you up an array of tasty cocktails. Choose a classic Whisky Sour, have a cheeky Espresso Martini or feel refreshed with a long, tall Raspberry Haze. Then sit back in plush chairs to work your way through the menu. 

Oties

Feeling peckish post-pampering? Open 8am until 5pm, the American diner style cafe Oties has sandwiches, toasties and paninis and a fine range of coffee. But dessert is very much their speciality so don’t miss the waffles, pancakes or ice cream.

It does and at an impressively-sized 20m in length, it’s big enough for some invigorating laps. Serious swimmers will love that lane swimming is available, while sporty types can take part in a fun aqua fitness session. Afterwards, lay back in the adjoining sub-tropical experience bubble pool with its warming massage jets, then just relax poolside on one of the loungers.

It does! Old Thorns has over 150 spacious hotel rooms and suites, each with elegant décor and great amenities. But it also has popular eco-pods for those that love glamping and self-catering apartments that overlook the golf course. These can sleep either up to four or up to six people and benefit from floor to ceiling windows to really maximise the view. 

While standard check-in time at the hotel is 4pm and check-out time is 11am, some packages may include early check-in or use of the facilities. For day spa packages, check-in is generally 10am. If you’re unsure, please check your confirmation email.

Yes, there are several fully adapted rooms.

Remember your swimwear! You’ll need something to wear on your feet poolside, but if you forget you can always buy a pair of slippers (£2) or flip flops (£5) from the spa. That incredible gym makes a great place to try out your chic new fit kit, and bring something smart/casual for cocktails in the Champagne Bar.

And don’t forget your anorak and walking boots if you’re planning on going hiking around the grounds or in the countryside. With views so spectacular you won’t want to miss out.

The hotel has quite the backstory! Old Thorns is the former home of Ken Wood, founder of the Kenwood manufacturing company, who purchased the working dairy farm in 1949. He made many improvements, adding 28 bedrooms, a kitchen, a large drawing room and a cellar. The family also had stables, an orchard and an outdoor swimming pool. 

In the 1970s Ken started to add a golf course which was completed in 1981, while more recently, 55 self-catering appointments arrived in 2018. Some of the original parts of the house still remain to this day.

You can leave your finest black tie and ball gowns at home (unless you want to). There’s no dress code at Old Thorns, apart from in the Champagne Bar where smart/casual is the order of the day.

Yes, children get a warm welcome at Old Thorns. Kids can splash in the pool everyday between 10am and 12pm, and 3pm to 5pm. And, with family walking trails, a diner-style café for waffles and pancakes, pool tables and a virtual golf experience to try, they won’t be bored!

The hotel’s open-plan, self-catering apartments are ideal for families. They’re equipped with two or three bedrooms, a living area with a TV, a dining space and kitchen.

Sorry, no dogs allowed.

It does, and a round of golf here is something extra special. Play in the footsteps of Jack Nicklaus, Seve Ballesteros, Isao Aoki and Bill Rogers who all played on the course’s opening round back in 1982! Today the par-72 course, with its spectacular views across the South Downs countryside, offers everything a golfer could possibly need, including a popular Halfway Hut for drinks and refreshments while you’re playing.