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
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]
Safety Visit from East Grinstead Fire Services
Did you know that you can have a FREE "Safe & Well Visit" from your local Fire Brigade here in East Grinstead. Just call 0345 872 9719 to book yours...now.
Tune in to the local radio station
Click on Meridian logo if you want to listen through another browser tab
Website managed in association with
and
POPULAR TOURIST HOT SPOTS
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 [...]
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 [...]
Bluebell Railway
Since March 2013, East Grinstead has become the northern terminus of the prestigious Bluebell Railway, the UK’s premier restored railway...
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...
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.
