“I cycled 60 miles across Sussex – here’s how it helped me wind down and reset”

When you take some much-needed time out to unwind and reset, what’s your first port of call? A lengthy bubbly bath or a stroll around your closest green space? Or, for those that are partial to a more rigorous pampering session, perhaps a weekend away somewhere sunny? Whatever your fix, I can guarantee you one thing: cycling your way across south-east England probably isn’t how you’d choose to get the job done.

And yet, I’m here to tell you that a three-day cycling tour across Sussex was the perfect antidote to soothe my weary mind and body. Although the tour is usually three nights and four days, my three days and 2 nights were more than satisfactory. The best part? It’s just a 40-minute train ride from London. So, if you’re among the 72% of Brits favouring staycations over international travel this summer to get your self-care kicks, listen up.

When it comes to taking care of my body and mind, I relish the opportunity to spoil myself. But as an easily bored child that’s grown into an equally restless adult, finding the perfect mix of excitement, entertainment and indulgence can be difficult. But the Cycle Electric Sussex package created by Historic Sussex Hotels – in collaboration with Cycling for Softies, a brand offering luxurious cycling holidays and priding themselves on embodying ‘linen over lycra’ –  nailed it.

After arriving at Haywards Heath from London Waterloo, we pulled up to Ockenden Manor, a statuesque Elizabethan manor house with serious countryside charm, where we were shown to our rooms. I had the pleasure of staying in Raymond – complete with a ridiculously comfortable four-poster bed, two very cosy armchairs and a grand bathroom with a tub and twin sinks – one of 28 luxurious bedrooms set among eight acres of glorious private gardens overlooking Cuckfield Park. After getting acquainted with my new quarters (and the homemade biscuits that came with them) it was time to meet my new BFF: the e-bike.

Now, if you shudder at the mere mention of exercise and can’t remember the last time you rode a bike, fear not. Riding an e-bike is as easy as, well… riding a bike. In fact, it’s easier than that. With four settings from ‘Eco’ to ‘Turbo’ to choose from, you can decide to do as much or as little of the leg work as you please. And in the name of self-care, I spent most of my time coasting on ‘Sport’ (the third setting) with a healthy dose of Turbo for any unruly hills.

Our first excursion was to the Artellium Wine Estate, a fusion of wine, art and nature owned by husband and wife duo Julie Bretland and Mark Collins, located just under a 10-mile cycle away from Ockenden. With picturesque views of the South Downs and a pretty bluebell walk bordering the clay-rich vineyard, you’d struggle not to score a photo-op here. And if you’re into your wines, this award-winning vineyard is a real treat – the Blanc Canvas Blanc de Blanc 2020 was my personal favourite. After a team tasting and a beautiful spread of local produce, it was time to head back to Ockenden for a date with the spa.

I did say I have a penchant for spoiling myself, and the Five Element Aroma Massage was 60 minutes of pure bliss. And if that wasn’t dreamy enough, I spent the rest of my spa time watching the sunset from the rooftop hot tub overlooking Cuckfield Park before heading off to get ready for dinner.

Set in an elegant drawing room that overlooks the terrace, Ockenden’s restaurant is a lesson in fine dining. With three courses done and dusted (smoked salmon, duck and cheesecake, in case you were wondering) it was off to bed for some shut-eye before the next day’s four-hour cycle from Ockenden Manor to Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa. 

It’s important to note that I wasn’t just using the whims of the wind to navigate my way around Sussex. The Ride with GPS smartphone app offers turn-by-turn instructions to help you cycle to the destination you desire. I was also guided by the lovely Cycling for Softies tour instructors, which isn’t the usual deal but can be arranged upon request.

Although I was apprehensive about the four-hour cycle, it flew by and it was surprisingly refreshing to be alone with my own thoughts. I tend to avoid alone time where possible, but facing my thoughts while riding through beautiful Sussex scenery was a welcome change from embarking on a mind-numbing social media scroll.

As much as I’d like to say that I cycled for four hours straight, we had a number of planned stops to refuel. First at a quaint al fresco café at the beginning of the South Downs path, then at Bramber Castle (a gorgeous spot for a picnic if the weather’s nice) and, lastly, at Shoreham for a picnic on the pebbled beach. From Shoreham, it was just an hour’s cycle to Bailiffscourt Hotel and Spa, a celebrity favourite (think the likes of Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson) where another stunning bedroom and luxurious spa awaited.

I didn’t think my room at Ockenden could be topped, but then I stepped into the Baylies suite. With a giant four-poster bed, working fireplace, twin tubs and a beautiful view out onto the courtyard and gardens beyond, it was certainly a room fit for a queen – an absolute must if you’re after a charming country escape for a special occasion. There’s even a resident peacock that roams the 30 acres of private parkland the hotel sits on – what could be more charming than that?

Echoing the style of a Sussex barn, the spa’s heated outdoor pool was the perfect place to clear my head before dinner. While taking care of your mental health often involves difficult things, such as therapy and journaling, sometimes a little bit of pampering is just as good for the soul.

And if your idea of winding down involves immersing yourself in a bit of history too, Bailiffscourt has plenty of it. The building was initially a holiday home for Lady Moyne’s family – pieces of historic buildings were transported across the country to create the mosaic of enchanting architecture that you can see today. If you manage to get a spot at the annual ‘Carols by Candlelight’ event held in the chapel, count yourself lucky – it’s rumoured to sell out every year.

Dinner was every bit as good as Ockenden Manor (probably because the menus were both created by the same acclaimed chef, Stephan Crane) as was the sleep. On the last morning of my three-day escape, full of buffet breakfast and exercise-induced endorphins, I can confidently say that I had a spring in my step. Despite cycling 60 miles, I felt fresh, happy and ready to enjoy the weekend. Some people might choose a tamer experience to fulfil their self-care needs, but the combination of adventure and luxury this break offered was just what my body needed to rest and reset.

The Cycle Electric Sussex package is a three-night tour curated to give you the perfect combination of luxury, adventure and fresh air. Whether you’re taking yourself on a solo date, travelling with the family, or booking a break for you and your bestie, it’s the perfect way to unwind, reset and relax. Prices start from £2,143. Bookable from 1 April to 31 October 2023. Terms and conditions apply.

Images: Shadé Owomoyela; Ockendon Manor