Well Intentioned: A Winter Wellness Guide to Sussex

This vast luxury hotel sits within 93 acres (38ha) of stroll-worthy gardens and woodland on the border of South Downs National Park. A wellness weekend here could include zumba and spin classes, bamboo-cane massages and a dip in a steamy outdoor hydrotherapy pool, followed by a deep night’s sleep in a four-poster decked out with lavender-scented pillows. There are three noteworthy restaurants, but Botanica is the best for light, feel-good grub: think poached peaches with granola and pistachio falafel salad.

On crisp, cold winter days when the sky burns blue, nothing beats a coastal walk. Most beaches in Sussex are pebbly, but Camber Sands is a sandy delight backed by a warren of windswept dunes. The beach can be reached on foot from the quaint little town of Rye, via a scenic off-road trail – save time for a pint at the ancient Mermaid Inn on your return.

With tennis courts, fitness classes galore and two heated pools, this seaside bolthole in Climping is a dreamy spot to work out and chill out. The place is only 100 years old, but looks positively medieval – many of the characterful rooms have roll-top baths, vaulted ceilings and plump four-poster beds. Don’t miss the Sussex barn-style spa – sleep-inducing massages take place on waterbed treatment tables. If weather allows, blow away the cobwebs on a walk along Climping Beach.

Art lovers are well catered for at this National Trust-owned stately home. English romantic painter JMW Turner was a regular visitor, and a number of his paintings – including some of the estate itself – hang around the house. The 700-acre (280ha) park, open 365 days a year, is home to England’s largest herd of fallow deer. In Petworth town, you’ll find cobblestone streets lined with antique shops and cosy pubs with roaring open fires.

There’s a long list of feel-good activities on offer at this historic sporting estate, from sunset yoga and guided forest walks to adrenaline-pumping flying lessons and vintage-car test drives. If that all sounds too much, you can always stick to the spa. Be sure to book well in advance to secure a room, as well as a table at the sustainable restaurant, Farmer, Butcher, Chef.

There’s something about the hushed tones and self-reflection that come with visiting a church that calms the soul. But St Augustine’s Centre in Brighton goes a step further, having shed its ecclesiastical role to become a welcoming wellbeing centre for all. The spirit-lifting studio within – lit by Himalayan salt lamps – is run by Space Yoga and hosts classes suitable for all abilities, as well as sound baths and breath workshops.

Pull on your wellies and go for a wintry stroll around Swanbourne Lake’s 2.2mi (3.5km) walking trail, found on the forested edge of the South Downs. A sweet reward for your efforts awaits in the Grade II-listed tearooms. Treat yourself to traditional English afternoon tea, including fruit scones and finger sandwiches, or tackle a wedge of lemon and blueberry cake, along with a white hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.

Doing good feels good – so why not do your bit to save the planet from more single-use plastic while you stock up on sweet treats and self-care products? This zero-waste shop in Hove has everything from kitchen cupboard essentials and household cleaning products to artisan candles and organic chocolate. For extra brownie points (and endorphins), you could always do a two-minute beach clean on the shingle beach, a 15-minute walk away.