The Old Railway Station is a bed and breakfast hotel that also does afternoon teas…read more
The railway line at Petworth closed in the 1960s, and the building quickly became derelict. It was fully restored at the end of the 20th century, and is listed as an historical building of interest, as an unusual example of a classic station design executed entirely in wood.
Two of the bedrooms are located within the main building, and are more spacious. However, most people opt to stay in one of the old Pullman carriages, which are parked alongside the old platforms. These provide a unique accommodation experience.
We stayed in the upper station room, accessed by a spiral staircase, which was both very spacious and very well appointed. The en-suite bathroom has a large walk-in shower, and plenty of space to put wash bags etc (joy). The bed can be configured as two single beds or a very large double, and was very comfortable. The bedlinen was also very good quality (great pillows). The room was spotlessly clean. Light sleepers might find the noise from the adjacent road a little irritating first thing in the morning, but it did not bother us. We paid £150 per night B&B for two.
Check in (in the old ticket office) is limited normally to the mid afternoon/early evening, but there is a caretaker member of staff on site during through the night. Check-out is by 11am on the day of departure.
It can be a little tricky to find, particularly if it is dark: the access road runs from the end of the adjacent Badgers pub, on the A285 two miles south of Petworth, but there are no street lamps. There is parking on gravel in front of the hotel. A nice touch was the key-ring with a powerful torch on it, which made walking to the adjacent pub for an evening meal straightforward.
Breakfast (and afternoon tea) is served in the former waiting room, which has been lovingly restored and is very impressive. It is decorated with prints of trains and the station in earlier times, as well as items of railway memorabilia. We chose the full English breakfast (one vegetarian, one standard) which was excellent. You are asked to provide your choice is the day before, and your choice of breakfast slot: everything is then prepared freshly to order. This included cereals, fruit, fresh orange juice, toast, croissant and preserves, and the cooked breakfasts itself.
In the summer, you can enjoy tea on the platform. This area of the former trackbed has been turned into a lush garden. At night, the absence of artificial light means that, if you get clear skies, you get an excellent view of the night sky - great for stargazing.
Staff were extremely welcoming and friendly throughout. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble. We would happily recommend it.