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
Jubilee Drinking Water Fountain
The Jubilee Drinking Water Fountain The Jubilee drinking water fountain in East Grinstead High Street was a gift from Rev. C H Payne Crawfurd and was erected in 1887 to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden [...]
Bluebell Railway
Since March 2013, East Grinstead has become the northern terminus of the prestigious Bluebell Railway, the UK’s premier restored railway...
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...
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.
