Magical Christmas stays at South Lodge

Imagine waking up on Christmas morning, acres and acres of the serene South Downs outside your window. Your very own Christmas tree, plus a little gift, from us, twinkles in the corner. Father Christmas awaits the little ones downstairs, ready to greet them before heading back to the North Pole. And the scent of pine and cloves from the beautifully decorated hotel fills the air, followed by freshly cooked breakfast whipped up by our chefs.

This is Christmas at South Lodge, a country retreat where everyone is welcome (even the dog).

The festivities start the moment you arrive. Settle down to a glass of spiced mulled wine and fresh mince pies in front of our roaring wood fire in reception. Kids are very welcome to let loose – we’ve got homemade mini gingerbread cookies, sweet treats, and drinks just for them too.

And on Christmas Eve, a local choir will be filling our halls with festive classics.

Then there’s the dining. Forget long hours in the kitchen cooking and cleaning, our award-winning teams are here to create a delectable array of dishes. When you’re not eating (or opening presents), take advantage of our grounds, family games room and cinema room that will satiate any appetite for festive films.

It wouldn’t be a stay at South Lodge without a visit to our award-winning spa, so we’re keeping it open every day throughout your stay. There’ll be allocated splash times in our pools for children, as well as plenty of time for adults to enjoy a bit of peace and quiet.

And our treatment rooms will be waiting to help you unwind, relax, and indulge in some much-needed R&R or pampering.

12pm

We welcome you to arrive from midday to get settled in your room and relax into your new home for Christmas.

5.30pm

Join us for a sparkling drinks reception and the seasonal atmosphere from our local choir.

From 6.30pm

Take your seat for a three-course welcome dinner with wine in Camellia or Botanica or experience a sumptuous seven-course menu in The Pass*. Don’t forget to stop by reception with your little ones before their bedtime. We’ll have carrots, mince pies and milk to collect, ready for the arrival of Santa and his reindeer.

Transport to midnight mass is available for those who wish to attend (pre-booking required). We’ll welcome you back to the hotel with a warming drink and midnight nibbles before you head off to bed.

*£80 supplement per person

Christmas Eve

We’re all about getting you into the Christmas spirit as soon as you arrive at South Lodge. After a tasty glass of mulled wine and a mince pie when you check in, you’ll be welcomed to your room or suite with your very own Christmas tree, where we’ve kept a little decorating back for you to enjoy in your home away from home.

In the evening, enjoy a glass of fizz and the magical voices of a local choir performing, before taking your seat for the delicious dinner of your choice. And if you choose to head to midnight mass, we’ll be sure to welcome you back with hot toddies and mince pies before you tiptoe off to bed.

Christmas Day

Can you feel it? The excitement, the anticipation, the warm, fuzzy feeling of spending a special day with your loved ones? Today is the day to really relax, and let our busy elves create the perfect Christmas day. Enjoy your choice of breakfast, an appearance from Father Christmas, and our Christmas lunch feast that will leave bellies full and content. Walk it off in our grounds, curl up with a book in front of the fire, or grab a warming cup of tea while you sit down to the King’s Speech.

When evening falls, enjoy a relaxed buffet, take yourselves off with a couple of board games, or test your seasonal knowledge by joining us for our Christmas quiz.

8am

Wake up to your very own stocking, filled with gifts. Choose between a traditional English breakfast in Camellia or wander along to Botanica where you can enjoy a more relaxed offering. Or if you want to stay in bed a little longer, we’ll be more than happy to deliver breakfast in bed.

From 12.30pm

For those joining us from the 24th for two nights, follow your noses to Christmas carvery lunch with all the trimmings in the South Downs wing. If you’re staying with us for three nights, take your seat in Camellia for a luxury set menu. A glass of bubbles and half a bottle of wine are included.

3pm

Time for tea. Join us to watch the King’s Speech. or find a cosy nook to curl up with a book.

7pm

Sit down to the spread of all spreads. Our evening buffet will be bursting with light delicious treats and wine for those who want more, followed by an interactive Christmas quiz