Hotel Snapshot
Initially opened as The White Horse in 2023, The Woodcote is a six-bedroom country restaurant in Sussex’s scenic South Downs National Park. The building existed as a village pub for over a hundred years prior to its renovation, and it now encapsulates a beautiful back terrace and front garden, as well as an outbuilding with the rooms. It was renamed in 2024 to emphasize its rebranding as a destination hotel and dining establishment. I visited in late February on an unusually sunny day, ideal weather for enjoying the serenity of The Woodcote’s pastoral setting. It’s the perfect place for an overnight weekend getaway from London and the onsite restaurant ensures you don’t have to venture far for dinner or breakfast.
Design & Character
The bar still embraces a snug pub-like feel, thanks in part to its historic fireplace and low ceilings. The restaurant is brighter, with windows overlooking the garden, and in the evenings it has an intimate, candle-lit elegance that reflects the food. The rooms are similarly polished, decorated with muted floral tones that bring surrounding nature inside. It feels remote, even though the hotel is minutes away from the charming local village of Petworth.
The Rooms
There are six guest rooms set in The Woodcote’s former cowsheds, each with its own unique décor and selection of antique pieces. The vibe is understated countryside elegance, emphasizing comfort and serenity. Several offer private terraces that overlook the South Downs hills and one of the rooms is dog friendly. The beds are particularly comfortable, with 600-thread count sheets and the addition of cozy blankets, and there’s an welcome sense of quiet that pervades the spaces.
The Food & Drink
The Woodcote’s intimate restaurant is helmed by chef Matt Gillan, who celebrates local and seasonal ingredients in the dishes. The focus is on British, farm-to-fork food, which is apparent throughout the dinner menu, which evolves based on the time of year. Expect British catch like crab and monkfish and meat like venison and U.K.-reared beef. The vibe is elegant but laid-back, making it ideal for a nice evening out. In the front, there’s a well-kept bar with extremely good cocktails, including those of non-alcoholic variety. Breakfast is served for hotel guests and features a generous serving of pastries as well as a cooked dish. In the summer, an outdoor coffee cart will serve pastries, coffee and tea, and the Sunday roast menu will switch to a BBQ offering.
The Amenities
The Woodcote is an intimate hotel, but the rooms are replete with amenities to ensure your comfort. The snacks and soft drinks in the minibar are complimentary, and there’s a Nespresso machine with Grind coffee pods, as well as a selection of Tea Brew Company tea. Wildsmith toiletries are a luxe touch, as are the plush hooded robes and the heated floors.
Location and Neighborhood Recs
The adjacent town of Petworth is home to the historic Petworth House and Park, and it’s also known for its array of antique shops, which are well worth a peruse. South Downs National Park offers hiking and walking trails, as well as attractions like Weald & Downland Living Museum and Amberley Museum. Sussex is replete with wineries, many of which are within driving distance of The Woodcote. More ambitious travelers can venture to the seaside—Brighton and Hove are an hour south by car.
Fast Facts
Location: Graffham, West Sussex, England
Address: Woodcote Lane, Graffham, Petworth GU28 0NT
Rating: N/A
Starting Rate: £200 (bed and breakfast)
Room Count: Six
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The peace and quiet
Amenities: Complimentary minibar, Nespresso machine, butler service, Wildsmith toiletries, Dyson hairdryers
Nearby Attractions: South Downs National Park, Petworth House and Park, Weald & Downland Living Museum
Airport: London Gatwick Airport (one hour by car)
Graffham, West Sussex, England
