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
Volunteer this Christmas at Standen
🎄Volunteer at Standen this Christmas!🎄 💚Standen are looking for volunteers to support them during the Christmas period. 💚There are a variety of roles available, including helping in the car park, welcoming visitors [...]
The Works opens on London Road, East Grinstead
Thursday 24th September saw The Works open their doors to the public. The store on London Road had a busy first day and we welcome them to East Grinstead. A great addition to the [...]
Four Mid Sussex District Council parks receive coveted Green Flag Award
Mid Sussex District Council announces that four parks in the District have received Green Flag Awards after achieving an international quality mark for parks and green spaces. East Court and Ashplats Park in East [...]
Contemporary creativity meets Arts and Crafts heritage at Standen
This summer, Standen launches a vibrant new partnership with Sussex Contemporary, bringing an ambitious exhibition and programme of events that celebrate the enduring influence of the Arts and Crafts movement. Inspired by Standen: The [...]
WHATS ON IN EAST GRINSTEAD
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POPULAR TOURIST HOT SPOTS
Millennium Stone & Meridian Line
The Millennium Year 2000 was marked by the placing of a beacon just near East Court Mansion and by the installation, on the Meridian Line...
Chequer Mead
CHEQUER MEAD Chequer Mead is fast becoming one of the best entertainment venues in the South East. With a programme offering something for everyone, you may be pleasantly surprised [...]
Sackville College
The College has been a functioning almshouse for almost 400 years, built with a bequest from the will of Robert Sackville, Earl of Dorset...
Sackville House Accommodation
Built about 1520, this is a substantial timber-framed house with rooms of wood and lime plaster and the patina of centuries past...
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.
