Ockenden Manor
As part of my recent trip to Bolney Estate, we were invited to stay over night at Ockenden Manor. Ockenden Manor is a short 10 minute drive from Bolney and is an excellent base from which to visit the vineyard.
After our wine tasting we drove over to the manor, which has a lovely very modern spa, available to hotel guests, in order to get ready for dinner. Our dinner was hosted by Bolney and featured the wines from our earlier tasting, including the Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Estate Bacchus as well as Bolney’s sparkling wine.
As I follow a plant based diet, I asked for vegan cuisine and the kitchen at Ockenden did not disappoint! They also cater to other dietary requirements, so don’t hesitate to ask when booking. My dinner started with a tomato carpaccio, followed by an aspargus and pea risotto and finishing with a marinated cauliflower steak. I don’t know what they marinated the cauliflower in, but it was delicious! I can tell you the meat eaters next to me were casting covetous eyes at my plate.
tomato carpaccio
There are two options to stay in at the Manor, there is the Manor itself which has all the Olde World charm you could hope for, or the more modern rooms which are situated above the spa in a separate building. I stayed above the spa which suited me fine as I was able to nip down for a swim in the indoor/outdoor heated pool as well as take a steam in the steam room and even sweated it out a bit in the sauna.
roof of the spa jutting up through my terrace
main dining room
Service is friendly and efficient. I felt right at home and wished I could have spent a bit more time at Ockenden but London ( and work) were calling so back on the train for the short 40 minute train ride back to London. If you are looking for a quiet country side escape from London, Ockenden Manor is great place -and you can do a bit of wine tasting while you are there.
green lawns everywhere
view from my terrace
I was invited as a guest of Bolney Estate and Ockenden Manor, all views are my own.