Come & explore
Local area
Wonderful walks &
places to visit
Located in the rolling countryside of West Sussex we are lucky enough to have a huge selection of places to visit and things to do in Kent and Sussex.
Winnie the Pooh's "100 Aker Wood"/Ashdown Forest
The most famous part of The Buckhurst Estate, is 100 Acre Wood immortalised by A. A. Milne in the Winnie the Pooh stories. A.A. Milne lived in Hartfield, one of the villages on the Buckhurst estate Lord De La Warr’s father even remembered playing with Christopher Robin and his famous bear.
The church and the real-life “100 Aker Wood”, made famous as the setting for the Winnie the Pooh stories of A.A. Milne, can be easily accessed via the footpaths through the Buckhurst Estate.
Find out more: ashdownforest.org
Image © National Trust
Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens
Famous for its beauty and its gardens Sissinghurst is well worth a visit. Designed by famous gardener, writer and poet Vita Sackville-West , Lord De La Warr’s relative (her ashes are interred at the Sackville Chapel, Withyham).
When she and her husband Harold purchased Sissinghurst castle , it was a ruin and it was from there Vita created the world famous gardens, including The White Garden and The Rose Garden.
Find out more: nationaltrust.org.uk/sissinghurst-castle-garden
Image © National Trust
Knole
We can highly recommend a trip to Knole in Sevenoaks not only for its deer, stunning grounds, gardens and 400 year old history but also because it is one of the seats of the Sackville-West family.
Lord De La Warr’s cousin Robert Sackville-West, Lord Sackville still lives in the wing of the main house with his family.
The Sackville family prospered throughout history and became the Dukes of Dorset ( hence The Dorset Arms ) and owned both Knole and Buckhurst Park. The families merged together with one son inheriting Knole and the other Buckhurst Park.
Find out more: nationaltrust.org.uk/knole
The Pantiles, Royal
Tunbridge Wells
The famous Georgian Colonnade at the bottom of Tunbridge Wells was created following the discovery of the chalybeate spring in the early 17th century and today it attracts visitors from all over the world.
Today The Pantiles offers a range of specialist shops, bars, restaurants and farmers markets (every other Saturday) with the famous Jazz Evenings on the bandstand in the summer.
Find out more: thepantiles.com
Penshurst Place
Once owned by Henry VIII and used as his hunting lodge while he was courting Anne Boleyn, Penshurst is steeped in history and has been owned and run by the Sidney family for the last 460 years.
Whether you are interested in the gardens, the house, the parkland or the adventure playground there is something for everyone here.
Find out more: penshurstplace.com
Image © Hever Castle Ltd
Hever Castle
This stunning 700 year old double moated castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Set in 125 acres of glorious grounds, there are award winning gardens, a Yew Tree Maze , miniature model houses and boating lake – well worth a visit at any time of year.
Find out more: hevercastle.co.uk
Image © Bewl Water
Bewl Water
This 800 acre site is home to the largest stretch of open water in the South East – a complete outdoor adventure for £4 a day ( car parking ). Choose from biking, walking, fishing, cycling as well as pedalos and rowing boats. Open all year round it is a fantastic day out for everyone.
Find out more: bewlwater.co.uk
Image © Forestry England
Bedgebury National Pinetum & Forest
Bedgebury is an award winning visitor attraction with something for everyone. Open all year, Bedgebury is the perfect place for healthy outdoor activity.
The National Pinetum is home to a world-leading collection of conifers and provides a beautiful setting for peaceful walks and picnics. The Bedgebury café also has wonderful views across the Pinetum.
The forest has miles of family cycling and mountain-biking, walking, and running, as well as Go Ape tree top adventure, and an adventure play trail.
Find out more: forestryengland.uk/bedgebury
Image © English Heritage
Bayham Abbey
Set in stunning grounds designed by Humphry Repton the famous landscape gardener who also counts the grounds of Kenwood House, London amongst his creations.
Find out more: english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/bayham-old-abbey
Image © National Trust
Monk’s House, Rodmell
Owned by Virginia Woolf and her husband Leonard, their 17th Century country retreat and famous writing lodge is hidden away in beautiful gardens.
Find out more: nationaltrust.org.uk/monks-house
Image © English Heritage
The Battlefield of Hastings
From the 1066 battlefield to the vivid re-telling of the day Britain’s history changed forever explore the story of one of the most important parts of English history at the English Heritage 1066 Battle of Hastings experience.
Find out more: english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/1066-battle-of-hastings-abbey-and-battlefield/
The Dorset Arms Instagram
Warm Ginger Parkin with Caramelised Banana Cream - one of our delicious new seasonal puddings.
Our Buckhurst Park Roast Venison has been proving tremendously popular today. As the weather gets cooler, why not join us for one of our delicious Sunday roasts? Booking recommended.
Our Buckhurst Park Roast Venison has been proving tremendously popular today. As the weather gets cooler, why not join us for one of our delicious Sunday roasts? Booking recommended.
New to the menu is this delicious starter of Salt & Pepper Squid with Chilli, Garlic & Lemon Aioli. Why not book a table this weekend and give it a try?
New to the menu is this delicious starter of Salt & Pepper Squid with Chilli, Garlic & Lemon Aioli. Why not book a table this weekend and give it a try?
The sunshine this evening means it still feels a little bit like summer - all set up here for an early supper.
The sunshine this evening means it still feels a little bit like summer - all set up here for an early supper.
This week’s ’Special’ is our Dorset Arms Fish Pie - packed full of Cod, Smoked Haddock, & King Prawns topped with creamy mash and served with Seasonal Greens.
This week’s ’Special’ is our Dorset Arms Fish Pie - packed full of Cod, Smoked Haddock, & King Prawns topped with creamy mash and served with Seasonal Greens.
A delicious business breakfast for 12 here this morning .. a great way to start the day!
It’s the Bank Holiday weekend and our amazing Wood-fired Pizza Oven will be open today, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday ( taking a pause for Sat as it’s raining ☔️) .
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We hand-stretch our delicious pizzas and have all your favourites to choose from so why not pop along and enjoy lunch ‘al fresco’.
#pizzalover #pizzatime #pizzaoven #bbq #tunbridgewellsmums #ashdownforest #kidspizza #sussex #sussexlife #dogfriendlypub #pubgardenweather #pubgarden #sussexcounty #countrypub #englishpubs #outdooreating #staycationuk #pubswithrooms #sussexfood #eastgrinstead #bankholidayweekend #weekendvibes #ashdownforest
It’s the Bank Holiday weekend and our amazing Wood-fired Pizza Oven will be open today, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday ( taking a pause for Sat as it’s raining ☔️) .
•
We hand-stretch our delicious pizzas and have all your favourites to choose from so why not pop along and enjoy lunch ‘al fresco’.
#pizzalover #pizzatime #pizzaoven #bbq #tunbridgewellsmums #ashdownforest #kidspizza #sussex #sussexlife #dogfriendlypub #pubgardenweather #pubgarden #sussexcounty #countrypub #englishpubs #outdooreating #staycationuk #pubswithrooms #sussexfood #eastgrinstead #bankholidayweekend #weekendvibes #ashdownforest
Our Lemon Sole Veronique with Clams and a Vermouth Sauce .. the perfect light fish dish for a Friday ..
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#fishonfriday #fryyay #lemonsole #fridayfeeling #sussexpub #chefstagram #dishoftheday #menufavourites #sussexlife #sussex #chefstagram #dogfriendlypub #chefsofinstagram #publunch #freshfish #pubswithrooms
Our Lemon Sole Veronique with Clams and a Vermouth Sauce .. the perfect light fish dish for a Friday ..
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#fishonfriday #fryyay #lemonsole #fridayfeeling #sussexpub #chefstagram #dishoftheday #menufavourites #sussexlife #sussex #chefstagram #dogfriendlypub #chefsofinstagram #publunch #freshfish #pubswithrooms
One of today’s specials Pappardelle with Slow Braised South Downs Lamb & Chianti Ragu with a Garlic and Herb Crumb, Parmesan.
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The large surface area and rough texture of the pasta make pappardelle the perfect accompaniment to more robust sauces and ragus - delicious!
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#sussexlife #sussexpub #pastaragu #pastadish #winetasting #localproduce #sussexcounty #sussexlife #countrypub #muddysussex #dogfriendlypubs #ashdownforest #pubswithrooms #staycation #cosypubs #dishoftheday #tunbridgewells #winelover #englishpub
One of today’s specials Pappardelle with Slow Braised South Downs Lamb & Chianti Ragu with a Garlic and Herb Crumb, Parmesan.
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The large surface area and rough texture of the pasta make pappardelle the perfect accompaniment to more robust sauces and ragus - delicious!
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#sussexlife #sussexpub #pastaragu #pastadish #winetasting #localproduce #sussexcounty #sussexlife #countrypub #muddysussex #dogfriendlypubs #ashdownforest #pubswithrooms #staycation #cosypubs #dishoftheday #tunbridgewells #winelover #englishpub
Just a week to go until our ‘Quiz Night’ is back by popular demand!
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Book your team in for some summer fun and arrive at 6.30 for a 7pm start.
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£15pp to include
- Team entry (of up to a maximum of 6)
- Burger & Chips
- Prizes on the night
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Spaces are limited so call us now on 01892 770278 to register your team🙌.
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#sussexpub #pubquiz #quiznight #localpub #summerfun #muddysussex #ashdownforest #tunbridgewells #pubnight #eastgrinstead
Just a week to go until our ‘Quiz Night’ is back by popular demand!
•
Book your team in for some summer fun and arrive at 6.30 for a 7pm start.
•
£15pp to include
- Team entry (of up to a maximum of 6)
- Burger & Chips
- Prizes on the night
•
Spaces are limited so call us now on 01892 770278 to register your team🙌.
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#sussexpub #pubquiz #quiznight #localpub #summerfun #muddysussex #ashdownforest #tunbridgewells #pubnight #eastgrinstead
Today really is the perfect day for lunch ‘Al fresco’ in our garden or in the Garden Room - which is set up for a lunch party of 15, the perfect way to spend a Monday..
Today really is the perfect day for lunch ‘Al fresco’ in our garden or in the Garden Room - which is set up for a lunch party of 15, the perfect way to spend a Monday..
New to the menu is this delightful dish of Confit Duck Leg, Summer Bean & Pancetta Cassoulet, Gremolata & Wilted Spinach.
New to the menu is this delightful dish of Confit Duck Leg, Summer Bean & Pancetta Cassoulet, Gremolata & Wilted Spinach.