Night away without children - but what to do?

[jimmychoos]

I need some suggestions. DP and I are having a couple of days away from our kids in half term. It's only the second time we've been away without them since dd was born two years ago. I really want to do something lovely but don't want to spend loads of precious kid free time travelling.
We live in Sussex.
I am fantasising about lovely hotel in country with fantastic food and wine, log fires and romantic autumn leaf strewn walks...
Can anyone recommend anywhere?

Seamarge Hotel, Overstrand, Norfolk - lovely old hotel, food yummy and on edge of cliff so you can go for walks onthe windy beach path.

Danesfield House, Marlow, Buckinghamshire.

5 star hotel with everything you are looking for. Short drive takes you into Marlow itself - pretty town by the Thames, lots of lovely shops to browse in etc.

The hotel isn't cheap, but it is worth the money.

Norfolk a bit far to go Twinkie
The Marlow one looks incredibly posh.....
Any more?

Lucknam Park near Bath - very plush and fab food and wine.
Also has a spa for complete relaxation.

I recommend you go somewhere very close to home so that you make the most of the time you have rather than spend it on sitting in traffic. Find your nearest country hotel and enjoy.

Have you tried the Spread Eagle at Midhurst or is that too close to home? Lovely food, fires, walks, antique shops to look round in, near to Petworth for NT place and more lovely window shopping. They have a small pool and pampering too. Definitely agree with don't waste time with travelling, you could spend those couple of hours reading the papers, cup of tea next to an open fire and start relaxing straight away!

There is a great book called Mr & Mrs Smith, which has details of lovely hotels to escape to, we have tried several from there. Found it on tesco.com cheaper than amazon.

Blaiffscourt in Climping (Littlehampton) is lovely - but expensive - had a night for dhs 40th. Has spa and pool, open fires in rooms, blustery beach for walks and fab food and wine.

yes howards house hotel newar here
only an hour away form chichester for eg

here

"Dinner Menu

Starters:
Roast fillet of sea bass, watercress risotto and a caviar and lemon beurre blanc.
Pan-seared king scallops, spicy rocket salad, lemongrass cous-cous and a fresh basil oil.
A light puff pastry case of sautéed wild mushrooms with leeks, coriander and a Madeira butter sauce.
Terrine of marinated venison, pheasant and wild boar with pistachios, Muscat jelly and toasted cranberry brioche.
----
Main Courses:
Pan-seared calves liver with boulangère potatoes, honey-roast parsnips and a port and shallot reduction.
Oven-baked fillet of monkfish in Parma ham, pea purée and a mussel and saffron broth.
Marinated loin of local lamb, braised Savoy cabbage, sautéed wild mushrooms and a rosemary and redcurrant glaze.
Roast breast of mallard with a confit of duck leg, pan-fried foie gras and a game gravy.
----
Puddings:
Vanilla bavarois with ginger shortbread and a warm compote of crisp apples and grapes.
Iced strawberry parfait with mango coulis and autumn berries.
Delice of passion fruit with poached raspberries and spun sugar.
Hot Grand Marnier soufflé with a tangerine glaze and marmalade ice cream.

There is a lovely inn in Fletching, East Sussex. Sorry name escapes me but they have four poster beds and lovely food. Stayed there for my mother's 70th. I think it would fit what you describe.

What about Hotel du vin? I haven't stayed in Brighton but the Bristol one is fab. Or try the \link{http://travel.guardian.co.uk/hotels\Guardian travel section.

Sorry, should be try the Guardian travel section

jimmychoos, just come across a great website:

minibreaks.com

You can search for hotels in uk in various areas and there are some really good 2 night break deals on there.

Danesfield House normally £540 per person for 2 nights incl dinner & breakfast is being offered for £240 - £300 discount.

Just thought you might like to browse.

Actually, laterooms.com is MUCH better (more choice).

well?

Lonelymum is it the Phoenix you are thinking of in Fletching. Eaten there, it's great. Not stayed though.

Thanks for all these ideas! Been really busy and not had much time to browse through these sites but will do this week and inform you all of my decision!