Hotel Review: Tinwood Estate, Sussex

By JESSICA CARROLL FOR YOU MAGAZINE

Published: 17:09 BST, 29 April 2025 | Updated: 17:09 BST, 29 April 2025

Nestled in the Sussex countryside, at the base of the scenic South Downs, lies Tinwood Estate. Spread across 110 acres, the family-owned vineyard (specialising in sparkling wine) is also home to eight artfully designed lodges for tranquil overnight stays.

Rooms and Facilities

Each lodge is tucked away with unobscured views across the vineyard, making you feel as if you’ve been transported to the grounds of an isolated French chateau.

With more than enough space for a couple (plus a dog if you so wish), the lodges have been beautifully designed with an extra-large king size bed looking out across a private decked terrace, as well as a two-person jacuzzi bath, walk-in shower, Nespresso machine and a fully-stocked wine fridge.

While it’s hard to imagine wanting to leave your lodge, the vineyard also has a sauna on-site and offers free access to mountain bikes with which you can ride around the local countryside.

Tinwood Estate

Food and Drink

No stay at Tinwood would be complete without tasting the award-winning sparkling wine made from the grapes grown at the estate. Situated close to the sea and with chalk levels similar to those found in certain areas of France, the wines share many characteristics to those made in the Champagne region. Glasses (or bottles!) can be purchased at the Tinwood Kitchen, and are also stocked in each lodge’s mini fridge.

The Tinwood Kitchen also offers small plates, thoughtfully created to be paired with the wines on offer, and change with the season. Where possible, everything is made with fresh, local ingredients.

The real highlight of the stay, however, has got to be the food hampers, which you can have delivered to your lodge. A continental breakfast hamper is included in every stay, and you have the option to purchase a delicious three-course dinner hamper for your evening meal. The menu changes regularly, incorporating fresh, in-season produce. It’s a really luxurious touch, and means you can cosy up in your lodge and watch the sun set behind the vineyard while you eat.

Tinwood Estate

Hotel Highlights

Make sure you book onto a vineyard tour and wine tasting during your stay at Tinwood. For £21 per person, a member of the team will show you around the vineyard, sharing the story of Tinwood Estate and its wine making process. You are then brought to the Tasting Room (or, on a sunny day, the outdoors deck), where you’ll have three glasses of sparkling wine to taste. The knowledgeable and friendly team will share their tips on how to get the most out of the wine tasting, as well as suggest food pairings for each wine.

Tinwood Estate

What to do nearby

Situated in the middle of the beautiful Sussex countryside, there is plenty to do nearby. On a sunny day, take the on-site bikes for a cycle around the local area, or go for a walk along the Halnaker Windmill Trail. The route (which takes just under two hours) will take you past Priory ruins, an old Roman road, WW2 pillboxes, picture-perfect villages, and culminates at the windmill on Halnaker Hill with stunning 360 degree views.

Alternatively, on days when the weather isn’t so nice, you can take a short bus ride to Chichester city centre for a day of shopping, or pop into Goodwood House for a historic tour.

Tinwood Estate

Best for

A romantic weekend getaway for two.

Prices start from £235 for a lodge stay with breakfast. Book at https://www.tinwoodestate.com/