Hotel, Conference center, Coworking space, Event venue, Modern European restaurant, Pub, Restaurant
Crafted at Powdermills
Lakes and woodland surround this boutique country hotel outside Battle, where guests swim in the lake, sweat in a lakeside sauna, play padel and eat in a pub set beside the outdoor pool.
The story
The house became a hotel in 1976, when the Government bought Battle Abbey, and around 50 years later it reopened as Crafted at Powdermills. Rooms are creatively decorated, some looking across the water, and the mood is relaxed, with music in the background and a team that hires locally. Breakfast draws on produce from the hotel's own kitchen garden, and the pub serves dishes like fish and chips, burgers and dark chocolate mousse. Most of the day revolves around the lake: kayaking, swimming, forest walks and hot and cold plunges after the sauna. Two padel courts host games and lessons, there is a gym, and drinks are served in the Green Room bar. Dogs are welcome, and the hotel is just over an hour from London by direct train.
Good to know
TAGGG AI- ✦Activities such as the hot tub and kayaking need to be booked in advance rather than used on arrival.
- ✦A shuttle bus runs from Battle station, making a car-free trip from London easy; book the transfer ahead.
- ✦Dogs are welcome in the rooms, and the lakeside paths make for shaded dog walks on warm days.