The Alfriston

Like to work-out before you chill out? The Alfriston has got you covered – if you like your workouts with a side of fresh air! Grab a pair of wellies from the hotel’s “welly wall” and head out – the South Downs Way is practically on the hotel’s doorstep!

Feeling adventurous? You can follow the Cuckmere River down to the coast, where paddleboarding and kayaking await at Cuckmere Haven. Or take the scenic route to the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs.

Prefer wheels to walking boots? Hire a bike and pedal your way to Rathfinny Wine Estate for a vineyard tour Or head east to Seaford for a breezy ride along the coast.

At The Alfriston, the food is just as soul-soothing as the spa. Whether you’re after a candlelit dinner or a cheeky post-spa cocktail this countryside retreat does it all, with a generous helping of Sussex charm.

1554 Brasserie 

Named after the year the building first opened, the 1554 Brasserie serves up locally sourced ingredients, artfully plated mains, and a wine list that celebrates Sussex’s finest vineyards. Soft lighting, plush seating, and a touch of country house grandeur makes every meal feel like a special occasion.

1554 Orangery

Staying overnight? Lucky you! Breakfast is served buffet-style in the charming Orangery, with serve-yourself teas and coffees and all the components for a fabulous full English. While you eat, take time to admire the walls with their gorgeous hand-painted woodland design.

Godfrey’s Bar & Lounge 

In the mood for something a little more laid-back (but no less lovely)? Godfrey’s is your go-to. This cosy bar and lounge is perfect for a pre-dinner tipple or a post-spa catchup. Sink into a velvet armchair by the fire, order a classic cocktail or a crisp glass of Rathfinny fizz, and soak up the relaxed atmosphere.

The Terrace 

When the sun’s out, you will be too! The terrace at The Alfriston is a glorious spot for al fresco dining and a glass of fizz, with views over the gardens and a soundtrack of birdsong. It’s open daily (weather permitting).

Yes, and it’s a bit of a hidden gem. The Alfriston features a 10-metre indoor pool, stylishly tucked into the wellness area. It’s heated and open year-round, so whether it’s a crisp winter morning or a lazy summer afternoon, you can dive in whenever the mood strikes.

Tempted to turn your spa day into a spa stay? We don’t blame you. There are 38 rooms and suites, each individually designed. The ground-floor rooms in the newer wing are closest to the bar and restaurant. Made up of Classic doubles, they come with plush robes, Bramley bath products, homemade cookies and a bottle of madeira to toast your arrival. These rooms have a contemporary feel, but one that complements the building’s history and heritage

Upstairs and deeper into the original 16th-century structure, things get more characterful. Leaded windows, exposed beams and freestanding bath tubs in the top suites give a nod to the building’s heritage, while rain showers and rich textiles keep things firmly in the present. Hungry after dinner? Each floor has a help-yourself pantry stocked with crisps and sweets – because sometimes, only a midnight snack will do.

Here on an overnight stay? Lucky you! Bedrooms are available from 4pm on your day of arrival and you don’t have to check-out until 11am on your day of departure. For spa days at The Alfriston, arrival times vary. Best to check your booking confirmation for full.

You’ll find it in the chocolate-box village of Alfriston, right in the heart of the South Downs National Park. It’s surrounded by rolling hills and the gentle curve of the Cuckmere River – perfect for countryside rambles. The village itself is steeped in history, with timber-framed buildings, a medieval church and a high street lined with quirky pubs and boutiques.

But despite its rural charm, The Alfriston is just a short drive from the Sussex coast, with Eastbourne and Brighton within easy reach.

The Alfriston is a Grade II-listed building dating back to 1554, nestled in the heart of the South Downs. Originally known as Deans Place, it’s steeped in centuries of village life, surrounded by rolling hills, historic pubs, and artistic heritage.

In 2024, the boutique hotel chain the Signet Collection bought the property and gave it a full-scale transformation. Led by Samantha Ross and interior designer Georgie Wykeham, the renovation drew inspiration from the Bloomsbury Group and the natural beauty of Sussex. The result? A joyful blend of colour, pattern, and character, where hand-painted ceilings meet upcycled antiques – and every corner tells a story.

Yes it is. While you have to be 18 to use the spa or have a treatment, the hotel itself is fabulously family-friendly. Four Family Rooms come with adjoining children’s spaces, complete with bunk beds, books and even a cuddly lion mascot to keep younger guests company. Younger guests can enjoy outdoor areas, the pool and classic board games, and the Welly Wall has boots in all sizes. The 1554 Brasserie even has a dedicated cubs’ menu to keep even the pickiest eaters happy. 

Families can visit Drusillas Park – a nearby zoo and adventure playground – or take a scenic stroll along the Cuckmere River. The coast is just a short drive away, with beach days in Eastbourne or fossil hunting at Birling Gap. 

The Alfriston offers some accessible features, but it’s worth checking in advance to ensure they meet your specific needs. There is an accessible bedroom, but the spa itself isn’t wheelchair-friendly.

Waggy tails are welcome at The Alfriston. In fact the hotel rolls out the red carpet for four-legged guests! Select rooms in the Culture, Heritage, and Sussex categories are dog-friendly, and there’s a nightly charge of £30 per dog. For that your pampered pooch gets a cosy dog bed, two bowls, tasty treats and even a towel for muddy paws.

Dogs are welcome in The Godfrey Bar, where lucky boys and girls might even get a sausage at breakfast, and the surrounding South Downs offer endless walking trails to explore. You can borrow a pair of boots from reception and head out with your pup for a ramble. 

There isn’t a golf club at The Alfriston, but keen golfers won’t have to go far to tee off. Just a short drive away is Seaford Head Golf Course, a scenic clifftop course that welcomes visitors on a pay-and-play basis. It’s known for its dramatic views over the English Channel and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. 

Also nearby is East Sussex National Golf Club, which offers two championship courses and visitor access, though it’s a little more formal and best booked in advance.