If you’re looking for your next staycation spot, England’s county of Sussex offers countryside views, plenty of local attractions and chocolate box villages to explore.
Located in the quiet village of Fittleworth 45 miles from Croydon, The Swan Inn offers historic charm for people looking to spend some time away from the city and a train ride away from London Victoria via Pulborough.
The Swan Inn offers historic charm for people looking to spend some time away from the city. (Image: Rebecca Hope)
The inn recently reopened after a major restoration, with 12 ensuite bedrooms with rustic charm, a traditional British pub and a dining room serving seasonal dishes.
Dating back to 1536, this former coaching inn housed famous writers and artists like J.M.W. Turner, John Constable and Rudyard Kipling.
The inn recently reopened after a major restoration, with 12 ensuite bedrooms with rustic charm. (Image: Catherine Fairweather)
Today visitors can still find plenty of examples of the Swan’s history, including a piece of artwork that was traded for bed and board centuries earlier, as well as a guest book once signed by Kipling.
Located within the South Downs, this inn offers a prime set-off point for anyone looking to take a walk and explore this scenic part of England.
Today visitors can still find plenty of examples of the Swan’s history. (Image: Rebecca Hope)
But if walking isn’t your thing, the inn is located nearby some popular locations like Petworth House, Polo Park and the Goodwood Estate, and you can also try activities like fly fishing and clay pigeon shooting.
If you’re a fan of astronomy, guests can also take part in a stargazing experience, with the pub being situated in one of the UK’s “best dark sky spots” for a chance to see views of the Milky Way.
Guests can also take part in a stargazing experience, with the pub being situated in one of the UK’s “best dark sky spots”. (Image: Zanna Westgae)
Afterwards you can have a drink at its traditional pub, which serves locally sourced beers, wines and ciders from parts of the Sussex countryside.
For food, their menu celebrates the best of British cuisine, with a seasonal menu including dishes like devilled kidneys on toast, South Downs venison and bacon pie, and a cheeseburger for £9.
For food, their menu celebrates the best of British cuisine, with a seasonal menu. (Image: Catherine Fairweather)
If you have a sweet tooth, some of their desserts include choux bun with honeycomb parfait, Bramley apple sorbet and towers of profiteroles.
The inn also offers a special dining menu for parties between 12 and 24, where you get to dine in their historic barn, making it a cosy spot for celebrations and birthdays.
The inn also offers a special dining menu for parties between 12 and 24, where you get to dine in their historic barn. (Image: Lifestyle Collective)
Steward Angus Davies said: “We’re so excited the doors to The Swan Inn are open once again.
“The restoration has been an incredible journey, and it’s been wonderful to see the pub filled with locals already.
“Our aim is simple: to create a welcoming, reliable, and unfussy space where guests can enjoy good food, great drinks, and a comfortable bed.”