A season of sparkle at The Grand Eastbourne and Ashdown Park

Elite Hotels boasts three distinctive, privately-owned hotels including two magnificent Sussex properties, each with enchanting appeal and remarkable surroundings. The Grand Hotel and Ashdown Park have recently unveiled a seasonal selection of winter gatherings, overnight escapes, and whimsical house parties for December 2025.

THE GRAND HOTEL, EASTBOURNE

Come Christmas, The White Palace transforms into a festive haven unlike any other. As one of the UK’s select five-star hotels right on the seafront, The Grand Hotel Eastbourne blends classic charm with contemporary luxury. Expect sumptuous rooms, award-winning dining, premier wellness amenities, and stunning vistas of the Sussex coastline.

The Christmas House Party Experience
The Grand Hotel’s four-night House Party begins on Tuesday 23 December. Highlights include:

On 23 December: Enjoy Afternoon Tea with the enchanting Shelley van Loen and the Palm Court Strings, followed by dinner set to the lively sounds of the Simon Goodwin Band.

On Christmas Eve: A guided tasting with the Cellar Master, a Scandinavian buffet lunch, and Afternoon Tea paired with a fun quiz where the winner takes home a Fortnum & Mason hamper. The evening continues with champagne and canapés alongside St Mary’s choir, finishing with dinner and live music from the Co-stars Band.

On Christmas Day: After breakfast and opening gifts, stroll to the Bandstand for Christmas morning music. Sip Champagne before a buffet lunch, then relax with sandwiches, cake, and piano tunes while watching the King’s speech. Finish with Champagne and a black-tie four-course dinner, accompanied by the Simon Goodwin Band.

On Boxing Day: After a Best of British Buffet Lunch in the Garden Room, relax with snooker, table tennis and board games. Later, unwind with a light afternoon tea in the lounges. In the evening, sip Champagne and canapés before a black-tie Gala Dinner and live music from the Co-Stars Band in the Chatsworth Lounge.

Prices from £1,435 pp (two adults sharing a Classic Bedroom) for four nights’ full-board, from 23 to 27 December. Children from £460 each (under 2s stay free) when sharing their parents’ room.

Make the most of your time in Eastbourne over Christmas
- Get your skates on with a visit to Eastbourne’s Ice Rink
- A traditional pantomime: Peter Pan at The Devonshire Park Theatre
- Eastbourne Bandstand: festive favourites on Christmas Day and Boxing Day

To book, or for further information, click HERE, or call 01323 412345.

ASHDOWN PARK HOTEL & COUNTRY CLUB

Tucked away in 186 acres of enchantment - imagine mirror-like lakes, hidden gardens, and meandering woodland trails - Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club is a 19th century gem in the heart of Ashdown Forest, the very landscape that sparked A.A. Milne’s whimsical world of Winnie-the-Pooh. With top-tier hospitality, indulgent rooms, an award-winning restaurant, and a fabulous spa, it’s a magical setting for a Christmas escape that feels straight out of a storybook.

The Christmas House Party Experience
Ashdown Park’s three-night House Party begins on Wednesday 24 December. Highlights include:

On Christmas Eve: Afternoon Tea is served in the drawing rooms, ideal for unwinding. Later, enjoy Champagne, canapés, and carols in the Front Hall before dinner in the Anderida Restaurant. End the night with Midnight Mass - either televised with hot toddies and mince pies, or in person at Holy Trinity Church.

On Christmas Day: Wake to Santa’s surprises, then ease into Christmas with breakfast and a wander through the woods, a board game by the fire, or a book on the sofa. Mulled wine, mince pies, and festive treats await in the Lounges all day. From midday, enjoy a lavish buffet in the Richard Towneley Suite, with jazz and stained glass for atmosphere. Later, join the estate Treasure Hunt or unwind before Champagne, canapés, and a four-course feast in the Anderida Restaurant.

On Boxing Day: Spend the morning outdoors with classic Country Pursuits - clay pigeon shooting, archery, and falconry - or enjoy a peaceful walk or swim at the Country Club. A sumptuous buffet lunch awaits in the Richard Towneley Suite, followed by the General Manager’s Quiz and tea with hot crumpets in the lounges. As evening falls, sip Champagne and canapés before a gourmet dinner, then try your luck at the Fun Casino with live jazz to close the day.

Prices from £1,250 pp (two adults sharing a Classic Bedroom) for three nights’ full-board, from 24 to 27 December. Children from £225 each (under 2s stay free) when sharing their parents’ room.

Make the most of your time in East Sussex over Christmas
- Tulley's Farm Christmas Experience
- The gardens and lake are transformed into a winter wonderland at Hever Castle 
- Bluebell Railway’s magical steam train, adorned with thousands of colourful lights

To book, or for further information, click HERE, or call 01342 824 988.