Hundreds of years have passed since the town was founded in the heart of the historic High Weald, but East Grinstead’s rich heritage of medieval and later timber-framed buildings still remains. Its medieval High Street shelters speciality shops, cafes, restaurants and cosy bars crowned by Sackville College, an amazing and beautiful Jacobean sandstone almshouse bonded in 1609, open from mid-June to Mid-September. Come in and see where the famous carol Good King Wenceslas was written.
Sitting high on a hill above the surrounding countryside, the tower of St Swithun’s church can be seen from four counties, for here is where East and West Sussex meet Kent and Surrey. The church has witnessed a thousand years of history, including the sudden collapse of the tower in 1785. The conflicts of religious intolerance are marked by the memorial stones of the Protestant martyrs burnt at the stake here in 1556.
In the shadow of the church stands the town’s brand new state-of the-art museum, just off the Hight Street. Up-to-the-minute technology is used to explain the history of the town and the surrounding area. To check the opening hours please call 01342 302233.
Just behind the church you’ll find the town’s superb Arts and Theatre complex at Chequer Mead. This award winning building also contains a cafe where visitors can enjoy a Mal or a drink while admiring the giant mural, which illuminates 1300 years of the town’s history.
On the south side of the town, catch the 84 or 473 bus or follow the signs to the National Trust’s Standen, a fine country house built in 1890’s by Philip Webb. It is a showpiece of the Arts and Crafts movement, rich with many William Morris textiles and wallpapers original to the house. There are 12 acres of grounds with sweeping views over the Medway Valley. Beautiful gardens and shady woodlands are waiting for you to discover them.
Nearer the town centre are the parklands and historic Georgian mansion at East Court, now home to he Town Council. Here you will find marked the Greenwich Meridian marking the boundary between the eastern and western hemispheres. The remarkable views to distant Ashdown Forest make a memorable backdrop for a picnic.
Leaving East Grinstead on the Holtye Road you will catch a sight of the world famous Queen Victoria Hospital. During World War Two the innovative procedures pioneered by Sir Archibald McIndoe make the hospital world famous for plastic surgery. Recreated the Guinea Pig Club and take a stroll down Railway Approach and visit the Bluebell Railway, location of the 2000 remake of the Railway Children. With a full programme of events and frequent departure its a great way to experience the beautiful scenery of East and West Sussex.
East Grinstead, it’s waiting for you to discover!
For accommodation and other information contact the Tourist Office on 01342 410121 or email: communityandtourism@eastgrinstead.gov.uk.