Uckfield

Uckfield is located in the Heart of the Weald. It is a jolly town with all the amenities that local people and tourists could want.

Understand
The first iron cast-cannon was cast in Buxted, a nearby village, by Ralf Hogge (or Huggett). He perfected gun production in 1543 and became a weapon maker by royal appointment.

The town has the oldest working cinema in Sussex which shows big name films.

Uckfield is the last place Lord Lucan was seen and where Emma Le French was born, although neither have any real significance to the town.

Often Sheffield Park is described as 'Uckfield' it is in fact around 10 miles (16 km) away.

By car
If you want to visit; the A22, A26 and B2102; from Heathfield run by or through Uckfield (it is well signposted).

By bus
Uckfield acts as a terminus for many bus routes (31 from Hawards Heath to Uckfield) and as a passing stop for route 29/28 (from Brighton and Lewes to Tunbridge Wells) and route 54 (from Eastbourne and Hailsham to Uckfield and East Grinstead).

Get around
Walking is the only way to really see the town, since it is fairly small, but for travelling further afield, cars, buses and trains could be necessary. There is a town bus, but since it mainly tours the housing estates around the town, it will be of little use to visitors.

See
The town has little to distract for more than a morning.

Bridge Cottage is worth a look, but other than that the town is fairly bland. It is cloaked by housing developments, of which more seem to be inevitable. However the surrounding villages of Blackboys, Framfield, and Ashdown Forest are popular with walkers. Parking is free throughout the town.



Do


It’s quite difficult to dress a fairly unexciting town as something that it isn’t. Lewes is probably a better attraction if you wish to visit this delightful area. You are probably better off having a look at the local area including Ashdown Forest or the Cuckoo Trail from Heathfield to Eastbourne. Still, the local area does contain some hidden gems.


 * magnificent garden landscaped by Capability Brown
 * waterfalls, cascades and four large lakes
 * a profusion of colour all year, including bluebells, rhododendrons and trees with spectacular autumnal colors
 * the National Collection of Ghent azaleas
 * the site of the first England v. Australia cricket match
 * a profusion of colour all year, including bluebells, rhododendrons and trees with spectacular autumnal colors
 * the National Collection of Ghent azaleas
 * the site of the first England v. Australia cricket match

Pubs
The outlying villages generally have better food and more character than the town pubs.



Restaurants
Starting at the top of the town (north) and moving down:



Drink
The town has the normal smattering of bars, pubs and a club for evening entertainment. During the day the town is well stocked with cafes. Among the best are The Hop Barn (opposite WHSmiths) and Corbins on the high street.



Pubs such as The Station stay open well into the night, catering for anyone's thirst.

Buy


The town has pretty much anything you could need as a tourist, with facilities including a leisure centre, camping shop, a petrol station and several supermarkets.



Sleep
There is nowhere to stay in Uckfield (the last Hotel became a nunnery). However some of the local villages have camping sites or hotels.



Go next
Local villages, the rest of East Sussex and Ashdown Forest.