The Best Airbnbs Near Wineries in Sussex, UK
Sussex is home to numerous wineries where you can spend the day touring vineyards and tasting fruity rosés, elderflower-infused whites and award-winning sparkling wines.
Sussex – in fact, England in general – may not be the first place that springs to mind when you think of rolling vineyards and cellar-door experiences, but peppered among the county’s hills, heathland and misty woods are a whole host of wineries that welcome visitors. To ensure you don’t have to face a sober trip home or hefty taxi fare, Culture Trip has rounded up a few of the best Airbnbs that sit only a grape’s throw from some of Sussex’s wineries.
Cosy country cottage in the heart of Ditchling
Cottages
Pack your paracetamol, coat and walking boots because there’s a whole host of local vineyards right on your doorstep in this 1860s cottage. Set on a footpath in Ditchling, the property can sleep three – if one of you doesn’t mind curling up on the deep sofa – and has a marble-topped kitchen where you can whip up a meal using fresh herbs from the back garden. After a heady day of sampling the grape, you can return to warm your toes by the wood burner, sink into the roll-top bath or break out another bottle to drink under the stars on the terrace.
The Lodge, Hurstpierpoint
Lodge
Almost every inch of this lodge is made from wood – including the whitewashed walls, polished floors and a large trunk at the foot of the super king-size bed – while French antiques, a smart TV and fluffy towels inject a dose of luxury. The snug space can sleep only two but serves as a romantic base for days of wine tastings at family-run vineyards, muddy hikes through nearby South Downs National Park or window-shopping at the boutiques of Hurstpierpoint village.
The Old Calving Yard, Wivelsfield
Guesthouse, Farm
You might be ducking under the exposed beams of this one-bedroom converted calving shed, but the vaulted ceilings, large bedroom with a king-size bed and open-plan kitchen-living room ensure you have plenty of space. Sitting in the grounds of a peaceful working farm in Wivelsfield, the red-brick property is a short stroll from village pubs and a 15-minute drive from Bolney Wine Estate, where you can taste award-winning vino. There is also a shared courtyard with seating where you can soak up the sun over a glass of bubbly.
Cabin in an enchanted garden of butterflies and bees, East Grinstead
Cabin
This oak-framed cabin, found in an enchantingly overgrown garden full of wildflowers, is straight from the pages of a fairytale. The whimsical interior sleeps four and is decked out with hand-painted furniture and vintage paintings. There’s also a wood burner that keeps the property toasty year-round, and the lack of Wi-Fi isn’t an issue, as you’ll be busy reading in dappled shade in the garden, breathing in the aroma of fresh honey from the beehive, or touring the vineyard at Kingscote Estate, a 15-minute drive away.
Modern meets rustic lodge with great views, Sedlescombe
Lodge
Wake up to the sound of birdsong and the sight of dewy fields in this one-bed lodge. You are a 20-minute amble from the family-run Beacon Down Vineyard, or if you fancy a challenge, there is direct access to the 1066 Country Walk, which follows the historical walk of William the Conqueror to the Battle of Hastings. Inside, you’ll find exposed brick walls and tartan blankets paired with a sleek kitchenette, an electric shower and a Google Home Mini, while stable doors lead to a deck and private garden.
The Wing at Pekes, Hailsham
Guesthouse
This property, dressed in the frills and finery of the Edwardian era, is set in the wing of an ancient Tudor manor house, and you’ll have access a heated indoor swimming pool and a tennis court. You’ll think you have stumbled onto the set of a period drama as you peruse the old-world portraits and antique furniture, drink from porcelain teacups and wander the sprawling grounds of the estate. There is only one bedroom, but it can sleep up to six – with beds tucked into the corners of the large living room. Off the Line Vineyard is a seven-minute drive away and offers tastings of its well-loved rosé.
Granary property in Crowhurst, Battle
Guesthouse
This former granary sleeps four and is set off a quiet country lane, just a few miles from the historic market town of Battle and numerous vineyards. Be sure to bring your wellies to explore the surrounding Royal Society for the Protection of Birds’ woodland, or your swimsuit if you’re keen to brave the nearby beaches or sunbathe in the garden (it’s a real sun trap). You can expect lunches on the outdoor table and competitive nights courtesy of board games in the living room.
The Bowery, Storrington
Cottages
The quietness at the Bowery is broken only by the clang of church bells, the twitter of birds and rustle of trees. Draped in floral climbing plants, this storybook cottage has a charming little garden – a fenced-in space where you can let your dog run to their heart’s content while you play a leisurely game of badminton or croquet. It sleeps up to seven people at a squeeze, and you’ll be greeted by home-made jam and a bottle of wine, plus complimentary toiletries and slippers. Nutbourne Vineyards is a short drive away, and well worth a visit for its sparkling wine tastings.