A very warm welcome to Gravetye Manor, a delightful historic hotel set in more than 1,000 acres of tranquil English countryside yet just 30 miles from central London. With a magnificent Michelin Star restaurant and acres of mature gardens to explore, our 17-bedroom Manor House offers a truly enchanting stay.
Gravetye’s most notable owner, William Robinson one of the greatest gardeners of all time, bought the Manor and the one thousand acres in which it stands in 1885, and it was his home until he died well into his nineties in 1935.
It was at Gravetye that he realised many of his ideas for the creation of the English natural garden, the style of which is now admired and copied all over the world, but of which Robinson in the nineteenth century was a pioneer.
He had worked in many formal gardens in England and France but in his planning, planting and landscaping he sought always to enhance the natural beauty of the gardens and woods.
Peter Herbert arrived at Gravetye in 1958. Captivated by Robinson’s house and its setting he had the revolutionary idea of injecting his own exceptional hotel keeping and restaurant standards into this rural spot.
For nearly 50 years (until his retirement in 2004) Peter Herbert established Gravetye Manor as one of the leading establishments in its class, recognised throughout the world for offering the best kind of Country House Hotel Hospitality.
The hotel came under the ownership of fund manager Jeremy Hosking in February 2010. A long standing patron of the hotel, he has set about reversing the gradual decline the property had suffered over the last few years.
Major structural and infrastructure works have ensured the house will remain standing for generations to come. The hotels facilities internally have also been updated. His intention has always been to remain faithful to William Robinson’s own vision of Gravetye so changes were very sympathetically done.
The gardens are also receiving some much needed attention. Projects such as the restoration of the kitchen garden are already underway. The focus will be not only on conserving and re-creating Robinson’s work but also on progressing the garden in homage to his experimental style of gardening.
Ultimately it is Jeremy’s wish to continue the philosophy of great country house hospitality and to maintain and nurture this historically important garden. In 2018 we celebrated 60 years of Gravetye being open as a hotel.
To commemorate this landmark anniversary we built a new restaurant with views of the garden, which we completed in May 2018, almost 60 years to the day that Gravetye first opened its doors in 1958.
ROOMS & SUITES
Our 17 beautiful Rooms and Robinson Suite combine old world charm and modern-day luxury, offering guests a delightful stay.
Furnished with beautifully restored antiques, original paintings and quirky period features, each room has its own unique character. Named after trees that grow on the estate, each room is adorned with freshly picked flowers from our garden.
Our beautiful Rooms are spacious and comfortable in every way. With large soft matresses and the finest antique furniture, each room has a unique floral theme and enjoy glorious views over our gardens.
Spotless en-suite bathrooms come as standard and every room is equipped with a flat screen TV and iPod docking station. We’ve also added a few thoughtful touches such as hot water bottles and lots of books to read.
ROBINSON SUITE
The Robinson Suite is perfect for longer stays or families. This Suite comes with a generous size bedroom as well as a sunny sitting room with stunning garden views. This exceptional space enjoys quirky orginal features with fine fabrics and furnishings to give a truly luxurious feel.
There is also the option of a sofa bed in the sitting room and the Robinson Suite also comes with an spotless en-suite and a flat screen TV in both the bedroom and the sitting room.
EXCLUSIVE DELUXE ROOM
These exceptional rooms are even more spacious, and some come with four poster beds to give a real sense of occasion.
With beautiful original features and stunning views of our gardens, these Rooms are designed to make you smile. Some of our Exclusive Deluxe Rooms can be twinned and come with a pristine en-suite as well as a flat screen TV.
DELUXE ROOM
With large comfy beds as well as a dining table and large chairs to sink into. These rooms are bright and spacious and many enjoy double aspect views over the Flower and Spring Gardens. Some of these Rooms come with a twin option, and all have pristine en-suites as well as a flat screen TV.
CLASSIC ROOM
Our Classic Rooms are delightfully comfortable with many enjoying stunning views over the lush meadows and lake. Rich fabrics and furnishings give a luxurious feel to our Classic Rooms which come with pristine en-suites as well as a flat screen TV and docking station.
DINING AT GRAVETYE
We pride ourselves on serving up exceptional food in our Michelin Star restaurant and take gastronomic dining to a whole new level. Our award winning newly designed restaurant launched in May 2018, and provides uninterrupted views of our glorious gardens with floor to ceiling glass walls.
The passion of our Executive Chef, George Blogg, is evident in every single dish he creates. Eating with us really is a taste sensation. We take our lead from the ever-changing seasons and every single ingredient we use has either been grown in our Kitchen Garden, or sourced from a trusted, local supplier.
THE DINING ROOM
Throughout the year the produce from our walled kitchen garden, created by William Robinson at the turn of the last century, is the driving force behind the inspiration and seasonality of our menus.
The excellent relationships we have built with our local suppliers and the joint passion for their commitment to animal welfare and top quality produce are crucial to the high standards that we strive for. Our reputation as a first-class restaurant means that booking in advance is vital.
The Dining Room at Gravetye is smart casual. Smart jeans are acceptable, however in the evening, men do tend to wear a jacket. During the summer months, at lunch only, it would be acceptable for men to wear tailored shorts with a shirt.
We politely request no trainers or flip-flops please. Many people choose Gravetye to celebrate special occasions, the dress code is in place to ensure the atmosphere of our dining room reflects that.
Children over the age of seven are most welcome in our dining room, however, younger children can only be accepted when part of a private party using one of our private dining rooms. This includes ‘babes in arms.’
PRIVATE DINING
Experience the unforgettable thrill of private dining at Gravetye in one of our impressive wood panelled rooms. We have two private dining rooms; one with seating for 7 to 11 guests, the other a slightly larger room which can cater for up to 20 people.
These atmospheric wood panelled rooms are perfect for a family gathering, a celebration with friends or a more formal business dinner.
In the warmer months (May to September) we can also offer our oak gazebo which can accommodate between 6 and 12 people for Afternoon Tea, nestled in our beautiful gardens with views of our lush meadows and tranquil lake. We now offer garden tours to turn your private dining booking into an experience.
EVENTS
For more than 60 years we have been making magical memories for guests coming to Gravetye to celebrate a special event.
Combining a breath taking setting with the freshest and most delicious food together with impeccable service, we take great pride in ensuring that every one of our events goes beyond special – to become spectacular.
WEDDINGS
Richard Infield built Gravetye Manor for his true love and 400 years later the air of romance is still unmistakable. From the elegant and atmospheric interiors to the beautiful gardens and breath taking views, the setting alone provides the perfect backdrop for your special day whatever the time of year.
Add to that impeccable service and exquisite food and you have the makings of an unforgettable experience. We are pleased to offer exclusive use of the hotel and gardens for up to sixty guests for your ceremony and wedding breakfast. An additional twenty guests are then welcome to attend your evening reception.
Hiring the Manor exclusively gives you and your loved ones complete privacy on your special day and our dedicated Wedding Coordinator can help you plan your bespoke Gravetye wedding.
Our beautiful oak-paneled main sitting room is an elegant space for your ceremony, with double aspect views over the flower garden and meadow.
Following the ceremony, your drinks reception is the perfect time for photographs with your guests, which may be held in our enchanting gardens or lounge areas during the winter months.
Our dining room is the perfect setting for the first meal of married life, shared with your closest family and friends. Seating up to sixty people, with stunning floral arrangements, classic stationery and bespoke menus – what could be more perfect?
Hire the Manor exclusively and allocate each of our seventeen unique bedrooms to your close friends and family. Wake up together in the deep Sussex countryside and enjoy a full English or Continental breakfast before departing.
MEETINGS
Secluded in 1000 acres of Sussex Countryside yet only 12 miles from Gatwick Airport, Gravetye Manor is the ideal setting for those important meetings requiring discreet yet luxurious surroundings. The wood panelling and beautiful furnishings don’t make for a run of the mill conference room.
But with plenty of natural daylight, high speed fibre optic broadband, conference phone, screen and projector, the combination of 21st century technology and authentic country house atmosphere are perfectly taken care of.
Our Panelled room is available for between 9-20 guests, boardroom style with screen and projector until 5.00pm. Delegates can enjoy a working buffet lunch in The Panelled Room.
Suitable for between 6-8 delegates, our Private Dining Room can cater for more intimate, informal meetings until 5.00pm, without the use of a screen and projector. Delegates can enjoy a 2 course lunch in The Dining Room.
THE GARDENS
An oasis of calm set over 35 acres of beautiful grounds – welcome to our Gardens. Originally created by visionary gardener William Robinson in 1885, they are now considered one of the most important historic gardens in England.
Every tree, shrub and flower is lovingly cared for by our head gardener Tom Coward, and his dedicated team. The garden at Gravetye is an especially unique feature of the manor and a piece of heritage of which we are very proud.
They were originally created by William Robinson in 1885 and are now considered one of the most important historic gardens in England. Robinson started life in Ireland in the poverty of the potato famine, where at an early age he trained as a garden boy.
By the 1860s he had moved to London to work on the new botanic gardens in Regents Park, where he started his career as a garden writer. He produced huge amounts of work and set about re-shaping the way we think about gardens.
Some of his most influential books include The Wild Garden and The English Flower Garden, which remains the bestselling gardening book ever printed. He also ran several gardening journals such as The Garden and Garden Illustrated.
Today Robinson is best known for his concept of the wild garden, creating a landscape that celebrates nature rather than controls it. He also introduced the idea of the modern mixed border and popularised common place items such as secateurs and hose pipes.
In many ways Robinson created modern gardening as we know it and is affectionately remembered as the Irishman who taught the English how to garden. After a humble start in life, Robinson became very wealthy from his writing and in 1884 he bought Gravetye Manor.
Over time he ended up owning over 1000 acres of the surrounding landscape and used his estate to put his ideas into practice. Much of the land was used for experimental forestry, and the results of his work continue to be managed today by the William Robinson Trust.
But in the heart of the estate, on 35 acres surrounding the manor, he created his masterpiece garden of which we are now custodians. This garden takes a lot of work, and despite everyone’s best efforts it had fallen into a state of decline when Mr and Mrs Hosking bought the manor in 2010.
This resulted in a major renovation project, which continues today. With a team of eight full time gardeners we try and manage this historic garden progressively, in a way we hope that Robinson might be pleased. We regularly do Garden Tours, of which dates can be checked below.
FLOWER GARDEN
The flower garden terrace is situated at the back of the manor and is the first feature to greet you when entering the garden. During Robinson’s life the flower garden was constantly changing as he played with his ideas of the mixed border.
Today we try and manage this space in a similarly dynamic and experimental manner. In the spring the tulip display is very important. Then we use successional plantings of annuals and tender perennials, mixed with herbaceous perennials and shrubs to give a display of flower right up to the frosts.
KITCHEN GARDEN
Situated at the top of the hill, the kitchen garden is one of our standout features. Everything we grow here is used by our chef. That’s why our dishes are packed with deliciously fresh flavours.
Our cropping schedule and variety selection has been developed over the past six years to provide unique flavours, which can only come from a garden. Construction started on the walls in 1898, which took three years to build from local Sussex sand stone.
These walled gardens were once the centre of every estate in the country, producing food for the whole community but today most have fallen into disrepair.
This makes it very special that we can use the garden as it was originally. Many of our methods are exactly as they were 100 years ago, and preserving this heritage is an important part of what we do.
MEADOWS
Meadows are one of the most important elements of the wild garden at Gravetye. Robinson wrote a chapter in The Wild Garden book, which detailed his plans for his meadows and it has been fascinating and rewarding to continue developing his results.
The displays start in February with snow drops and crocuses. This is followed in March with drifts of daffodils, which flower through carpets of sky blue Scilla.
In April the display moves to wild tulips, Cammassia and countless other bulbs and by May the meadow is in full bloom with our native wild flowers. Our meadows are so rich with wild flowers that the tapestry of blooms continues into September, when it is mowed for hay.
ORCHARDS
Our orchards are set in two acres of land and are made up of three generations of planting. The oldest trees date back to Robinson’s day but most were lost in the 1987 storm. In the late 80’s Mr Herbert planted many trees and in 2011, to preserve the life of the orchard for future generations, we planted 50 others.
These trees are on vigorous rootstocks and are trained as traditional open centre bushes. All the fruit we grow is either used by our Head Chef in the restaurant or made into juice, which is served for breakfast. Delicious.
CROQUET LAWN
This fine lawn is an important feature in the garden. It can be used for games such as badminton, croquet and short tennis but is also the perfect peaceful sun trap to relax and enjoy a book.
In design terms it is very important as a break in the rhythm of the garden, offering a calm and empty space, contrasting with the wild garden on either side. Enjoy a game when you book your stay at Gravetye Manor.
GARDEN TOURS
The garden at Gravetye is an especially unique feature of the manor and a piece of heritage of which we are very proud.
Originally created by visionary gardener William Robinson in 1885, they are now considered one of the most important historic gardens in England. Every tree, shrub and flower is lovingly cared for by our head gardener Tom Coward, and his dedicated team.
With the garden constantly changing, with new plants and flowers making appearances you will always see something new. Turn your visit into an experience by exploring the gardens guided by one of our talented gardeners.
They will guide you through our English countryside showcasing our beautiful flower garden and kitchen garden; where our homegrown produce starts its remarkable journey.
2022: Garden Tours will take place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from April until October, starting at 11.00 am – Join a member of our gardening team for a one hour tour of the historic garden at Gravetye.
This tour is available to anyone with a lunch reservation in the dining room or staying at the hotel. The cost is £25 per person. Please note that spaces are limited (20 people max.) on these tours so we recommend you register your interest as soon as possible.
Group Garden Tours and Private Dining – Limited Availability – A garden tour can be booked alongside a lunch, afternoon tea or dinner in one of our private rooms. Garden tours can start with groups as small as 9 to as large as 20.
Please note that the maximum we can accommodate for afternoon tea would be 12 from May to September. Any Groups larger than this would need to have lunch or dinner at the manor.
Taste the homegrown produce seen in the garden with a delicately crafted 3 course lunch or dinner. Let us turn your dining booking into an experience. For further information on availability and pricing for private dining garden tours, please contact our Events Team.
ACTIVITIES
Whether it’s reading a good book in front of the fire, a gentle stroll in the garden or something a little more vigorous, there is still plenty to do and see in and around the Manor and beyond.
BEAUTY TREATMENTS
Gravetye Manor has joined with the highly qualified and experienced team at Ruuby Black Label to provide in room beauty treatments, including manicure/pedicure, facial, massage, reflexology and skin care detoxes.
Bespoke programmes will be created with each client using the highest quality product ranges and state of the art equipment. We have designed a range of bespoke oils and fragrances inspired by the seasons at Gravetye Manor.
Choose your favourite essences to compliment the season, from lime and mint to roasted apple and cinnamon to pine needles and bergamot. Immerse yourself in the scents of Gravetye while you relax in the comfort of your own room and awaken your senses.
All treatments begin with a 10 minute consultation with your therapist where you can discuss everything you want out of the session. All treatments last for 1 hour.
CROQUET
William Robinson’s playground, where local children used to dance on his birthday and still do to commemorate his special day, is a great spot for fun croquet. The location and view make it a wonderful place to enjoy a game with family and friends.
WALKING
We have planned some wonderful walks in the local area, ranging from 30 minutes to over 4 hours. Wellies are available for all!
BLUEBELL RAILWAY
Bluebell Railway – A Heritage Steam Railway running through the glorious Sussex countryside with a station on Gravetye’s doorstep. As the name suggests, at the right time of year swathes of bluebells line the tracks. William Robinson himself would throw bulbs from the moving train to encourage the flowers.
GLYNDEBOURNE OPERA FESTIVAL
The Glyndebourne Festival (May-August) celebrates world-class music and theatre at its best. In the world of opera, Glyndebourne is unique. Set in the Sussex countryside, it is nevertheless recognised globally as one of the great opera houses.
Gravetye Manor is a proud Corporate Member of Glyndebourne. This wonderful partnership enables us to offer some guests priority access to Glyndebourne tickets when booking an overnight stay.
ASHDOWN FOREST
6500 acres of High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a great place for walking and enjoying spectacular views over the Sussex countryside. Also known the world over as the ‘home’ of Winnie-the-Pooh. Visit the famous Pooh Bridge near the village of Hartfield, only 15 minutes by car from Gravetye Manor.
THE ROYAL ASHDOWN FOREST GOLF CLUB
Founded in 1888, it is ranked by Golf World as one of the top 100 clubs in the British Isles and within a 20 minute drive of Gravetye, www.royalashdown.co.uk
EAST SUSSEX NATIONAL GOLF CLUB
They have two stunning Championship courses where they have hosted European Opens. The course is located just outside Uckfield (40 minute drive). Open daily from 8.00am with eighteen holes taking 4½ hours to complete.
GOODWOOD RACING
Whether it be the Goodwood Revival, Glorious Goodwood or the Festival of Speed, Gravetye is the ideal base for all that Goodwood has to offer. Journey time to is approximately 75 minutes.
POLO
Sussex Polo – A professional and welcoming club. Ideal for players wanting high standards of low goal polo or to learn to play in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere all year round. Only a 10 minute drive from Gravetye Manor.
HICKSTEAD
Hickstead is synonymous with showjumping. As host to the British Grand Prix and the only Nations Cup competition in the British Isles, it is the home of British showjumping. Located only 35 minutes by car from Gravetye.
HISTORIC HOUSES
We have numerous splendid historic houses and castles in the area to visit. Here are a few of note, but there are so many more places to discover. There are some wonderful gardens close to Gravetye too. Our team will be more than happy to help you with your planning.
THE PRIEST HOUSE
The only one of its kind open to the public, this beautiful 15th century Wealden hall house stands in a traditional cottage garden in the picturesque nearby village of West Hoathly. The house was owned in turn by Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell, Anne of Cleves, Mary I and Elizabeth I. Distance from Gravetye – 3 Miles
STANDEN
Dating from the 1890s and containing original Morris & Co furnishings and decorations, Standen survives today as a remarkable testimony to the ideas of the Arts and Crafts movement. Distance from Gravetye – 5 Miles
HEVER CASTLE
This was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife. In 1903, the estate was bought by the American millionaire, William Waldorf Astor who spent an immense amount of money and imagination restoring the castle.
One of the most magnificent areas of the gardens is the Italian Garden, which was designed to display Astor’s collection of Italian sculpture. Other attractions include the maze, water maze and 38 acre lake. Distance from Gravetye – 18 Miles
PENSHURST PLACE
One of England’s greatest family owned stately homes with a history going back six and a half centuries. A marvellous mix of paintings, tapestries and furniture from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries can be seen throughout the house.
The gardens were first laid out in the 14th century and have been developed over successive years by the Sidney family who first came to Penshurst in 1552. Distance from Gravetye – 18 Miles
CHARTWELL
The family home of Sir Winston Churchill from 1924 until the end of his life. Musuem and Exhibition rooms contain displays, sound recordings and superb collections of memorabilia from Sir Winston’s political career. Distance from Gravetye – 24 Miles
BRIGHTON PAVILLION
The Pavilion is the former seaside residence of King George VI. Originally a simple farmhouse, in 1787 architect Henry Holland created a neo-classical villa on the site. It was later transformed into its current Indian style by John Nash between 1815 and 1822. A breathtaking Regency Palace.Distance from Gravetye – 30 Miles
ARUNDEL CASTLE
Dating from the 11th century, the Castle is both ancient fortification and stately home of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors and is now the principal residence of the present 18th Duke and Duchess and their family. Distance from Gravetye – 36 Miles
BATEMANS
Batemans – This was the home of Rudyard Kipling for over 30 years. This home inspired him to write some of his well-loved works including Puck of Pooks Hill and Rewards and Fairies. Distance from Gravetye – 40 Miles
FAMOUS GARDENS
With so many important gardens close by, Gravetye Manor is a garden lovers paradise! Here are just a few to whet your appetite.
BORDE HILL GARDENS
Borde Hill Gardens – Described as ‘One of the country’s truly great gardens’ by Country Life magazine, the formal garden is planted as distinctive ‘rooms’, each offering an abundance of colour and interest throughout the seasons. Distance from Gravetye – 8 Miles
HIGH BEECHES GARDENS
High Beeches Gardens – a tranquil and beautiful woodland and water garden in the William Robinson style. Excellent spring colour and fragrance, the wildflower meadow flowers in June and some of the best autumn colour in Sussex. Distance from Gravetye – 9 Miles
SHEFFIELD PARK
Sheffield Park – Magnificent example of a ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped garden, stretching over 120 acres and incorporating four lakes, waterfalls and cascades. There is a profusion of colour all year round, from bluebells in the spring to trees in spectacular autumn colours. Distance from Gravetye – 11 Miles
NYMANS
Nymans Gardens – Three things make the garden at Nymans special: the beautiful, theatrical design, a superlative plant collection, gathered from around the world, and the elevated position which offers wonderful views over Sussex. Distance from Gravetye – 14 Miles
SISSINGHURST CASTLE GARDENS
Sissinghurst Castle Gardens -The creation of Vita Sackville-West and her husband Sir Harold Nicolson.
A series of small, enclosed garden rooms, intimate in their scale and romantic in their atmosphere, giving immense pleasure and inspiration through their superb design and outstanding colour combinations throughout the seasons. Distance from Gravetye – 32 Miles
PASHLEY MANOR
Pashley Manor is a quintessential English garden, offering a sumptuous blend of romantic landscaping, imaginative plantings and fine old trees, fountains, springs and large ponds. Distance from Gravetye – 32 Miles























