If you?re looking for a weekend jolly, The Spread Eagle in Midhurst, West Sussex is the place to be, says Vicki Gavin
Nestled in the heart of the South Downs National Park, this charming hotel lies on the outskirts of Midhurst in West Sussex. The town has much to offer: from the magnificent history of Cowdray ruins, which played host to Elizabeth I and Henry VIII, through to quintessentially English tea rooms and coffee shops, as well as a number of independent shops and boutiques, ideal for an afternoon of retail therapy.
Midhurst is also home to the Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup, the premier polo tournament in the world. Held at Cowdray Park, the event, featuring a host of star players, draws aficionados of the sport from all over the globe.
Air of tranquility The hotel ? one of the oldest buildings in the town, dates back to 1430, when it served as a coaching inn ? is situated on a quiet side-street within easy walking distance of Midhurst town centre. Despite its proximity to the centre, it provides a haven of tranquillity, offering a feeling of calm and relaxation.

?One can almost sense the atmosphere of medieval banquets that must have once been held in the Jacobean Hall?

Guests enter through the beautiful conservatory ? an ideal spot for relaxing with a morning coffee and newspaper, or chatting over afternoon tea. Just to the left of the conservatory is the Jacobean Hall, where one can almost sense the atmosphere of medieval banquets that must have once been held the...