Stroll down East Grinstead’s High Street, and you’re surrounded by eight hundred years of history, with one of the longest stretches of fourteenth century half timbered houses in England. Consult Visit East Grinstead for practical advice, or look back in time with The Great East Grinstead Time Machine.
Explore the Locality
You can’t miss St Swithun’s Church, dominating the skyline as well as the town, which is itself perched on a sandstone hill four hundred feet above sea level. There’s evidence of the local industry of iron making here, while near the entrance, stones commemorate the Sussex Martyrs, who were persecuted for their religious beliefs.
Sackville College, built in 1609, is remembered as the place where the local carol Good King Wenceslas was composed. The sandstone almshouses are still occupied, and it’s open for tours between June and September.
All Aboard
The Bluebell Railway has given the area fifty years of preserved steam, and the new station at East Grinstead makes it a straightforward run to the end of the line at Sheffield Park. This heritage attraction boasts a museum, shop, and buffet in a dining car (where else?), and runs tours and events to suit every interest. If you have a special occasion coming up, dinner on the Golden Arrow Pullman could make for a memorable evening.
Anyone for Pooh Sticks?
You’re also ideally placed to explore the medieval High Weald an Area of Outstanding natural Beauty with its ancient woodlands. Ashdown Forest is especially significant for fans of small bears, having provided inspiration for A. A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh. Relive your own childhood by checking out the locations described in the books!
How about a rest after all that? In the midst of the forest, the Ashdown Park Hotel Sussex is strategically situated for stopovers, afternoon teas, or treatments at the adjoining Country Club. You could play golf in the estate grounds, or even get married in the grade II listed mansion while you’re there!
Discover the Past
Back in town, East Grinstead Museum boasts interactive displays, hands-on experiences and audio-visual aids. Its permanent collection sits side by side with temporary exhibitions on subjects such as clockmakers, the World War One Centenary, and the Bluebell Railway.
The museum is also the guardian of the Queen Victoria Hospital collection, which details Sir Archibald McIndoe’s pioneering work in burns treatment and reconstructive surgery, during and after the Second World War. Local people took injured servicemen to their hearts and into their homes, earning them the proud title of The Town That Didn’t Stare. Nowadays, we have a far better understanding of the beneficial effects of their actions, but they were certainly ahead of their time.
With four counties – East and West Sussex, Kent, and Surrey – converging here, you’ll be spoilt for choice of destinations, but which direction should you take? The Greenwich Meridian runs through here, so you could stand in the east, or the west – or in both!
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