visiteastgrinstead.com

Tourism information for visitors to East Grinstead

Local Attractions

Here are some popular location attractions:

• A walk along the historic High Street will take you back through 800 years of Sussex heritage, it boasts many historic half timbered buildings and open hall houses in the UK. Some buildings date from the 15th and 16th centuries and there are splendid examples from Georgian and Regency times too.
• To learn more about the history of East Grinstead please visit the brand new Town Museum in Cantelupe Road (just off the High Street) Free admission: open Wednesday to Saturday 10.00 am to 4.00 pm and Sundays and Bank Holidays 2.00pm to 5.00pm Telephone 01342 302233
• The East Court Estate belongs to the Town Council whose offices are located in the historic 1769 mansion of East Court. The parkland setting has sweeping views over to Ashdown Forest. The Greenwich Meridian passes through the Estate, giving the visitor a unique opportunity to stand with a foot in east and west!
• On the Southern outskirts of the town lies Standen, the National Trust's flagship Arts and Crafts country house. Famous for its William Morris wallpapers, textiles and contemporary fittings, the house was built in the 1890s by architect Philip Webb. The House and the acres of gardens and walks with superb views over the Medway Valley are open from March to November.
• Kingscote, two miles to the west of East Grinstead, is host to the present northern terminus of the Bluebell Railway. This is acknowledged to have the biggest and most historic collection of locomotives and rolling stock outside of the National Railway Museum. A half hour journey will take you through the countryside all the way to Sheffield Park. The Town Council welcomes the efforts of the Bluebell Railway Preservation Society to complete the permanent northern extension into East Grinstead, hopefully within the next few years. To monitor progress please click here.
• The town's rich diversity of artistic talent thrives at the award winning Chequer Mead Arts Centre, with its luxury 340 seat theatre and gallery. Live performances, music, drama and dance together with art exhibitions from artists and performers from around the world can be seen through the year. The Pavilion gourmet cafe is an ideal place to meet friends and relax.
• On the southern outskirts of the town you will find Deers Leap Mountain Bike Park, 230 acres of outstanding countryside with a specially developed 'off road' cycling course. All ages and abilities are catered for and bikes and safety equipment can be hired.
• Indoor swimming and a range of other sports can be found at the Kings Leisure Centre. A twin screen cinema The Picture House is located in the centre of the town in the Atrium entertainment complex, which also houses clubs and bars.
• Walkers and cyclists have a wide choice of walks and trails that leave the town for the surrounding countryside. The beautiful Forest and Worth Ways both start in the town and form part of the Sustrans National Cycle Trail. The long distance High Weald Landscape Trail also passes through the town from Horsham en route to the sea at Rye.