Imagine a place where time stands still, where ancient charm meets modern luxury. Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa, nestled in the tranquil village of Climping, West Sussex, is just such a place.
This enchanting hotel boasts a captivating history, dating back to the 1920s when Lord Moyne, a member of the Guinness family, fulfilled his wife Evelyn’s dream of living in a medieval manor. They embarked on an extraordinary adventure, scouring England for authentic architectural treasures—ancient doorways, stained glass, and stonework—to create a home that felt centuries old. The result is a stunning estate, seemingly plucked from the pages of history, surrounded by 30 acres of idyllic parkland and just a stone’s throw from the beautiful Climping Beach.
Today, Bailiffscourt offers guests a luxurious escape, allowing them to immerse themselves in the enchanting ambiance of a bygone era while enjoying the comforts of modern living.
Rewild Your Family: A Perfect Escape for Parents and Children Alike
While the hotel’s captivating history is undoubtedly alluring, we were drawn to Bailiffscourt for their “Rewild Your Family” experience. This unique program encourages families to “Switch off and reconnect – enjoy old-fashioned games, fresh air, and delicious food in beautiful surroundings.”
And what a delight it was! From the moment we arrived, we felt enveloped in warmth and hospitality. We were fortunate to stay in the opulent Baylies Suite, a haven of luxury designed with both adults and children in mind. The suite boasted an outrageously comfortable four-poster bed for the grownups, a charming camp-style bed for our little one (let’s call her the Tiny Tyrant or TT), plush sofas, twin baths in the bathroom (stocked with more Temple Spa products than a family could use in a day), tea and coffee making facilities, homemade shortbread biscuits, and a touch of magic.
Even TT felt special, discovering a “Scrunch Bucket” full of sweets, her own mini robe for the pool, and towels artfully twisted into the shape of elephants.
A Touch of Magic for Every Family Member
A heartwarming element of the Rewild Your Family offering is the inclusion of a Jacques of London toy for each family. TT was overjoyed with her rocket launcher (highly recommended for hours of fun and energy-burning rocket-chasing!). It was a thoughtful touch, making children feel special and included.
Blessed with sunny weather, we spent the afternoon firing foam rockets, playing croquet, flying kites, and swinging on the beautiful natural rope swings in the grounds. A large chest filled with toys, buckets, and spades is available for borrowing, adding to the fun on the vast lawns surrounding the hotel. The lavender-lined walkways buzzed with bees, and the ancient trees created a whimsical atmosphere.
As parents, we relished the quiet moments, free from the constant need to shush a volume-challenged child. We found ourselves surrounded by beauty, style, and nature, allowing us to truly connect as a family.
A Perfect Blend of Luxury and Family Fun
The hotel’s award-winning Spa offered two designated family swim sessions daily, a delightful sight to behold. Parents, grandparents, and children of all ages splashed joyfully in the two heated pools, creating an atmosphere of happiness and carefree laughter.
TT beamed throughout our swim session, splashing in her armbands and (unsuccessfully) attempting to persuade Archie the resident peacock to join her. My husband enjoyed a couple of sauna sessions while I relaxed in the jacuzzi. A truly enjoyable experience for all.
Before dinner, we took a magical walk down to Climping Beach, just a five-minute meander from the grounds, through a enchanting woodland path. We spent time shell hunting, enjoying the sea breeze.
Delicious Food for Every Palate
Dinner was a delightful experience, enjoyed in the charming courtyard as the evening light softened. The menu showcased the kitchen’s creativity, with artfully presented dishes that tasted as good as they looked. I savored charred peach and burrata, followed by a rich squash wellington, while my husband delighted in heritage beetroot with whipped goat’s curd and a perfectly cooked fillet of beef. TT enjoyed a satisfying meal of sausages, beans, and mash.
The restaurant offered a tempting selection of local and seasonal wines, champagnes, bottled beers, and ciders, but we opted for refreshing elderflower fizz mocktails.
Despite the delightful setting and food, our Tiny Tyrant was starting to get restless. The restaurant staff handled the situation with patience and kindness, quickly producing coloring pencils and an activity book. Their flexibility and understanding made our dining experience seamless.
When we politely declined pudding due to our need to get TT to bed, we were offered to have it delivered to our room. It was a gesture that touched my heart, highlighting the hotel’s dedication to families. We tucked TT into bed and then savored sumptuous fruit tulips—wafer-thin fruits arranged beautifully around creamy vanilla ice cream, inside an edible flower-shaped bowl. We enjoyed this sweet treat while nestled on the sofa in our pajamas, feet up on the coffee table. Pure bliss.
A Timeless Escape for All
It’s impossible to choose just one highlight of our stay. The welcoming staff, the characterful architecture, the stunning surroundings—all combined to create a perfect family getaway. We all felt reluctant to leave, wishing we could spend the entire summer basking in Bailiffscourt’s timeless charm and luxury.
If you’re looking for a summer holiday escape that will create lasting memories for your family, book the Rewild Your Family experience at Bailiffscourt immediately. It’s a true highlight of our summer adventures, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.
There isn’t a single negative thing I could say about our experience at Bailiffscourt. It was utterly perfect.
Rewild Your Family at Bailiffscourt, from £598
