Sussex village inn among UK's best countryside holiday spots

This Sussex village is home to a 'unique' inn and named the perfect place for a countryisde stay <i>(Image: GSV)</i>
This Sussex village is home to a 'unique' inn and named the perfect place for a countryisde stay (Image: GSV)
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A 'quirky' inn found in a 'pretty' Sussex village you may not have heard of has been named one of Britain's perfect spots for a countryside holiday.

Country Living Magazine has rounded up the UK's best countryside holidays and getaways.

"From an adventure in the Cotswolds to the scenic railways of the Highlands", there are places across the country to visit.

Introducing the list, the publisher said: "Home to stunning landscapes for walkers, charming villages and rolling green hills, the UK is an amazing place for countryside getaways.

"To celebrate everything rural Britain has to offer, we’ve compiled the best countryside holidays in the UK you can experience for a weekend getaway or longer."

Sussex village inn among UK's best countryside holiday spots

Making the list by Country Living was The Bell in the village of Ticehurst in Sussex.

Ticehurst is a small village found on the Sussex-Kent border.

Muddy Stilettos says Ticehurst is "steeped in history", and "has the coaching inns, cottages and townhouses to prove it".

It adds: "But it’s not just a pretty face, it has a community vibe, indie shops and pub culture – think wellies and fido at the bar, while families enjoy Sunday lunch at the table opposite.

"The village is located just below Tunbridge Wells, meaning locals can take advantage of the proximity to Bewl Water (the largest stretch of open water in the South East) where you can take part in water sports or enjoy a G&T on a rowing boat. 

"Ticehurst delivers the warm and fuzzies and is beautifully British."

Country Living higlighted The Bell as a "truly unique country pub with rooms, with classic hearty dishes on offer, fairytale décor and oast house lodges out in its garden".

It continues: "You can expect a traditional welcome with roaring log fires and big comfy beds, plus stylish copper tubs in some of the rooms’ ensuite bathrooms.

"Outside your front door is the cute village of Ticehurst, with a leafy, traditional centre and community atmosphere, and then the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty beyond, where you’ll find endless walks, the blue expanse of Bewl Water at the National Trust’s romantic Scotney Castle."

Visitors love The Bell in Ticehurst - see the reviews

The Bell Inn enjoys a 4.2 rating on Tripadvisor from nearly 600 reviews.

Tripadvisor describes The Bell as a "truly quirky hotel and pub in the heart of the village".

It says: "The restaurant serves modern British prepared from local and seasonal ingredients, whilst locals gather in the pub for local real ales and a roaring fire in winter. Weddings and celebrations are a bit of a specialty."

Visitors have left plenty of positive reviews.

The Bell Inn, TicehurstThe Bell Inn, Ticehurst (Image: Tripadvisor) One said: "The Bell Inn is a charming country pub clearly at the heart of village life. The room we had was cute and quirky, with lots of lovely touches.

"The pub is the same, and the outdoor space amazing if you get a nice day. Food in the restaurant was nice pub grub, with reasonable service. The breakfast was very lovely and we very much enjoyed it.

"Overall a very special stay for us, with lots of walks and interesting places on the doorstep."

Another happy visitor described it as a "great place".

They added: "Fabulous food, friendly staff and a brilliant atmosphere. Really enjoyed our meal and will come again!"

Other things to do in Ticehurst

Ticehurst in Sussex has other things to do if you are staying in the area.

You can visit Pashley Manor Gardens, 11 acres of family-owned space with "all the ingredients of the English Country Garden".


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Ticehurst is also home to the historic St Mary's Church and has a war memorial too.

Other places to stay or visit include The Royal Oak and The Cherry Tree Inn.

In the centre of the village is the popular Greenfinch art gallery, selling a range of items.

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