A Night in a Castle.

My partner was bought an overnight stay at Amberley Castle for his birthday so I thought I'd share with you what it was like. Set in the quant little village of Amberley, West Sussex, hidden from the main road, you will find the impressive Castle dating back to the 12th century. A small part of the structure are a Grade I listed building and this is where you'll find the hotel.

The drive up to the hotel has to be one of the most impressive and it almost feels like you shouldn't be driving in the way you do. You cross over a little wooden bridge with 2 ponds on either side, watch out for ducks crossing over! Once parked up, you walk past the Croquet Lawn, through the gate and the two towers. Down on your right you'll find the reception. A member of the staff rightly said, 'the hotel is the opposite of the Tardus' with its big imposing structure, the hotel is surprisingly small.

The hotel also has 6 white peacocks which unfortunately we didn't get to see as they come out in the middle of April. All the doors of the hotel have signs on them to remind people to close them so they don't come in!

The staff were all so friendly and helpful and once checked in, we were showed to our room. We stayed in the 'Bramber' room which was really lovely with exposed beams, squishy bed and lovely modern bathroom, complete with his and her sinks.

A short walk away past the Tennis Courts and Putting Green you get to the little village of Amberley with its amazing thatched and quant cottages. Walking though the village you barely see anyone let alone hear anyone. The only noise is the glider planes being pulled up over head and birds singing. Anyone you do pass is sure to say hello.

Having walked through the village, which only has one local shop, we stopped off at the Black Horse pub for a drink. The pub was very modern and well presented, with friendly staff and plenty of seating.

Back at the hotel, we started to get ready for our evening meal which was booked for 7.30. I had a bath in the longest, widest bath I've ever seen! My husband made a coffee with the rooms complimentary teas and coffees complete with tea pot and cups and saucers, so quant and so British.

We headed over to dinner early and had a drink in one of the two lounges. Now the drinks are ones to be sipped for a long time lol, my glass of Cranberry juice cost £5.00 but as a once in a lifetime stay, we didn't mind about the drink prices. Whilst waiting to be seated at 7.30 upstairs in the dining room, we were literally waited on hand and foot. In the lounge, they bring you drinks menus, and take your order for those, bring appetisers and also bring the food menu so you decide and order before going to the dining room.

Before heading up to the dining room, a member of staff handed me a cushion to take with me for my back at dinner which was so thoughtful and very comfy. Up in the restaurant which was decorated exactly how you would expect any castle to look, we were shown to our table, water poured for us and napkins placed in our laps, not something I have ever experiences before.

We then enjoyed a lovely meal with freshly made bread, amuse-bouche, starter and main. Every time a course is brought to the table we were told exactly what we were having and our water is refilled. All the staff were so friendly and professional.

The next morning, we headed to breakfast back in the dining room. Again we were greeted with a smile and shown to a table. We were offered tea, coffee, water and juice. Toast was brought to the table with a selection of jams, there was also a buffet full or pastries and we also had the choice to order off of the breakfast menu. So much choice!

It was a really lovely night away and I can now say I've stayed in a castle 😍.

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