Welcome to East Grinstead
On a sandstone ridge beside the Ashdown Forest, East Grinstead is capital of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Come and explore our ancient market town with its Medieval High Street, discover its fascinating history and the people who shaped it.
The town has something for every visitor – the ancient buildings are now home to a variety of friendly independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants – including a historic coaching inn. For lovers of the great outdoors, the town has a wealth of waymarked paths and a national long distance trail runs through the town on the Greenwich Meridian.
We can’t wait to welcome you to our special town…
Latest News
Lions Donkey Derby – TBC
East Grinstead Lions are pleased to announce that this year's Donkey Derby is scheduled for July 25th, 2021, on St. George's Field in East Grinstead. This is subject to cancellation in event of changes to [...]
Al Fresco dining at Ashdown Park
Ashdown Park are planning to open on the 12th April for Alfresco Dining, lunch and Afternoon Tea. They are now taking bookings by phone on 01342 824988, and will be open daily from 12.00pm, last [...]
MSDC Easter Holidays 2021 – Play Days at Home
Mid Sussex District Council have an exciting online activity you can get involved with during the Easter School Holidays. The Wish Work Puppets who entertained us last summer are back 😊 Every morning from Tuesday [...]
Bluebell Railway announces 20 May provisional reopening date
The Bluebell Railway has set Thursday 20 May as the day when it hopes to resume public services and welcome visitors back to enjoy the spectacle of steam-hauled trains. The provisional reopening date is in [...]
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POPULAR TOURIST HOT SPOTS
St Swithun’s Church
ST. SWITHUN'S CHURCH St. Swithun’s is a Grade II listed building. The site had a church since the 11th century. It was struck by lightning in 1772 and after [...]
Wakehurst
WAKEHURST PLACE Kew’s garden in Sussex Wonderful Wakehurst! Whatever the time of year, the grounds of Wakehurst are a sight to behold. Wander through ornamental [...]
East Court
EAST COURT East Court Mansion is the Town Council’s administrative base and is set within the parkland grounds of East Court. It is an 18th Century Grade II listed [...]
Historic High Street
HISTORIC HIGH STREET The focal point of East Grinstead’s charm and old Market Town reputation is the conservation area in and around the historic High Street. [...]
THE TOWN’S HISTORY
East Grinstead has a long tradition of weekly markets. It’s broad High Street is testimony to this. Even before a town existed, several ancient tracks converged on this area and people would probably have met to transact their business. Possibly in goods and animals.
The town was given a charter by Henry III in 1247 to have a weekly Monday market and an annual fair. In 1655 the market moved from Monday to Thursday predominately for the sales of corn, but joined in 1703 by cattle sales. Thursday has remained the day of the popular farmer’s market ever since. The cattle market thrived until December 1970 when the last ‘Fat Stock Show’ was held.
