The gardens at Gravetye Manor are a very special place and can be considered amongst the most influential in English gardening history. The manor became the home of the creative, innovative and revolutionary gardener, William Robinson in 1884. Robinson spent his remarkable life as a professional gardener and botanist, but made his fortune through writing about his experiences and ideas on horticulture. His most notable works include The English Flower Garden, which is one of the best-selling horticultural books of all time, and the hugely influential title, The Wild Garden.

Today Gravetye is a mature, charming and very beautiful garden. The tree line and the masses of naturalised bulbs show Robinsons' genius in a way that only he could have imagined over 100 years ago. The wild garden tumbles down its south facing slopes into the contrasting formal areas of the garden, and wherever you are in the garden there is always a stunning view of the surrounding countryside.

After the Second World War the garden fell into a period of neglect until the manor was opened as a hotel and restaurant in 1958 by hotelier Peter Herbert. He threw all his energy into the renovation and management of the garden until his retirement in 2004. Over the last few years' financial constraints meant that areas of the garden suffered. Now a major restoration project is under way.

Summer 2010 saw the appointment of Tom Coward as Head Gardener. Having worked for 3 years alongside Fergus Garrett at Great Dixter, his experience has proved second to none in tackling this project. The focus will be not only on conserving and re-creating Robinson's work but also progressing the garden in homage to his experimental style of gardening.

Blossom & Jasmine Beauty Treatments
The following treatments are available to guests in the privacy of their rooms: Aromatherapy Massage, Swedish Body Massage, Signature Spa Facial, Manicure and Pedicure.

Walking
Guests can enjoy wonderful walks in the local area, ranging from 30 minutes to over 4 hours. Wellies are available for all!

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.

Deer Stalking
Individual deer stalking can be organised by prior arrangement on the Gravetye Estate.

Golf
Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club, founded in 1888, is ranked by Golf World as one of the top 100 clubs in the British Isles. It is about 20 minute drive from Gravetye Manor.

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.

Shooting
The area boasts some fine game shooting in the Winter.

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.

Horse Riding
The hotel can arrange hacks on the Ashdown Forest.

Polo
Guest can spend their time at the professional and welcoming polo club. Ideal for players who want 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.

Gravetye Manor offer some unforgettable dining options. Guests can enjoy classical dining in the hotel's atmospheric wood panelled restaurant or leisurely lunches in the garden. The hotel also offers traditional Afternoon Tea in the beautiful countryhouse manor surroundings.

The property ownes a one acre walled kitchen garden, which during the summer months provides 95% of all fruit and vegetables that are used in the kitchen.

Gravetye Manor features two private dining rooms, seating up to sixteen or up to twenty persons respectively. Both beautifully wood panelled and in keeping with the rest of the manor, both rooms offer that exclusive, private feel which will ensure an extra special occasion.