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Things to Do in East Grinstead, West Sussex - East Grinstead Attractions

Things to do in east grinstead, tours near east grinstead.

Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London

Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise

Westminster Walking Tour & Westminster Abbey Entry

Westminster 3 Hour Walking Tour & Visit Churchill War Rooms

Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath with Pub Lunch in Lacock

The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a Black Cab

Small-Group Cotswolds Tour (From London)

Tower of London: Entry Ticket, Crown Jewels and Beefeater Tour

Guided Luxury Paris Day Trip with Optional Lunch at the Eiffel Tower

Windsor Castle Half Day Trip from London

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• Kingscote Estate and Vineyard
• Saint Hill Manor
• Chequer Mead Theatre
• East Grinstead Museum
• The Forest Way Country Path
• Stub Ponds Fishery
• Deers Leap Bikes
• The Atrium Cinema

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You are here: Places To Visit > East Grinstead

On the edge of Ashdown Forest, historic East Grinstead is a lively market town with a charter dating from as long ago as 1221. Until the 18th Century, East Grinstead flourished as an assize and market town and as the centre of the surrounding agricultural and iron workings. The town’s history can be seen in architecture dating from medieval times through 14th Century timber-framed houses to fine examples of Georgian and Regency styles Enjoy the speciality and High Street shopping, the regular farmers market (every Thursday), or one of the many delicious places to eat. Discover the new town museum and the Jacobean Sackville College both a short walk from the centre, or stand on the Meridian line, the centre of time, which travels through East Court on its journey around the world. The May Day Fair is one of many popular events that are held in the town, and the Chequer Mead Arts Centre regularly hosts a variety of theatrical performances and events. The town is the most northern point of the Bluebell Railway which links visitors from the mainline (London Victoria) to the Bluebell Line which stretches through the High Weald and Mid Sussex countryside to the magnificent Sheffield Park Garden at 30 min steam ride away.

Looking for places to stay or visit in and around East Grinstead, visit  Experience Mid Sussex  and or for further inspiration in and around the surrounding area visit Experience West Sussex

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East Grinstead

• 1.1 Visitor information
• 2.2 By train
• 3.2 By taxi
• 7.1 Night clubs
• 7.2 Out of town

East Grinstead is a town in West Sussex , in the South East of England . The town is on the Greenwich Meridian. It has many historic buildings, and the Weald and Ashdown Forest lie to the south-east.

Understand [ edit ]

East Grinstead is an ancient market town that was the capital of the old High Weald. It lies at the meeting point of the four counties of Kent , East Sussex , West Sussex and Surrey .

The High Street contains one of the longest continuous runs of 14th-century timber-framed buildings in England. Other notable buildings in the town include Sackville College, the sandstone almshouse, built in 1609, where John Mason Neale wrote the Christmas carol "Good King Wenceslas". The college has sweeping views towards Ashdown Forest.

The Greenwich Meridian runs through the grounds of the historic 1769 East Court mansion, home of the Town Council, giving the visitor an opportunity to stand with a foot in both the east and west.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• Visitor information from the town council

Get in [ edit ]

By car [ edit ].

The main roads into East Grinstead are the A22, which runs from the M25 down to Eastbourne and Brighton (as the A26), and the A264, which runs from Tunbridge Wells through East Grinstead to Crawley and Gatwick Airport .

By train [ edit ]

51.126 -0.018 1 East Grinstead station is connected to London Victoria and London Bridge stations. Fare and timetable information is available from Southern , tel. 08457 484950.

By bus [ edit ]

Bus services in East Grinstead are more limited than that of other towns in this area. There are services to Haywards Heath and Crawley , with stops made on many villages in between.

Get around [ edit ]

The centre of East Grinstead is fairly small, and can easily be travelled on foot. As with most other towns in England, the town is well served by buses and taxis.

Metrobus is the main bus company that operates buses in East Grinstead. Timetables and fares are available on Metrobus . Buy your ticket from the driver when you board the bus.

There are also buses from Eastbourne Buses (No. 54) http://www.eastbournebuses.co.uk/bustimes.htm and No. 409 from London buses . Tandridge (Surrey) council Buses4You will transport you from Oxted or Surrey villages, to and from East Grinstead (but not during morning & afternoon school bus times).

By taxi [ edit ]

The main taxi rank is at the train station, although you can order a taxi by telephone to pick you up from anywhere.

• Acorn Cars - +44 1342 410518
• Ivy Dene Cars - +44 1342 835835
• Raceline Cars - +44 1342 317555
• Roadrunners - +44 1342 324444
• Southdown Cars - +44 1342 317400

See [ edit ]

• 51.124792 -0.004731 3 St Swithun's church , Church Ln, RH19 3BB , ☏ +44 1342 325026 . The church stands on the highest ground in the town and was rebuilt in the 18th century (the tower dating from 1789) to a perpendicular design by James Wyatt. The imposing structure dominates the surrounding countryside for many miles around. In the churchyard are commemorated the East Grinstead Martyrs, and in the south-east corner is the grave of John Mason Neale. ( updated Nov 2017 )
• 51.124561 -0.00647 4 East Grinstead Museum , Old Market Yard, Cantelupe Road, RH19 3BJ ( just off the High Street ), ☏ +44 1342 302233 , [email protected] . W-Sa 10AM-4PM, Su 2-5PM . Free .  
• The longest row of 14th-century timber-framed buildings in England lines the top of High Street.

Do [ edit ]

• Check out the local Theatre & Arts Centre, Chequer Mead - one of the best purpose-built venues in the south, with a good range of professional and community-based events.

Go to the races at 51.170556 -0.005 2 Lingfield Park Racecourse , Racecourse Road, Lingfield RH7 6PH ( B2028, half a mile east of Lingfield ), ☏ +44 1342 834800 . Unusually, this has flat-racing all year round, using artificial Polytrack in winter. Flat-racing in summer, and jumps races in winter, are on turf. Lingfield is 3 miles north of East Grinstead, with its own railway station. ( updated Jan 2019 )

• Explore the wealth of walks and trails that lead from the town into the surrounding countryside. Several long distance trails pass through or near the town, such as the High Weald Landscape Trail and the Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 21 passes through the town.
• Climbing: on the Stone Rocks overlooking the Weir Wood Reservoir on the outskirts of the town. There is free access to climbing these rocks, which are suitable for most ages and levels of skills.

Eat [ edit ]

• McDonald's, Wimpy and Starburger Express all have outlets in the town.
• A few Italian chains like Prezzo and Pizza express have restaurants on the historic high street.
• Cuisine Studio ( in the town's Theater & Arts Centre, Chequer Mead ). One of the best and least well-known to visitors (but not to locals!)  
• Lots of take-away outlets in the town.

51.12638 -0.0118 1 Taylors , 18 Railway Approach, RH19 1BP , ☏ +44 1342 321 587 . Generally considered to be the best place for fish and chips, with queues stretching out onto the street at weekends.   There are also several Indian restaurants and Chinese take-away restaurant places.

• Nizam Indian Restaurant .  
• Shapla . Good takeaway.  

Drink [ edit ]

• The Broadway ( located on Railway Approach ). Another large venue.  
• Crows Nest . Live bands every week.  

51.126374 -0.012887 2 The Open Arms , 51 Railway approach ( Between London Road and the Station ), ☏ +44 1342 327727 . 3-11PM . Micropub serving range of cask and real ales. ( updated Dec 2018 )

51.12643 -0.0087 3 The Ounce and Ivy Bush , The Atrium, Little King St, RH19 3DJ ( located on the ground floor of the Atrium Entertainment complex ), ☏ +44 1342 335130 . JD Wetherspoons.  

51.12447 -0.00697 4 The Sportsman , 9-11 Cantelupe Rd, RH19 3BE , ☏ +44 7553 154 315 . One of the smallest pubs in England. Hidden down an alley. Often full of crazy people.  

51.12408 -0.00995 5 The Sussex Arms , 30 West St, East Grinstead RH19 4EQ , ☏ +44 1342 619 101 . Very posh.  

Night clubs [ edit ]

The town also has 2 main nightclubs .

• Tryst ( previously Billy Rox ) ( in the Atrium ).  
• Bliss ( previously Whitehall ), Kings Street .  

Out of town [ edit ]

• 51.14815 -0.09929 6 Curious Pig in the Parlour , Effingham Rd, Copthorne, RH10 3HY ( on the B2037 ), ☏ +44 1342 716 202 . Su-Th noon-10PM, F Sa noon-11PM . The sunday lunch is good ( updated Nov 2023 )

Sleep [ edit ]

• Felbridge Hotel & Spa , London Rd , ☏ +44 1342 337700 . ( updated Apr 2016 )
• 51.077 -0.055 1 The Cat Inn , North Lane, West Hoathly RH19 4PP , ☏ +44 1342 810369 . Excellent inn with 4 rooms out in the countryside. The bar is open M-Sa noon-11PM, Su noon-10PM. No children under 7. B&B double £130 . ( updated Jun 2020 )
• 51.140151 -0.039395 3 Premier Inn East Grinstead , London Rd, Felbridge RH19 2QR , ☏ +44 871 527 8348 . ( updated Apr 2016 )
• 51.0986 0.0329 4 The Swan , 1 Lewes Rd, Forest Row RH18 5ER , ☏ +44 1342 822627 . Country pub with meals and rooms. B&B double £110 . ( updated Oct 2023 )

Connect [ edit ]

• East Grinstead and its approach roads have 4G from all UK carriers. As of Feb 2023, 5G has not reached this area.
• The local weekly newspaper is East Grinstead Courier and Observer , and the community radio station is 107 Meridian FM.

Go next [ edit ]

• East to Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent
• South East to Ashdown Forest and Forest Row in West Sussex , for walking, wildlife, llamas and Winnie The Pooh .

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13 Things To Do In East Grinstead

East Grinstead is a historic market town in West Sussex, England, located 30 miles south of London and 30 miles from Brighton.

The town dates back to the 13th century, with many historic buildings and landmarks to explore.

East Grinstead and the surrounding area are easy to reach from London , making it perfect for a day trip.

Here are 13 great options if you’re looking for things to do in East Grinstead, Sussex.

Visit St. Swithun’s Church

St. Swithun’s church is an iconic landmark in East Grinstead. The large stone church is located just behind the timber-framed houses of East Grinstead’s old high street.

The site has had a church since the 11th century, but the current building is a Grade II listed building that was rebuilt by James Wyatt after it was struck by lightning in 1772. It was opened in 1789 and is still an active church today, known for its beautiful architecture and stained glass windows.

St. Swithun’s Church is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture and an important part of East Grinstead’s history.

Explore East Court Mansion

Nestled in the stunning countryside of Sussex is the beautiful East Court Mansion. This historic estate is just minutes away from East Grinstead’s town centre and offers visitors stunning views of Ashdown Forest.

The Meridian Line, which marks the Prime Meridian of the world, passes through the award-winning formal gardens of the mansion house – making this an incredibly unique venue location where East meets West.

Visitors can explore the extensive grounds, have a picnic in the picturesque setting, and take in the incredible views.

Take a stroll through Standen House and Gardens

Situated in the heart of the Sussex countryside, Standen House and Gardens is a must-visit for any visitor to East Grinstead.

Standen House was built between 1891 and 1894 for James Beale, a successful solicitor from Birmingham. Beale commissioned Philip Webb to design the house, which was built using local materials in the Arts and Crafts style. The house was passed down through the Beal family until it was gifted to the National Trust in 1972.

The Grade I listed building is set in stunning grounds, including woodland trails, perfect for a family day out.

As well as the beautiful house itself, there are also several acres of gardens to explore at Standen. The gardens were originally designed by Webb and include a series of terraces, pools and ponds. There are also plenty of opportunities for walks in the surrounding countryside.

Standen House and Gardens are open to visitors all year round, with something to see no matter what time of year you visit. In the spring, the gardens come alive with blooming flowers, while in autumn, you can enjoy the stunning colours of the leaves on the trees.

Explore Ashdown Forest

If you’re looking for a breathtaking natural setting that’s close to East Grinstead, you can’t go wrong with Ashdown Forest.

This 10-square-mile oasis is one of the largest open access areas in Southeast England and is located within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Here you’ll find a beautiful mix of heathland and deciduous woodland, as well as a variety of rare and threatened species.

And if you’re a fan of Winnie-the-Pooh, you’ll be happy to know that Ashdown Forest is also the setting of 100 acre wood from the popular stories.

With over 10 square miles of open space, Ashdown forest is the perfect place to stretch your legs and get some fresh air. There are a variety of walking trails to choose from, so you can pick one that suits your fitness level and interests.

Ashdown Forest is home to many beautiful picnic spots. So pack up your favourite food and drinks and enjoy a leisurely meal surrounded by nature.

The forest is home to many rare and threatened bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Keep your eyes peeled and see how many different types of birds you can spot!

The Forest Way Country Path

Are you looking for a beautiful place to take a long walk, run, or ride? If so, the Forest Way country path is perfect.

This 10-mile path runs along an old railway line and is full of stunning scenery and wildlife.

The Forest Way begins on Herontye Drive in East Grinstead and goes on for 10 miles until you reach Groombridge in Kent.

If you don’t fancy such a long walk, you can always stop off at Forest Row, a delightful village that is 2.5 miles away. Enjoy an afternoon tea at a local cafe or a cool tipple at one of the local pubs.

This path is an important habitat for wildlife as a ‘green corridor’, and there are seats and picnic benches along the entire route so you can take a break and enjoy the view.

The Forest Way is home to many different types of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for birds, squirrels, rabbits, deer, and more.

The path is lined with trees that provide shade on hot days and make the walk more enjoyable. In springtime, the flowers that bloom are simply beautiful. You’ll also find plenty of bushes and shrubs along the way.

Relax At One Of East Grinstead’s Many Pubs

No visit to East Grinstead would be complete without stopping by one of its many traditional pubs for a pint (or two). Some of our favourites include The Dorset Arms, The Ship and The Old Dunnings Mill.

Kingscote Estate and Vineyard

Kingscote Estate and Vineyard is an award-winning English vineyard that is fast becoming a hidden gem for travellers.

The vineyard is set amidst picturesque countryside and offers a variety of wines that are sure to please even the most discerning palette.

Kingscote Estate and Vineyard also offers a variety of tours and tastings, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon exploring all that English wine has to offer

Kingscote Estate and Vineyard is located 4 miles from East Grinstead and can be reached by car, bike or on foot.

Hammerwood Park

Hammerwood Park is a historic estate located just 3.5 miles from East Grinstead. The estate was built in 1792 by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, the same architect who designed the White House and US Capitol Building.

In the 1960s, the house was converted into flats and purchased by Led Zeppelin. The estate was rescued from dereliction by the Pinnegar family in 1982 and today provides a venue for concerts and filming.

The house and gardens are open to the public in summer, from 1 June to the end of September, on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Bank Holiday Mondays, with a tour at 2:05 p.m.

Deers Leap Park

Just a stone’s throw from East Grinstead, Deers Leap Park is a 230+ acre oasis that was bought in the 1990s by the Hobbs family.

They transformed it into a location for recreation, which has since become a popular place for mountain biking.

Deers Leap is private land, so a small fee for bike riders is charged for trail maintenance. But trust us, it’s worth it!

The main trail at Deers Leap is just under 3 miles, with lots of other smaller trails going through the wooded areas. The main trails are suitable for children, as are some of the smaller ones. There is a great skills tracks area located in the first field where kids can ride and practise on purpose-built wooden tracks.

In addition to miles of scenic trails, there is an outdoor fitness area with frames, ropes, tyres and obstacles. You can even go pond dipping in the Duck Paddock.

Ride The Bluebell Railway

Starting in East Grinstead, this heritage railway line runs through the stunning Sussex countryside, making it the perfect way to spend a day out.

The Bluebell Railway runs for 11 miles through the picturesque Sussex countryside. The line starts in East Grinstead and runs through towns and villages such as Horsted Keynes, Kingscote, and Sheffield Park.

Passenger services run all year round, with extra services running during peak times such as Easter and Christmas.

Learn About Local History At The East Grinstead Museum

This museum tells the town’s story from its earliest days until now. This fascinating museum will teach you everything from the wool trade to World War II bomber planes.

Visit the Chequer Mead Community Arts Centre

This local arts centre hosts regular exhibitions, live music performances, and theatrical productions.

Explore The Old High Street

The Old High Street is one of two main shopping streets in East Grinstead, and it’s home to various shops selling everything from clothes to books to food. There’s also a weekly farmers’ market if you’re looking for fresh produce or artisanal goods.

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10 Things To Do In East Grinstead

Not far from London, within easy reach of Gatwick and within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, East Grinstead is the gateway to Sussex, with a Medieval High Street and lots of things to do.

Visit the East Grinstead Museum

Start any visit here with a trip to the museum. It’s free to enter and the staff are helpful, welcoming and informative. Starting with dinosaur discoveries, and the history of the town, its industries, and people, the museum also has lots of information about East Grinstead’s pioneering hospital, the role it played in WWII and the Guinea Pig Club. There’s also a small section on local art and artists. A visit here will give you a good understanding of the town.

You’ll find it on Cantelupe Road and it’s open from Wednesday to Sunday.

Explore the Medieval High Street  

A short walk from the museum is the High Street with one of the longest continuous rows of 14th-century timber-framed buildings in England as well as an interesting church and various other buildings. It’s well worth a visit and you can read more about it here: East Grinstead High Street .

You should also walk down to East Court to see the Millennium Stone, some great views, and then stand astride the Meridian Line that runs through the town.

Chess, wine and books

You might want to come back to the High Street at the end of your visit for a trip to the Tasting Rooms. In the summer months, you can sit outside this wine bar and shop. They also do tasting experiences, and cocktails made with locally produced sourced spirits. There is a good bookshop a couple of doors down with a chess club that meets outside on the pavement in the summer!

Enjoy the arts  

East Grinstead has the Chequer Mead Theatre and a cinema. Both venues have a year-round and ever-changing programme.

Saint Hill Manor

Best known for being home to the Church of Scientology, Saint Hill Manor has quite a backstory in its own right. Saint Hill dates back to 1567 but the construction of a Jacobean house on the site was completed in 1733. In 1792, construction of the current house began. Saint Hill Manor is Georgian style and may have been in part designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe (who designed the US Capital building and the White House).

In the late 19th century, the estate was expanded with the editions of two new wings, a north and south lodge, and a lake. Since then it’s had an interesting history including becoming the home of the Maharajah of Jaipur, India in the late 1940s. L. Ron Hubbard acquired Saint Hill Manor and some 60 surrounding acres in March 1959 and since his death in 2011, there have been considerable renovations and restoration work.  They have a year-round calendar of events and are open to the public all year round.

Standen House

Not far from Saint Hill Manor is Standen House, a country house owned by the National Trust. You can explore the grounds here and in the summer they host sculpture exhibitions.

They also have an award-winning plant collection, as well as an orchard, kitchen garden, rosery and secret paths. The grounds have some stunning views and paths that lead to Ashdown Forest.

The house is an example of Arts and Crafts workmanship, with Morris & Co. interiors. It was built between 1891 and 1894. They also host exhibitions here and you can see how the house would have looked as a family home.

Kingscote Estate and Vineyard

A short drive from East Grinstead towards Turners Hill and you’ll find this fabulous Sussex vineyard. It has a wine shop and cellar door, a bar and kitchen, a wine garden and they offer tours and tastings. It’s a family-owned estate with 160 acres, and you might just hear the sound of a steam train from the Bluebell Railway.

The Bluebell Railway

The Bluebell Railway is a heritage line with a magnificent collection of vintage steam trains and carriages. And the last stop of four on the line is East Grinstead! It’s well worth visiting the Bluebell Railway station where you’ll find interactive exhibitions, staff in period clothing, original working signal boxes, and piles of vintage luggage. They organise lots of special events, and if you’re at the station, Sheffield Park is just across the way.

The Priest House

Owned by The Sussex Archaeological Society, this house once belonged to Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell, Anne of Cleves, Mary I and Elizabeth I in turn. It is now furnished with 17th & 18th century country furniture and domestic objects. Culinary, medicinal & household herbs are planted in the garden and the curator gives tours of the house and garden on request. It’s in West Hoathly.

Forest Way and Ashdown Forest

Hire a bike from On Your Bike in East Grinstead and head off down the Forest Way. It is a 16 km disused railway line to Groombridge via Forest Row and runs through the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Alternatively, head out to Ashdown Forest which is 2,472 hectares (9.5 sq mi) of ancient heathland with a windmill, stunning views, and home to Winnie the Pooh’s Pooh Stick Bridge!

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EAST GRINSTEAD MUSEUM

Built with funding from the heritage lottery fund and money raised by the local community, east grinstead museum invites you to discover the old market town and surrounding area..

The town’s first museum opened in March 1926 in the St Swithun’s Church tower under the care of the then vicar, the Reverend Golding Golding-Bird. His collection began with a set of grappling irons, stored at the Church for accessibility. The interest they sparked gave him the idea of a town museum. Its collection was small but included photographs, paintings, tokens and First World War objects, amongst others.

This museum closed in 1955 and many objects disappeared. The Urban District Council tried to locate them, and in 1960 dedicated two cabinets to the remaining collection, which were then displayed at East Court.

In 1975, the East Grinstead Society, which had hopes for a local history museum, was offered rooms in East Court by the Town Council for use as a museum. After several months of preparation, the East Grinstead Town Museum opened on 13th July 1976. Object donations flowed steadily, the cellection being significantly increased by items from Charles Goolden, a local self-employed agricultural engineer.

In the 1990s, the Museum Trustees decided to apply for official Registration status, which was the Museums & Galleries Commission’s national scheme for museums. (The Museum is now fully Accredited under the national Arts Council England scheme, read more about the Museum and Accreditation here). However, owing to the out of town location, difficult access and limited opening hours, it was decided that more suitable premises would be needed. So, in 1997 work began to find a site and secure funding.

After East Grinstead Town Council sold land that used to host the town’s cattle market to the Trustees for £50, a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund was secured, and significant fundraising was carried out by the Museum’s Trustees, volunteers and the local community, building work began in 2005.

The new East Grinstead Museum opened in Cantelupe Road on 1st September 2006, eighty-one years after the town’s first small museum. Its contemporary architecture, low maintenance and environmentally-friendly features have proved to be a talking point amongst visitors and residents alike, (in 2009, the architects won a Mid Sussex award for the building). The famous grappling irons can still be seen on display in the Museum to this day – come along for a visit and see it you can spot them!

Top Things to Do in East Grinstead, West Sussex

Places to visit in east grinstead, tours near east grinstead.

Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London

Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise

Westminster Walking Tour & Westminster Abbey Entry

Westminster 3 Hour Walking Tour & Visit Churchill War Rooms

Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath with Pub Lunch in Lacock

The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a Black Cab

Small-Group Cotswolds Tour (From London)

Tower of London: Entry Ticket, Crown Jewels and Beefeater Tour

Guided Luxury Paris Day Trip with Optional Lunch at the Eiffel Tower

Windsor Castle Half Day Trip from London

Top attractions in east grinstead.

Other Top Attractions around East Grinstead

What travellers are saying

• Kingscote Estate and Vineyard
• Saint Hill Manor
• Chequer Mead Theatre
• East Grinstead Museum
• The Forest Way Country Path
• Stub Ponds Fishery
• Deers Leap Bikes
• The Atrium Cinema

• Route planner

East Grinstead

Attractions around East Grinstead

The top 5 attractions around east grinstead.

Ouse Valley Viaduct

Hiking Highlight

One of the country's most beautiful, ornate viaducts, the Ouse Valley Viaduct is still in use today, carrying trains between London and Brighton. It has 37 spans and is a … read more

Ardingly Reservoir

Also a Local Nature Reserve, Ardingly Reservoir was built in the 1970s. It is a wildlife haven with Ospreys even seen here. There are two bird hides on this eastern … read more

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Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Outwood Windmill

Bike Touring Highlight

Built in 1665, Outwood Windmill is Britain's oldest working windmill and is Grade I listed. Designed by Thomas Budgen, there were originally two mills, but unfortunately, the taller of the … read more

East Sussex Forest Way

Bike Touring Highlight ( Segment )

Running 10 miles (16 km) through the heart of East Sussex from East Grinstead to Groombridge, the Forest Way is a beautiful former railway line through some of the UK's … read more

Turners Hill climb south (avg 8%)

Road Cycling Highlight ( Segment )

This is quite a well known climb on a fairly busy road, from the south up to the village of Turners Hill.

Explore these attractions on the map

Popular around east grinstead.

Road Cycling Collection by komoot

Hiking Collection by komoot

Running Collection by komoot

Mountain Biking Collection by komoot

Explore the most popular Tours around East Grinstead

Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

• Hurstpierpoint And Sayers Common
• Ansty And Staplefield
• Burgess Hill
• Lindfield Rural
• Haywards Heath
• West Hoathly
• Horsted Keynes
• Turners Hill
• Ashurst Wood

Top Things to Do in East Grinstead

Things to do in east grinstead, tours near east grinstead.

Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London

Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise

Westminster Walking Tour & Westminster Abbey Entry

Westminster 3 Hour Walking Tour & Visit Churchill War Rooms

Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath with Pub Lunch in Lacock

The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a Black Cab

Small-Group Cotswolds Tour (From London)

Tower of London: Entry Ticket, Crown Jewels and Beefeater Tour

Guided Luxury Paris Day Trip with Optional Lunch at the Eiffel Tower

Windsor Castle Half Day Trip from London

Top attractions in east grinstead.

Other Top Attractions around East Grinstead

What travellers are saying

• Kingscote Estate and Vineyard
• Saint Hill Manor
• Chequer Mead Theatre
• East Grinstead Museum
• The Forest Way Country Path
• Stub Ponds Fishery
• Deers Leap Bikes
• The Atrium Cinema

• Armorial Bearings – the Town Crest
• Member of Parliament
• Find your Councillor
• County Councillors
• District Councillors
• Outside Groups
• Transparency
• East Court Webcam
• Benches/Memorial Benches
• Bins, Litter & Fly-tipping
• Burial Services
• Bus Shelters
• Christmas Lights
• Concessionary Travel
• Farmers’ Market
• Graffiti and Fly Posting
• Open Spaces
• Proof of life and residence
• Public Toilets
• Representing the Community
• Sponsorship Opportunities
• Street Lighting
• Street Name Plates
• Street Trading
• Winter Maintenance
• About Council meetings
• Amenities and Tourism
• Finance and General Purposes
• Public Services
• Environmental and Sustainable Travel
• About East Grinstead

Visitor Information

• Bed and Breakfast in the town
• Bed and Breakfast around and about
• Inns with accommodation
• Hotels in the town
• Hotels around the town
• Self catering
• Local Attractions
• Essence of East Grinstead in Art
• Leaflet Stand
• Public Rights of Way
• East Grinstead Classic Motor Show 2024
• Green Flag Award
• Tennis Courts
• The Fairy Trail
• East Court Mansion
• East Court Terraces
• Meridian Hall
• Old Court House
• Sunnyside Barn
• Wedding Ceremonies
• Boardroom, Conference & Meeting Facility
• Cost of Living Advice
• East Grinstead’s Safe Places
• Dementia Friendly East Grinstead
• Sports Development Group (Sports Council)
• Local Cycling and Walking
• Consultations
• Road Works and Utilities
• Social Media
• Useful Links
• Mid Sussex District Council
• West Sussex County Council
• Website satisfaction and feedback form

The Town Council, in partnership with Mid Sussex District Council and West Sussex County Councils, operates a Visitor Information Service, which is located in the Library Buildings at West Street. When tourism staff are away from their desk a basic relief cover is kindly provided by staff of the West Sussex County Council Library service.

Complete listings for all accommodation, leisure, sport and tourist attractions for the town and surrounding areas are available. The Visitor Information Service also handles media enquiries and business opportunity information. A large portfolio of town and area photographs is available and the Tourism & Information Officer is happy to handle other commercial enquiries.

Neighbouring Tourist Information Centres

If your enquiry is for Burgess Hill or Tunbridge Wells, please contact the relevant tourist offices:

Direct rail service from London Victoria – under 1 hour journey time with bus links to the surrounding areas. Taxis available at the railway station. Full timetable information available at the Help Point in the Library building.

Most of the surrounding towns and villages can be accessed by bus services provided by Metrobus  and Southdown Buses .

Full timetable information available at the Tourist Desk in the library.

Approximate distances from East Grinstead to:

• Gatwick – 7 miles
• London – 33 miles
• Brighton – 29 miles

Car Parking

A map of car parks in East Grinstead is available on our town map .

Visit East Grinstead

• Official Visitor Town Guide

Opening hours 10am to 4pm, Wednesday to Sunday. FREE Admission

East Grinstead Museum is situated in a purpose built building in the centre of the town, only a few minutes from the historic High Street, the Museum tells the story of East Grinstead and the surrounding area from its early beginnings to the present day.

WHERE ARE WE

Old Market Yard Cantelupe Road East Grinstead West Sussex RH19 3BJ

t: 01342 302233 e: [email protected]

Opening Times:

Wednesdays to Sundays, 10am to 4pm

Please note as we are staffed by volunteers, there are days where the museum is closed due to their unavailability.

On Saturdays and Sundays, please telephone ahead to check whether the museum is open or not.

Free Admission

Facilities: Wheelchair accessible display areas and toilet. Designated parking space for disabled motorists.

Please note that our car park requires a permit to park in. Temporary permits are available from the Welcome Desk.

Built with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and money raised by the local community, East Grinstead Museum invites you to discover the old market town and surrounding area.

The town’s first museum opened in March 1926 in the St Swithun’s Church tower under the care of the then vicar, the Reverend Golding Golding-Bird. His collection began with a set of grappling irons, stored at the Church for accessibility. The interest they sparked gave him the idea of a town museum. Its collection was small but included photographs, paintings, tokens and First World War objects, amongst others.

What our Visitors say

A hidden gem of a museum, highly recommended John Paul

Very pleasantly surprised. Tells the story of a pioneering WWII burns hospital. Tom Mudd

East Grinstead Museum traces the history of the town and surrounding area through displays and technology. There are facilities for research and a children’s activity corner, as well as regular exhibitions, events and activities. Open Wed to Sat 10am to 4pm and Sundays 1 to 4pm. Free admission. Roy Henderson

This museum is really interesting. It has lots of information of local history (of course), but it also displays historical medical equipment that was used in previous years. Very welcoming staff and is actually a lovely place to go. Georg Phillip Telemann

Amazing history within the town. Definitely worth a visit, whether you are local or not. James Akehurst

My kids want to visit every museum now Tour guide Fran was funny, engaging, and full of fun quirky facts about the local area.. Hannah Hunter

Cannot say enough about the East Grinstead Museum experience: fun, informative, never dull, fast paced and just give an amazing perspective on the town. Ruth Lawson

Loved the tour! This was one of the main reasons I chose to visit East Grinstead Museum. Teresa Barrett

OUR COLLECTIONS

Our object collection includes a range of objects relating to the town of East Grinstead and the surrounding villages.

Our image collection includes scenes and pictorial records depicting East Grinstead through the ages.

Our archive collection includes documents relating to local businesses, the town’s people and buildings.

The Queen Victoria Hospital collection has local significance and includes objects, archives, books and images.

Upcoming Events & Activities

Free Museum Tours

Introduction to stenciling, town tour – may 2024, children’s activities day, 28th may 2024, current & upcoming exhibitions.

The Whitehall Bombing

9th July 2023 marks the 80th Anniversary of the bombing of the Whitehall Cinema in…

History of Our Town

East Grinstead has a long history, from the Medieval period to the present day. Set…

Rebuilding Bodies and Souls

Our ‘Rebuilding Bodies and Souls’ flagship exhibition opened in 2016, the 75th anniversary year of…

LATEST NEWS

Mollie Lentaigne – Medical Artist – Recorded McIndoe’s surgical procedures – 2nd World war

                               Mollie Lentaigne in her Red Cross uniform    Archibald McIndoe,

Sister Meally – Ward Sister on Ward III – Queen Victoria Hospital – 2nd World War

Archibald McIndoe, a pioneering plastic surgeon of the Second World War operated on hundreds of burnt airmen and Sister Mary Meally helped run Ward III,

Dr. Russell Davies – Anaesthetist for Archibald McIndoe – Founder Member of Guinea Pig Club

Russell Davies (Third from Left) with all the founding members of the Guinea Pig Club July 1941 During WW2 he was a vital member of

Matron Jackson – Canadian Wing, Queen Victoria Hospital – WW2

During World War Two Archibald McIndoe, a pioneering plastic surgeon, treated burnt airman at the Queen Victoria Hospital(Q.V.H.) East Grinstead. Working alongside him was an

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