The Black Horse

Just a short stroll from its sister property, Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa, The Black Horse is a 17th-century village pub with a colourful past as a smugglers' inn and a splendid new lease of life. Part of the family-owned Historic Sussex Hotels collection, the pub has been beautifully refurbished, retaining the character of the original building while introducing a handsome pewter-topped bar, open fires, cosy corners and the impressive oak-framed Ryebank restaurant.

The menu is built around British pub classics, seasonal ingredients and Sussex produce. House specialities include Climping beach fish pie and spicy Guinness and Sussex Charmer soup, with local ales and Sussex wines well represented on the drinks list.

Just a short distance from Climping's unspoilt beach, it's a lovely spot for lunch after a coastal walk or dinner by the fire. Dogs are welcome too.

Upstairs are seven beautifully appointed bedrooms, each individually styled. They're understandably popular so book well ahead if you're planning to stay.