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
Bluebell Railway fundraising appeal hits initial target to restore historic station
An appeal to restore a historic heritage railway station which has featured in ‘The Larkins’ on TV has hit its initial £500,000 target. The Bluebell Railway launched a fundraising effort last autumn to help to [...]
Talk Money Week
About Talk Money Week Held from 8 to 12 November, Talk Money Week aims to reduce the stigma around money by encouraging conversations among families, friends, neighbours, customers, colleagues and communities. Talking openly about money [...]
The Welcome Café is open again!
Open every Monday from 10am until 12 noon and On Tuesdays & Wednesdays 12 noon until 2pm ...and on every Friday from 10am until 12pm and from 2pm until 4pm tea & cake and company. [...]
Do you have questions about Covid?
If so, follow this link to attend an online session, hosted by a clinical professional, who will address any concerns and answer your questions. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/community-champions-covid-19-vaccine-qa-tickets-174285371237 OR email: [email protected]
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POPULAR TOURIST HOT SPOTS
Hammerwood Park
Located 3½ miles east of East Grinstead, Hammerwood Park was built in 1792 by Benjamin Henry Latrobe (1764 – 1820), architect of the White House and US Capitol Building in Washington D.C...
Standen House
STANDEN HOUSE & GARDENS Arts and Crafts family home with William Morris interiors, set in a beautiful hillside garden. Come and see this National Trust family home and garden [...]
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. [...]
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 [...]
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.
