Ockenden Manor Hotel & Spa

Ockenden Manor Hotel & Spa, updated 2 March 2026 I had a lovely first visit in February with my daughter, but the attempt to arrange a return stay has changed how I feel. After our spa day, where Flavius in the restaurant and Lauren in the spa were wonderful, I tried to book a four-night restorative retreat in March. I sent three detailed emails about a particular Cuckfield room and the "Stay Longer" package, hoping for a quiet sanctuary. My requests weren't addressed. The reception team's emails had unnecessary bold text, and messages directed to management got generic replies without useful alternatives or date options. They also misspelled my name in formal correspondence. It's a shame the excellent spa and dining staff are let down by such a rigid front-of-house process. I've cancelled and booked elsewhere. That first day with my daughter was a balm after we'd both been super stressed with various and sundry. The hotel and restaurant are beautiful and traditionally built. Flavius seated us by a window with wide countryside views, and explained that the dishes could be adjusted for us as vegetarians. The food was superb, the service exemplary, and the whole lunch was lovely. At the modern spa we enjoyed the hot tub, pool and sauna before our treatments. Lauren's massage was perfect, and my daughter thoroughly enjoyed her facial with Karla. We left feeling relaxed, refreshed and well cared for. We'd planned to repeat the day soon. Thank you to everyone at the hotel and spa.

We couldn't use the spa until 2pm on checkout day as planned because it was even busier than the day before. The pool was overcrowded, with noisy children, and there was no poolside seating or access to the upper level. We had wanted a peaceful spa break, so that was a letdown, and we didn't get the full experience. The two half-hour massages were pleasant, but £90 each felt overpriced. The room was okay, with a nice bathroom. Dinner was tasty, though expensive for the amount served, and breakfast and its service were nice. We won't return. We've had better value and a more relaxing time at other spas, so if you want a peaceful spa experience, I'd look elsewhere. It's a 2 out of 5 from us, I'm afraid.

Everything about the three-day Mentorship was an incredible experience. The rooms were stunning, the food was excellent, and the dining staff were great, especially Russ. Adam was so helpful from the very start, and the venue itself was exquisite. Thank you, Ockenden Manor Team.

We could have stayed in the relaxation room under a weighted blanket forever, but there was also the lovely pool and jacuzzi to enjoy. My sister and I booked the spa day and afternoon tea for her birthday, and had such a lovely time. We each had a hot stone massage. The changing rooms were clean, towels warm, and the robes generously sized and suitable for all sizes. Afternoon tea was lovely, and the sparkling Rose that came with it was the nicest we've ever had. We're especially grateful to the waitress who shared a map of local vineyards and the other who gave us a mini tour of the older dining rooms. Can't wait to visit again!