East Grinstead is an old market town on the edge of the High Weald, steeped in medieval history and character. You will find an eclectic mix of medieval, Georgian, Regency, Victorian and Edwardian houses and cottages, along with more modern architecture.
The old High Street is one of the longest displays of 14th-century timber-framed buildings, medieval streets, independent shops, cosy old coaching inns, and coffee shops. Surrounded by quaint villages, open countryside, good schools and excellent transport links, this West Sussex town is a popular destination.
Local Life
There is a strong community spirit in East Grinstead no more so than in the High Street. Annual events bring the residents together like ‘the big reveal’ when local shopkeepers unveil their Christmas window displays. Pop along to the Fashion Basement, Broadley’s designer clothes store, Penny Farthing voted one of the top 100 inspiring independent jewellers, The Bookshop and for a little rest and relaxation visit The Retreatery. For entertainment Chequers Mead theatre offers a wide selection of shows and events to suit all tastes.
A few foodie favourites are Nest café, Mug Tree tea rooms, the Market Square Food & Wine Company for lunch and their delicious deli counter, London Road Bar & Grill and Nizam Indian Bar & Restaurant. For a cosy traditional pub visit the 15th century Old Dunnings Mill or a little further afield the Cat Inn or The Fox in the nearby picturesque village, West Hoathly. Gravetye Manor historic hotel boosts a Michelin Star restaurant set in acres of mature gardens to explore. Or for an extravagant treat visit Alexander House, a Jacobean manor house 5* hotel and spa at Turners Hill.
Explore the surrounding countryside at National Trust’s Standen house and gardens, Deers Leap Park where you can hire a mountain bike and explore miles of forest trails. Forest Way and Worth Way country parks for walking, cycling, horse riding. Or the 2000-acre Kingscote Valley with a trip to the Kingscote Estate for vineyard tours, wine shop, fishing and cookery classes. Ashdown Forest is just over 3 miles away and Weir woods and reservoir are located on the edge of the forest.
You will find many sports clubs in East Grinstead including football, badminton, basketball, climbing, cricket, rugby, tennis, hockey and local golf courses at Chartham Park and the Royal Ashdown Forest golf club.
Travel
Located halfway between London and the south coast East Grinstead is ideally situated for travel by car, air or train. A main line station runs trains to London Victoria and London Bridge in less than 1 hour. Gatwick Airport is around 10 miles drive and London around 30 miles. There are several bus routes serving East Grinstead provided by Metrobus, and Seaford & District route 261.
