The UK?s countryside provides a picturesque backdrop for corporate events with a difference. Molly Dyson travels into the woods to visit one property that has a lot to offer
Ashdown Park Hotel is nestled in the Ashdown Forest, famous for being the inspiration behind the Hundred Acre Wood, home to the characters of AA Milne?s Winnie the Pooh stories. As soon as my partner and I arrive, a concierge retrieves our bags and guides us to reception, then waits until we?re checked in to show us to our room. I?m glad of his help, as the venue has maintained the labyrinth of hallways typical of older buildings.
Our room is a testament to Elite Hotels? aim to modernise its properties without losing any historical charm. The high ceiling makes the space feel bigger than it already is, while the huge original windows let in plenty of light. The d?cor is simple, yet elegant and matches the atmosphere of the venue perfectly. I immediately fall in love with the plush mattress and pillows, while my companion finds the occasional chairs irresistibly comfortable.
Convenient storage gives us plenty of room to put away our clothing, while a desk offers the ideal place to get some work done while I?m there. In the bathroom, we find luxurious Molton Brown toiletries and a deep tub that doubles as a shower. The only thing that dampens our relaxation is the thin wall dividing our room and the next, where a gathering proves to be a bit too noisy for our liking. However, the front desk is more than happy to intervene and secures us some peace and quiet.
Outside, my partner and I follow the sounds of shotguns to find a range of activities available for us. We?re not too keen on clay pigeon-shooting, so we try our hand at archery. I watch him do a fantastic job for his first time and proceed to make him look like a pro by missing the target with almost every arrow.
My confidence is boosted when we discover a quad-biking safari, where it?s revealed that I?m fairly good at driving, despite the muddy conditions. Although it only lasts about 10 minutes, the journey takes us through the woods and into a large field, where we?re encouraged to speed up in order to achieve lift-off over a bump in the track. By the time we arrive back at the checkpoint our boots are caked in mud, but we?re all smiling. Luckily, there?s warming cups of tea and coffee on offer to take away the chill.
One of the hotel?s many attractions is the presence of nature. Thanks to its links with a nearby farm, we?re given the chance to pet some incredibly soft llamas and learn a bit about the animals. On the second day of our visit, the Hawking Centre puts on an impressive falconry display and we find a pond full of colourful koi fish when we venture out to explore the grounds.
In the evening, my partner and I are invited to join other guests at a black-tie gala dinner at the venue?s Richard Towneley suite. We snack on delicious canap?s and sip champagne before moving into the impressive dining area, which used to serve as the former mansion?s chapel. The stunning stained-glass windows provide the perfect backdrop to a performance by Too Darn Hot, a group of West End regulars who make use of the original pipe organ during a rendition of The Phantom of the Opera.
Dinner starts with a smoked salmon terrine followed by a juicy, tender fillet of beef accompanied by roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Each course is served with a complementary wine, while dessert ? a creative mix of rich mousse and fruity jelly contained in a hollow ball of chocolate ? is offered with tea and coffee. Despite feeling fairly full, my partner and I still manage to help ourselves to a small portion of the cheese board that comes around later in the evening.
In the true spirit of Winnie the Pooh and his fellow furry characters, Ashdown Park provides a quiet and quaint location for corporate retreats of all types.
Ashdown Park Hotel, Wych Cross, Nr Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5JR; 01342 824988, ashdownpark.com. Room rates start from ?240 a night
