The Bell in Ticehurst

South East England East Sussex Wadhurst

  • From £165 a night
  • 7 Rooms & 4 Suites
  • Pub with Rooms

A one-of-a-kind village inn in a beautiful corner of East Sussex, with quirky touches and superb food

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Quirkiness, comfort and history prevail in this delightful East Sussex pub. Not only can you drop in for a drink or something delicious to eat, you can also stay over in one of their eccentrically decorated rooms or lodges, and appreciate one of the most unusual – and welcoming –  places to stay in the entire region. It's comfy, contemporary and unique, run by people who've put their stamp on a historic country inn that dates back to the late 16th century, but is as full of life as it ever was.

Above all, The Bell in Ticehurst is a great village pub – cosy and comfortable, with plenty of beams and battered sofas, bare boards and faded rugs, open fires and candlelight, and an invitingly long, well-stocked bar. It's mischievous and quirky too, with bowler hat light fittings, coat hooks fashioned from cutlery, a tower of books forming a twisted column by the bar, and even a Banksy hanging in the hall. Have a look too at the tubas in place of urinals in the gents’ loos (sadly the ladies’ are nowhere near as much fun). The food is whatever you want it to be really, with both a proper pubby menu featuring pie and mash, decent burgers and all sorts of yummy bar snacks, and a more refined five-course tasting menu served once a week. They also offer an enticing garden barbecue during summer, with all manner of delights from land and sea cooked up on the grill. Most dishes are based on local produce, and the wine list features a great choice of English varieties from Kent and Sussex vineyards.

Above the pub, the seven stylish guest rooms are equally eccentric, with rustic king or super-king beds with comfy handmade mattresses, antique mirrors and unusual bedside lamps. One is a suite on two levels and has a sofa bed for extra guests; a couple of the others have deep copper baths, while they all have en-suite bathrooms with bespoke toiletries, homemade cookies, Freeview TVs, good WiFi, tea- and coffee-making facilities – and dogs are welcome. In addition to the rooms, the pub also boasts four garden lodge suites, which have mezzanine floors, huge baths and their own terraces, wood burners and fire pits. Their circular Love Nest is an ideal spot for a romantic weekend, while 'Pretty Vacant' will appeal to the rebel in everyone!

The rooms and lodges are so homely and there's so much going on at The Bell that it can be hard to leave. As well as regular live music, they offer painting, calligraphy and crafting courses throughout the year – yet another reason to book a room here. But the surrounding countryside is beautiful too – easy to explore on bike or by way of numerous local footpaths – and there are lots of local attractions and things to do, including the woodland paths and activities at nearby Bedgebury, watersports at Bewl Water and Rudyard Kipling's home at Bateman's, now part of the National Trust.

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Details

Facilities

Dream a little dream in one of our curiously eccentric rooms. Choose from seven rooms over the pub, all based on the first floor and each with its own silver birch tree.  The Classic Doubles and Deluxe Doubles have large double or super king size beds and either a walk-in shower, or a deep copper or ceramic roll top bath with hand-held shower attachment - please be sure to specify if you have a preference.  The split-level Suite has a sofa space on the first floor, which can be turned into a top-to-toe sofa bed for 2, along with the en suite bathroom.  The master bedroom is upstairs on a mezzanine level, nestled in the open beams of the old building.

Spoil yourself in one of our fantastical garden lodges set around a fabulous fire pit.  Our 2 standard lodges both have super king size beds, sofas, and en suite bathrooms with walk-in shower and separate bath.  Each has a private terrace with log burning fire.  We also have a Spa-Lodge, with the same amenities as the standard lodges, but this one has an incredible outdoor spa-bath on the private terrace.  Soak away the evening in a giant, bubbly bath, with the fire going, and marshmallows toasting!

Finally we have The Love Nest, which is completely round and built to look like a bird's nest from the outside.  It has a super king size bed and en suite bathroom with double-headed walk-in shower.  Within the main body of the room there is a copper roll top bath, and log burning stove - perfect to soak away the winter blues.  This one has a private roof terrace, with a glorious view over the garden, designed especially for us by Chelsea Flower Shower Award Winner, Jo Thompson.

Every room has handmade Somnus mattresses, our own range of toiletries and delicious homemade sweet treats.

Dogs are welcome in every room for an extra fee of £15 per dog, per night, but we'll happily pop a dog bed, bowl, and welcome pack in the room ready for them.  Be sure to let us know their name, so we can welcome them as warmly as their humans.

Come and dine with us in our on-site restaurant, where our menus change with the seasons and availability of locally sourced fresh ingredients. Instantly comfortable and welcoming but far from usual.  There is something so satisfying about complementing a great meal with the perfect liquid accompaniment. We could talk about wine and beer until the cows come home, which is about dark o’clock around here.

Of course the pub is always open for some cozy local ales around the fire, or a home-infused Gin and Tonic in the dappled garden.

Suitable For

Dogs are welcome all throughout The Bell, in the pub, both restaurants, garden, and all the bedrooms, but we do charge an extra £15 per dog per night to allow them in the rooms.  Please do let us know the name of your puppy dog, as we love to welcome them as warmly as their humans.  We will happily provide a dog bed, bowl and welcome pack for them in the bedrooms too.

We can offer a Travel Cot for babies up to 3 years old, free of charge.  For children between the age of 3-9, some rooms can accommodate a Zed Bed, at an extra cost.  The lodges and suite all have double sofa beds, suitable for 2 people.  There is an extra £35 charge per extra person in the room.

Nearby

Situated on the Kent and East Sussex border, The Bell is at the heart of the charming village of Ticehurst, take junction 5 off the M25 onto the A21. A perfect base for exploring the wonderful surrounding countryside or the quirky towns of Royal Tunbridge Wells, Rye and Hastings, all around half an hour’s drive away. 

There are plenty of National Trust properties close by, from Bateman's House - where Rudyard Kipling lived - to Scotney Castle and Gardens, Bodiam Castle - a 12th Century castle in a moat - and Sissinghurst House and Gardens, the former home of Vita Sackville-West.  These are all within a 30 minute drive.

Just five minutes away you will find Pashley Manor Gardens.  11 acres of beautiful vistas – the culmination of a lifetime of passion for gardening.   Historic walled garden, striking sculptures, kitchen garden … then, of course, the plants!  Tulips, rose, dahlias and more in abundance.

The Art Bunch - We are so lucky to have such a creative florist in our village. Andrea has a great eye and is one of our favourite florists for weddings. It is Andrea we turn to when guests request in-room flowers.

Food & Drink

As we have our own restaurant onsite, we do encourage people to come and try our own delicious food, but if you're looking for somewhere a little further afield then there is The Small Holding restaurant and farm in Kilndown which serves a set menu celebrating the best ingredients available in the region, delivering a unique connection between the land and table.  Opened in 2018, by brothers Will and Matt Devlin, The Small Holding has a key focus on sustainability, with growing and foraging at the heart of what they do.  Or for something a little less formal, try The Queens in Hawkhurst, another delicious low-key pub.

Open

Open all year. 

Pricing

From £165-£355 a night, room only; from £195–£375 a night, including breakfast.

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The Owner Says

The story of The Bell stretches back to 1560 when it was a coaching inn. We have smoothed out the rougher edges but preserved the wonderful imperfections that somehow make it perfect. First and foremost we are a Public House, with some rather wonderful rooms, a home from home for everyone and we would be delighted to have your company.

Location

Contact Website  01580 200 300  The Bell in Ticehurst, High Street Ticehurst East Sussex TN5 7AS

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Getting There

Travelling by car: We have our onsite car park just next to the hotel, there is also a large free car park situated at the rear of the hotel, down Pickforde Lane.  Spaces are on a first come first served basis.  If coming from the M25, head down the A21 until you reach Flimwell, and some traffic lights - turn towards Ticehurst and follow the road up to the village.  You'll see the pub on your right hand side.  If coming from the south - still head towards the A21 from the A27, and follow it all the way until those Filmwell lights.
Train: We are located close to Wadhurst Train Station and just a short taxi ride away.  Please be aware that taxis must be pre-booked, as there is no taxi rank, and very little mobile signal.  There is a 1066 Bus Route from Tunbridge Wells - bear in mind this runs maybe once an hour.

Features

  • Accessible Facilities
  • Bar
  • Bed Linen Provided
  • Coffee/Tea Facilities
  • Family Rooms
  • Gardens & Grounds
  • Hairdryer
  • Iron & Board
  • Open Fire
  • Parking
  • Restaurant
  • Terrace
  • Wifi

Looking For...

  • Activities
  • Cycling
  • Dog-Friendly
  • Family Friendly
  • Foodies
  • Historic
  • Rural Retreat
  • Sensational Views
  • Walking
  • Wedding Venue

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Everything I needed for a stay

I'm already looking forward to going again and would highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting the area. It definitely deserves a five star rating!

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6 out of 5!!!!

This place was amazing… I could not recommend this place enough, I’ll be singing their praise for many years to come and we are going to book again soon.

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