Winston Churchill, known as a war strategist and former Prime Minister, was also a hotel connoisseur. During his leadership years, he often retreated to the countryside. Before settling at Chartwell House in Kent, he frequently visited South Lodge Hotel in Horsham, a 93-acre estate with Victorian architecture and the UK's largest rhododendron.
Once a private residence of the Godman family, South Lodge is now a five-star hotel with a wild swimming lake, spa treatments, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. A recent overnight stay in Churchill's favoured room, the Elizabeth Le Bay room, revealed why he loved it.
The Elizabeth Le Bay Room
The Elizabeth Le Bay room is reportedly Churchill's favourite. Hotel documents in the lobby note a long-held belief that Churchill stayed at South Lodge during the war, with a lift taking him directly to this first-floor room. The claim has been questioned by those with strong memories of the house during the war.
A staff member said: "Churchill stayed here when it was a private residence and spent weekends here with friends." The room features a pink-coral theme, a James Bond-esque walk-in wardrobe, a fireplace with floral tiles, a settee, double bed, his and her sinks, and three televisions, one by the bathtub.
Stunning Views and Spa
The most incredible feature is the calming view of the estate grounds with South Down National Park in the background. The tranquil vista likely provided Churchill with a sense of peace amid global chaos.
After admiring the nature, a visit to the spa included a vitality pool with hydrotherapy, an indoor swimming pool, and a wild swimming pond. The website mentions a serene wild swimming lake, but directions to it were not found.
Dining at Botanica
The hotel's Billiard bar features floor-to-ceiling wooden panels and timber framing. The drinks menu lacked draft beer, so a Guinness microdraught, whisky, and wine were ordered instead.
Dinner at Botanica, a Mediterranean-inspired dairy-free restaurant, offered plant-based options. A crab meat pate starter, roasted pork with mashed chickpea and beans, and a mille feuille dessert were enjoyed. Starters are around £10, mains £20 to £25.
The roast pork was cooked to perfection with crispy skin and succulent meat, though the mixed beans and chickpeas were filling.
More to Explore
South Lodge offers spa packages and up to 30% off bed and breakfast stays until September 6. On October 3, Ella Foote, editor of Outdoor Swimming Magazine, will host an event on mindful swimming.
A hotel staff suggested exploring the grounds, saying: "All these plants, the Godman family, they planted them here. You could spend hours out there because there's so much to see."
The stay in Churchill's favoured room was amazing, echoing his words: "My tastes are simple: I am easily satisfied with the best."
