NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Many of us are choosing to look closer to home for our holidays. Sussex boasts an array of accommodation to enjoy

- Jenny Mark-Bell

GOURMET BREAKS

FLINT BARNS AT RATHFINNY

In beautiful countryside near Alfriston, Rathfinny Estate produces delicious sparkling wine from a Sussex Heritage awardwinning and RIBA-nominated winery. The original Rathfinny farmhouse, the Flint Barns, has been sympathetically restored into comfortable accommodation for visitors, accommodating up to 31 people in ten separate en suite rooms. Sole use for larger parties, private events and specialist tastings can be arranged (under normal circumstances). The Flint Barns Dining Room restaurant serves comforting weekend meals and sumptuous Sunday lunches, although this is temporarily closed due to COVID-19 – overnight guests can dine from the Tasting Room picnic and seafood menus instead.

Apart from the obvious delights of the wine, one of the key attractions of the estate is its walking routes: the owners have worked with the National Trust and the South Downs National Park Authority to open the Rathfinny Trail along Cradle Valley and through the vineyard.

Prices: Nightly rates from £135 for a double to £284 for up to five people. rathfinnyestate.com

TINWOOD ESTATE

Imagine relaxing with a glass of wine on your own private terrace, with views over the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier vines towards the setting sun. These lodges, neighbouring the Goodwood Estate, are sleek and modern, with some witty nods to the surroundings: headboards made from bottle corks and stools made from barrels.