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
Your feedback on East Grinstead Museum
East Grinstead Museum has exciting plans to improve and refurbish the Museum. These include refreshing existing museum displays and introducing new ones. We are also looking at running a range of events and activities for [...]
The Greenaway Foundation receives a High Sheriff Award for services to the Community
In 2020 The High Sheriff of West Sussex launched a unique award to celebrate residents who have shown exceptional acts of kindness during the coronavirus pandemic. The Special Recognition Volunteer Award is aimed at any [...]
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 [...]
WHATS ON IN EAST GRINSTEAD
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POPULAR TOURIST HOT SPOTS
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. [...]
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 [...]
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...
Sackville House
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.
