East Grinstead

East Grinstead is a town in West Sussex, in the South East of England. The town is on the Greenwich Meridian. It has many historic buildings, and the Weald and Ashdown Forest lie to the south-east.

Understand
East Grinstead is an ancient market town that was the capital of the old High Weald. It lies at the meeting point of the four counties of Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex and Surrey.

The High Street contains one of the longest continuous runs of 14th-century timber-framed buildings in England. Other notable buildings in the town include Sackville College, the sandstone almshouse, built in 1609, where John Mason Neale wrote the Christmas carol "Good King Wenceslas". The college has sweeping views towards Ashdown Forest.

The Greenwich Meridian runs through the grounds of the historic 1769 East Court mansion, home of the Town Council, giving the visitor an opportunity to stand with a foot in both the east and west.

Visitor information

 * Visitor information from the town council

By car
The main roads into East Grinstead are the A22, which runs from the M25 down to Eastbourne and Brighton (as the A26), and the A264, which runs from Tunbridge Wells through East Grinstead to Crawley and Gatwick Airport.

By train
is connected to London Victoria and London Bridge stations. Fare and timetable information is available from Southern, tel. 08457 484950.

By bus
Bus services in East Grinstead are more limited than that of other towns in this area. There are services to Haywards Heath and Crawley, with stops made on many villages in between.

Get around
The centre of East Grinstead is fairly small, and can easily be travelled on foot. As with most other towns in England, the town is well served by buses and taxis.

By bus
Metrobus is the main bus company that operates buses in East Grinstead. Timetables and fares are available on Metrobus. Buy your ticket from the driver when you board the bus.

There are also buses from Eastbourne Buses (No. 54) http://www.eastbournebuses.co.uk/bustimes.htm and No. 409 from London buses. Tandridge (Surrey) council Buses4You will transport you from Oxted or Surrey villages, to and from East Grinstead (but not during morning & afternoon school bus times).

By taxi
The main taxi rank is at the train station, although you can order a taxi by telephone to pick you up from anywhere.


 * Acorn Cars - +44 1342 410518
 * Ivy Dene Cars - +44 1342 835835
 * Raceline Cars - +44 1342 317555
 * Roadrunners - +44 1342 324444
 * Southdown Cars - +44 1342 317400

See

 * The longest row of 14th-century timber-framed buildings in England lines the top of High Street.
 * The longest row of 14th-century timber-framed buildings in England lines the top of High Street.
 * The longest row of 14th-century timber-framed buildings in England lines the top of High Street.
 * The longest row of 14th-century timber-framed buildings in England lines the top of High Street.
 * The longest row of 14th-century timber-framed buildings in England lines the top of High Street.

Do

 * Check out the local Theatre & Arts Centre, Chequer Mead - one of the best purpose-built venues in the south, with a good range of professional and community-based events.

Go to the races at
 * Explore the wealth of walks and trails that lead from the town into the surrounding countryside. Several long distance trails pass through or near the town, such as the High Weald Landscape Trail and the Sustrans National Cycle Network Route 21 passes through the town.
 * Climbing: on the Stone Rocks overlooking the Weir Wood Reservoir on the outskirts of the town. There is free access to climbing these rocks, which are suitable for most ages and levels of skills.

Eat

 * McDonald's, Wimpy and Starburger Express all have outlets in the town.
 * A few Italian chains like Prezzo and Pizza express have restaurants on the historic high street.
 * Lots of take-away outlets in the town.
 * Lots of take-away outlets in the town.

There are also several Indian restaurants and Chinese take-away restaurant places.

Night clubs
The town also has 2 main nightclubs.

Connect

 * East Grinstead and its approach roads have 4G from all UK carriers. As of Feb 2023, 5G has not reached this area.
 * The local weekly newspaper is East Grinstead Courier and Observer, and the community radio station is 107 Meridian FM.

Go next

 * East to Royal Tunbridge Wells in Kent
 * South East to Ashdown Forest and Forest Row in West Sussex, for walking, wildlife, llamas and Winnie The Pooh.