The Black Horse, Climping

On the leafy lane that leads to Climping Beach in West Sussex, The Black Horse pub has been providing food and shelter to passing trade for hundreds of years. In the 17th century that may have meant a bawdy crowd of smugglers, but now, the customers are a little more well-to-do. This extensively renovated Grade II-listed tavern is the latest offering from Historic Sussex Hotels. In fact, it’s the first addition to their portfolio for three decades – and their very first pub with rooms, just down the road from their Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa. And while it’s an alternative to the properties they're known for, it follows their signature style of providing charming accommodation and excellent food in buildings full of character.

The Black Horse is just what you want from a pub in the country: warm, cosy and welcoming – the kind of place where you can settle into a deep sofa by the fire after a bracing walk outside. It feels wholly authentic and yet this character has been lost, found and added to over the years. Its most recent transformation has seen parquet flooring restored, an old fireplace uncovered and a lovely oak-framed restaurant added at the back. Then, of course, there are the seven rooms upstairs where a handful of guests can stay overnight.

Choose between East and West: bedroom types are divided on aspect, size and price. East rooms are cosy, West more spacious – though having said that, all have king-sized beds and two East rooms have rooftop balconies. Whichever you choose, the design is unique, necessitated by the quirks of a building this old. Antique furniture and nature-inspired wallpaper nod to the history and countryside location, but everything feels clean and new – unsurprising, since the place opened in its current form in 2024.

The nearby beach and surrounding countryside are top reasons to stay at The Black Horse, while neighbouring Bailiffscourt offers another. If you fancy a post-beach or post-walk bite to eat, head to pub, where a selection of tasty classics and more are served. You can also book in for a hearty Sunday roast in its Ryebank restaurant or simply sit in the bar area and enjoy a Sussex cheeseboard and a glass of local fizz.