The perfect staycation this summer in the heart of a West Sussex vineyard
This summer is all about rediscovering the beauty of England, from the lakes to the seaside, the mountains to the broads, the quaint sleepy villages to the bustling cities and all that's in between and having been cooped up inside, it is fair to say the nation is looking for experiences, learning something new and expanding the mind whilst on holiday, which makes the Tinwood Estate in West Sussex the perfect destination.
Since the first vines were planted in 2007 at the foot of the South Downs National Park, Tinwood Estate has quickly established a reputation for producing the very finest English sparkling wines, including the Estate Brut, the Blanc de Blancs and an exquisite Rosé. In 2016 three luxurious lodges were added to the estate, with views over the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier vines towards the setting sun. Just over an hour from London, next door to the world famous Goodwood Estate, the three highly designed lodges offer the perfect staycation destination this summer, and the best part is that they're dog friendly!
Sleek and modern in design, the interiors of the three luxury stand alone lodges blend effortlessly into their surroundings. Headboards stylishly made from bottle corks, stools made from barrels and subtle hints of wine related memorabilia adorn the surfaces.
All feature an extra large king size bed facing towards the floor to ceiling concertina doors, which open fully onto an expansive deck with views over the vines, and sunset beyond, making it the ideal place for sundowners in the evening. A sizable corner sofa and table & chairs provide space to relax, and the in-room facilities include flat screen TV, kettle, Nespresso coffee machine, fridge, with Tinwood wine, and an assortment of glassware, crockery and cutlery. Upon arrival a bespoke designed wine crate is delivered to the room with tea, coffee, fresh milk and most importantly, homemade nibbles to enjoy alongside the wine, on the deck.
The oversized bathroom includes a vast walk in rain shower, two person Jacuzzi bath complete with TV, double sink and separate toilet. A hearty continental breakfast is delivered by hamper to the door to be enjoyed on the private terrace or inside, and includes fresh baked croissants and rolls, a selection of spreads, yoghurt, fruit juice, boiled eggs and cheese.
Behind the lodges amongst the trees is a barrel sauna for guest use, and a viewing platform perfect for sundowners overlooking the vines, and the obligatory Instagram selfie! The Tinwood tasting room and deck is only a few yards away, where guests can enjoy daily wine tastings and tours of the vineyard.
The Tinwood Estate is in the perfect position to explore the cathedral city of Chichester and the glorious sandy beaches of the Witterings. Within 10 minutes drive are no fewer than 8 brilliant pubs and restaurants for guests to savour every flavour of the Sussex countryside. Within the family farm are plenty of walks and bike trails, and beyond into the National Park for the more energetic guest. Mountain bikes are available free of charge to lodge guests.
Nightly rates start from £195 per night for 2 people including breakfast.
Alternatively, the Winemakers package includes a vineyard tour and wine tasting with cheese, and a bottle of Tinwood to take away.
Daily vineyard tours and wine tasting start from £18 pp
5 Tips to planning a perfect hen weekend in the UK revealed
61% of pre-wedding parties now stay in the UK as safety, cost, and connection reshape how Brits celebrate. Rising airfares, safety worries and global tensions, including travel hesitancy linked to the ongoing conflict, have fuelled a dramatic turn in how Brits celebrate before tying the knot. According to new figures, 61% of hen parties now take place in the UK, marking a clear shift from pre-pandemic years when city breaks in Europe dominated.
READ ARTICLE
Guests Spend £348 On Average to Attend A Wedding, Says Expert
Wedding guests across the UK are spending hundreds of pounds just to attend a single wedding, with new research revealing the growing financial strain placed on friends and family. Research* commissioned by The Insurance Emporium, conducted by Censuswide, has revealed among people who have attended a wedding in the last five years shows that guests spend £348 on average to attend a wedding - with costs rising even higher in major cities. The wedding insurance specialist's findings reveal that 72% of guests now say attending weddings has become a financial burden, while 38.2% admit they have felt pressured to overspend in order to attend.
READ ARTICLE
Divided down the aisle: The UK’s feelings on the most controversial wedding choices uncovered
Weddings bring with them lots of excitement, joy and happiness, but couples also often face the added challenge of trying to balance their personal wishes and preferences with the opinions of their guests. From who qualifies for a plus one to how much to spend on an engagement ring, new research conducted by Pandora UK has uncovered the nation's true feelings about the most divisive wedding decisions¹. Pandora has also enlisted wedding expert and events director at The Post Barn, Daisy Bradley to share advice on the best ways to handle tricky decisions with guests.