Quirkiness, comfort and history prevail in this delightful East Sussex pub. Not only can you drop in for a drink or something delicious to eat, you can also stay over in one of their eccentrically decorated rooms or lodges, and appreciate one of the most unusual – and welcoming – places to stay in the entire region. It's comfy, contemporary and unique, run by people who've put their stamp on a historic country inn that dates back to the late 16th century, but is as full of life as it ever was.
Above all, The Bell in Ticehurst is a great village pub – cosy and comfortable, with plenty of beams and battered sofas, bare boards and faded rugs, open fires and candlelight, and an invitingly long, well-stocked bar. It's mischievous and quirky too, with bowler hat light fittings, coat hooks fashioned from cutlery, a tower of books forming a twisted column by the bar, and even a Banksy hanging in the hall. Have a look too at the tubas in place of urinals in the gents’ loos (sadly the ladies’ are nowhere near as much fun).
Where is The Bell in Ticehurst located?
Situated on the Kent and East Sussex border, The Bell is at the heart of the charming village of Ticehurst, take junction 5 off the M25 onto the A21. A perfect base for exploring the wonderful surrounding countryside or the quirky towns of Royal Tunbridge Wells, Rye and Hastings, all around half an hour’s drive away.
There are plenty of National Trust properties close by, from Bateman's House - where Rudyard Kipling lived - to Scotney Castle and Gardens, Bodiam Castle - a 12th Century castle in a moat - and Sissinghurst House and Gardens, the former home of Vita Sackville-West. These are all within a 30 minute drive.
Just five minutes away you will find Pashley Manor Gardens. 11 acres of beautiful vistas – the culmination of a lifetime of passion for gardening. Historic walled garden, striking sculptures, kitchen garden … then, of course, the plants! Tulips, rose, dahlias and more in abundance.
The Art Bunch - They are so lucky to have such a creative florist in their village. Andrea has a great eye and is one of their favourite florists for weddings. It is Andrea they turn to when guests request in-room flowers.
What cuisine is on offer at The Bell in Ticehurst?
Their menus change with the seasons and availability of locally sourced fresh ingredients. Instantly comfortable and welcoming but far from usual.
There is something so satisfying about complementing a great meal with the perfect liquid accompaniment. They could talk about wine and beer until the cows come home, which is about dark o’clock around there.
As you enjoy their hospitality they are suggesting a discretionary donation of 50p per table to be donated to a local charity. The Bell will match every donation to help support local communities.
Other Information
Above the pub, the seven stylish guest rooms are equally eccentric, with rustic king or super-king beds with comfy handmade mattresses, antique mirrors and unusual bedside lamps. One is a suite on two levels and has a sofa bed for extra guests; a couple of the others have deep copper baths, while they all have en-suite bathrooms with bespoke toiletries, homemade cookies, Freeview TVs, good WiFi, tea- and coffee-making facilities – and dogs are welcome. In addition to the rooms, the pub also boasts four garden lodge suites, which have mezzanine floors, huge baths and their own terraces, wood burners and fire pits.
The rooms and lodges are so homely and there's so much going on at The Bell that it can be hard to leave. As well as regular live music, they offer painting, calligraphy and crafting courses throughout the year – yet another reason to book a room here. But the surrounding countryside is beautiful too – easy to explore on bike or by way of numerous local footpaths – and there are lots of local attractions and things to do, including the woodland paths and activities at nearby Bedgebury, watersports at Bewl Water and Rudyard Kipling's home at Bateman's, now part of the National Trust.
