South Lodge, an Exclusive Hotel & Spa

South Lodge – The Camellia Restaurant at South Lodge

Overview

Tucked into the gentle hills of Lower Beeding, just three miles south of Horsham in West Sussex, South Lodge is a country house hotel and spa that combines Victorian grandeur with modern eco-luxury. As part of the Exclusive Collection, the hotel is especially popular with couples, food lovers and spa-goers seeking a lavish yet relaxed escape. The Camellia Restaurant at South Lodge is the culinary heart of the estate, acclaimed locally for its blend of elegant service and boldly seasonal British cooking. The grounds stretch over 90 acres, inviting guests to linger for more than a night—though just one visit is often enough to dazzle.

Eat

The Camellia Restaurant at South Lodge boasts two AA Rosettes, testament to its assured Modern British cooking. The kitchen team works closely with Sussex farmers and sources fruit, vegetables and herbs from the hotel's own walled garden, with menus anchored in the region’s changing seasons. Dishes are composed with skillful balance, highlighting classic techniques as well as contemporary twists—a Sunday lunch at Camellia is an event in its own right. Menus showcase local meats, just-dug vegetables, and creative accompaniments, such as whipped Brighton Blue cheese with pickled pear or South Downs lamb with heritage carrots and fresh mint. The wine list offers a mix of established favourites and English sparkling wines. Expect informed yet approachable service, polished without formality, making the dining room feel both special and warmly welcoming.

Sleep

Rooms at South Lodge range from individually designed classic bedrooms to indulgent suites and new lakeside eco-lodges. Interiors riff on the building's Victorian heritage but are updated with crisp linens, calming hues, and high-spec bathrooms—many with deep soaking tubs or statement copper baths. The latest eco-lodges bring contemporary comfort, private terraces, and views of water or woodland, perfect for those after a more secluded retreat. Families and pet owners are well looked after, and there’s ample parking. South Lodge’s inviting rooms and restful setting suit guests planning a slow-paced weekend with plenty of time to unwind.

Retreat

Leisure is a highlight at South Lodge. Guests can slip away for treatments in the spa, enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools, or try wild swimming in the estate’s natural lake. For fresh air, walk straight out into the landscaped grounds or explore the nearby South Downs Way, which is ideal for gentle country walks. Horsham’s market town, with indie shops and a twice-weekly market, is a 10-minute drive. South Lodge is around an hour from central London by car or train (via Horsham), making it a hassle-free escape for a gourmet break. If the weather turns, curling up by the fire with afternoon tea or a book is just as appealing as a swim in the hydrotherapy pool.