The Old House Inn, West Sussex

Overview

Hidden away within a beautiful country setting and with quick access to Gatwick, this renovated 16th century inn is one of the best kept secrets in West Sussex. The black latticed windows, wonky ceilings and oak-beams give away the age of this converted farm worker's cottage, but inside it's been lovingly transformed into a true country dining pub with rooms - step inside and it feels like you're in a remote rural area, not minutes from one of the world's busiest airports.

Working with the freshest seasonal ingredients, sourced locally wherever possible, The Old House Inn has made a name for itself as a true foodie destination where imaginative modern British cuisine and classic pub dishes sit side-by-side on the menu. The food is perfectly complimented by the welcoming bar that serves a great selection of real ales as well as an excellent wine list.

Six elegant bedrooms overlook the large mature garden for you to enjoy a night or two in the countryside before you fly, or if you're passing through. It is well placed to explore some of the best countryside England has to offer, including the spectacular South Downs, perfect for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. And there are numerous cultural and heritage sites, such as the world renowned botanic garden Wakehurst, nearby, or head to Royal Tunbridge Wells for a wander around this historic spa town followed by afternoon tea.

Rooms from

Classic: £85
Feature: £100

Good to know

Accepts all major credit cards
Parking available
There is disabled access, but no disabled toilets

Family favourite
Children are warmly welcomed at The Old House Inn with a children's menu children's made using the same high-quality ingredients found in all the dishes and a play area in our garden complete with a slide, climbing wall and monkey bars.

A touch of culture
There are numerous cultural and heritage sites nearby to explore, such as the world renowned botnaic garden, Wakehurst, or historic spa town, Royal Tunbridge Wells.

Crown collection
Part of the original Epicurean Collection, you can earn and redeem Crowns here if you are one of our Crown members.

Rooms

With ridiculously quick access to Gatwick Airport and boasting six sophisticated bedrooms in a smartly-converted barn overlooking our large garden, The Old House Inn is a perfect pre-flight stopover.

All of the rooms are named after local woods, and this woodland theme is reflected in the decor of rich, earthy tones, contemporary furnishings and quirky original features. Each double room comes with all the mod cons, including stylish wet rooms and some with roll-top bathtubs. Super king-size beds dressed in luxury linen and Feather & Black duvets ensure a good night's sleep, and there are tea and coffee making facilities, complemented by homemade treats from Marshfield Bakery and fresh milk.

Restaurant & bar

Whether you choose to dine al fresco in the lovely garden, fireside in by the newly restored bar, intimately in the low-ceilinged snug, or more formally in the warm and welcoming dining rooms, you will be able to choose from an enticing menu of creative dishes and pub classics, all made with the freshest seasonal ingredients.

Some of them may even have been foraged from the gardens and surrounding fields - and you simply can't get fresher than that! The bar serves real local ales and a selection of guest ales, as well as spirits and an excellent wine list handpicked by Master of Wine Tim Atkin.

Private dining

If you're looking for a summer party venue, the garden that can accommodate Arabian tents, an outdoor pizza oven and al fresco dining all at the same time. If you prefer something a little more intimate, the private dining room, which can seat up to 30 people, is ideal for a special dinner, private party or business meeting.

Experiences

Step back in time for a very British afternoon tea served the traditional way using vintage bone china tea cups and three-tier cake stands.

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Things to do

Just 30 miles from London but in the heart of southeast England, The Old House Inn is surrounded by some of the most beautiful and richly historic landscapes in the country. Midway between the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the High Weald Area of Natural Beauty and the South Downs National Park, there's no shortage of natural attractions to explore, including Ashdown Forest, Holmwood Common, Denbies Hillside, and Silent Pool and Sherborne Pond, to name but a few. Gin lovers should note there is also a distillery to be found at Silent Pool!

If you would prefer to admire the scenery from the comfort of a steam train carriage, there are two heritage railways nearby: you can catch the Bluebell Railway from East Grinstead, just five miles away, or the Spa Valley Railway from the first stop, Tunbridge Wells West Railway Station, or the last stop, Eridge Railway Station.

If you are partial to a round of golf, there are 15 courses within a 15-mile radius. But if you'd prefer to take in some local history, make your way to Hever Castle and Gardens, a magnificent crenellated castle surrounded by a moat and set in 125 acres of pristine parkland, which was Anne Boylen's childhood home.

Getting here

Directions

Nearest train station: Gatwick Airport or Three Bridges
Taxi from station: 10min from both, but are considerably cheaper from Three Bridges
Drive: 10min from Crawley, 15min from East Grinstead, 20min from Redhill, 40min from Brighton, 1hr from London

Address

Effingham Road, Copthorne, West Sussex RH10 3JB

The Old House Inn

From £85 per night