About Hotel Built in 1884 and situated deep in the beautiful Sussex countryside, Highley Manor lies in its own estate covering 7.5 acres of landscape gardens and woodland. Highley Manor is steeped in history, in 1669 "The Manor" became the home of the Shelly family and romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelly moved to Highley from nearby Field Place in the early 19th Century. Towards the end of the 19th Century Highley fell into disuse and was eventually demolished and the present building erected in its place. However in the high living 1920's it achieved most of its fame and notoriety. The exiled king of Portugal took over the Manor from time to time and guests would be entertained by a young Sybil Thorndike. Rumour has it that Edward Prince of Wales, the uncrowned Edward VIII, entertained Mrs Simpson at Highley. During World War II Highley was used as a base for the Canadian army but later it was lovingly restored by its present owner Mr Bruce Stewart and is now a beautiful country house hotel which acts as a wonderful reminder of the rich history which surrounds Highley Manor. Bridal Suite One of the unique features of the Highley service is that the Manor is your home for the Great Day. Your guests may also stay over if they wish in one of our 19 bedrooms at your disposal. Highley is an exclusive service and can be tailored to your every need. Therefore the same beautiful rooms available as conference facilities interchange as reception and banqueting areas for your wedding. In addition, you can actually have the ceremony performed at Highley in the former Shelly family chapel, register the wedding in the Poet's Room, have a marquee erected on the lawns and photographs taken against historic backdrops. Conferences Highley Manor has five different areas for corporate functions, with full flexibility to adapt to changing numbers of participants and varying seating configurations. The lovely light Shelly and Thorndike rooms can be booked as one space, or can be closed by oak doors. French windows open out to spectacular views, stone terraces and landscaped gardens. A marble Adam fireplace compliments the grand chandeliers and between the two of them, these conference rooms can accommodate 130 people comfortably. A smaller facility, evocatively known as Poet's Room hosts confidential meetings (or very particular parties) for around 10 people, while the Baronial Hall can seat 65 delegates. This was once the Shelly family's private chapel and with its wood panelling and high vaulted ceiling, is redolent with historic atmosphere. Naturally, the Highley corporate concept is to provide that very special meeting environment in which special attention to detail and flawless service will ensure that your event will prosper.