The civil parish of Mayfield and Five Ashes has a wealth of local attractions and events, many reaching back into its medieval history. Mayfield High Street contains many beautiful old buildings, with the oldest dating back to the early 1400s. A mile away, the site of Mayfield Furnace tells the story of when Mayfield was the centre of the iron industry in England with a national monopoly on making cast iron guns. Nearby Argos Hill Windmill is one of the few remaining post mills in England.
During the year, Mayfield hosts
- a Mayfair, celebrating traditional May activities with Maypole dancing, Morris Men and Mummers
- the spectacular Bonfire Parade celebrating those martyred by Queen Mary in the 16th century
- a biennial Festival of Music and Arts which includes the Tunbridge Wells International Music Competition. In 2018 the Festival runs from 28 April to 13 May and covers half a millenium of colourful creativity
- an Art Trail running on three weekends in April and May during 2018: 27–29th April, 4–6th May and 11–13th May. This runs parallel to the Festival of Music and Arts allowing visitors to plan a trip to Mayfield to enjoy both
- a biennial Fringe festival
If you are staying (or living) in Mayfield, then you are in an area rich with places to visit and things to do, whether you are interested in historical sites, attractive towns, beautiful houses, family and children's activities, cultural events, exploring nature, the seaside, or shopping. Watch the video below for highlights of Wealden, our local district, or search the table below shows what is available within an hour's car journey of Mayfield and Five Ashes.
Use the search function on the table below to find places and events of interest. You can even search by category: Adventure, Crafts, Culture, Entertainment, Events, Family, Festivals, Food & drink, Gardens, Heritage, Learning, Nature, Shopping, Sports or Towns & Villages. The table shows distances and approximate times by car from Mayfield and Five Ashes. (On small screens, click on "+" buttons for more details.)
| Attraction | Category | Distance (miles) | Minutes by car | Brief description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abbots Wood | Family, Nature, Sport | 17 | 30 | Abbot's Wood offers visitors waymarked forest trails, barbecues and picnic sites. There is also a large grass area for ball games. Also family-friendly stargazing trails. |
| Airworks Paragliding | Adventure, Sport | 16 | 30 | Paragliding and paramotoring can be enjoyed by people of any age - you can learn to paramotor in as few as six days or learn to paraglide in as few as ten. |
| Alfriston | Heritage, Towns & Villages | 18 | 40 | A beautiful village set on the South Downs Way with a historic High Street and buildings such as the 14th century Clergy House |
| Alfriston Clergy House | Culture, Gardens, Heritage, Nature | 19 | 40 | National Trust property. Medieval thatched Wealden hall-house and picturesque (Arts & Crafts) garden. Follow in the steps of the Bloomsbury set of writers and artists in a walk to the house |
| Argos Hill Windmill | Family, Heritage | 2 | 5 | A Grade 2* listed building dating from 1835, one of only 50 surviving post mills in England, a landmark and a fine example of Sussex millwrighting |
| Arlington Bluebell Walk and Farm Trail, nr Polegate | Family, Nature | 17 | 30 | Open in April for 5 weeks. 7 interesting walks over 3 working farms. 1 km route through Bluebell woods suitable for wheelchair users |
| Arlington Reservoir and Nature Reserve | Family, Nature, Sport | 17 | 30 | 120 acres of spectacular and beautiful landscape. A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a prized location for bird watchers and visitors to the picturesque Osprey Trail. The reservoir waters are also renowned for fishing. |
| Arllngton Speedway Stadium | Entertainment, Family, Sport | 15 | 25 | Home of Eastbourne Eagles for speedway racing |
| Ashdown Forest | Family, Nature | 10 | 25 | The 6500 acres of Ashdown Forest are mainly heathland and provide spectacular walks and views. Well known as the 'home' of Winnie-the-Pooh. In the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with national and international protection for its wildlife. |
| Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells | Culture, Entertainment, Family | 10 | 25 | Classical, opera, music, musical, family, dance, spoken word, variety theatre |
| Batemans | Culture, Gardens, Heritage, Nature | 9 | 20 | National Trust property. Home of Rudyard Kipling, Jacobean house, water mill, gardens, tea shop |
| Battle | Culture,Entertainment, Family, Heritage, Towns & Villages | 16 | 30 | Home to the ruined Benedictine Abbey above the site of the Battle of Hastings, this charming town has many attractions, restaurants and galleries |
| Battle Abbey and 1066 Battlefield | Events, Family, Heritage | 16 | 35 | Site of the Battle of Hastings and ruined Benedictine Abbey |
| Battle Museum | Family, Heritage | 16 | 35 | Set within the beautiful, originally Elizabethan, walled gardens of The Almonry, Battle Museum of Local History preserves and exhibits hundreds of fascinating artefacts from the town's past |
| Bayham Old Abbey | Family, Gardens, Heritage | 10 | 25 | Impressive ruins, built from golden local sandstone, include much of the 13th to 15th-century church, the chapter house, and a 14th-century gatehouse. Set in grounds designed by famous landscape gardener Humphry Repton. Rooms in the 'Georgian Gothick' dower house are open for visitors to experience. |
| Beacon Down Vineyard | Food & Drink | 7 | 10 | An exciting, family owned English vineyard producing still and sparkling wine. Visitors welcome by appointment. |
| Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest | Adventure, Family, Nature | 12 | 30 | One of the world's finest conifer collections, a centre for International conifer conservation, and a beautiful place for walks and picnics. Bedgebury Forest is ideal for cycling, walking, running and riding, adventure play and Go Ape. |
| Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum | Crafts, Events, Family, Gardens, Heritage, Nature | 13 | 25 | Wildfowl reserve, living willow tunnels, woods, adventure playground, motor museum, house and gardens, craft workshops, miniature railway and Shetland ponies |
| Bewl Water Country Park | Adventure, Family, Events, Nature, Sport | 10 | 25 | At 800 acres, the largest stretch of open water in the South East, set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Open all year, a visit to this stunning lake is fantastic family fun and great value. Healthy, outdoor fun for all ages and abilities. Activities include fishing, cycling, walking, sailing, canoeing, kayaking and rowing. Includes a conference venue |
| Birling Gap and Seven Sisters | Family, Nature, Seaside | 24 | 45 | National Trust. Walk, go rockpooling or simply relax in the sun with views of the Seven Sisters cliffs |
| Black Cap | Family, Nature | 22 | 45 | National Trust. A classic downland experience with secret woodland glades. Enjoy a walk far from the crowds, find a sunken track lined with flowers, a hilltop panorama, and the myriad colours of a secret woodland |
| Bluebell Railway | Entertainment, Family, Events | 15 | 30 | A steam railway line running for 11 mi along the border between East and West Sussex |
| Bluebell Vineyard | Events, Food & Drink | 16 | 35 | Set amidst bluebell-strewn woods from which the vineyard derives its name, an award-winning vineyard and winery on the edge of the Ashdown Forest. Offering tours and tastings, private hire & corporate events |
| Boars Head Golf | Sport | 6 | 15 | Driving range, 9 hole golf course and practice area |
| Bodiam Castle | Events, Family, Heritage, Nature | 16 | 35 | National Trust. Archetypal 14th century moated castle with ruined interior - a glimpse of medieval splendour |
| Bowles Outdoor Centre | Adventure, Events, Family, Learning, Sport | 6 | 15 | Bowles provides high quality outdoor education through extremely passionate well qualified staff, amazing facilities, home cooked food and an ethos of learning though experience. Activities include skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, school trips, birthday parties and activity clubs. |
| Brighton | Culture,Entertainment, Family, Heritage, Seaside, Sport, Shopping, Towns & Villages | 28 | 60 | Home to the Brighton Pavilion, an arts and cultural centre with quaint shopping areas. Home to Brighton and Hove Albion, the nearest premier league team |
| Brighton Open Air Theatre | Culture, Entertainment, Family | 29 | 55 | 425 capacity Open Air Theatre in Dyke Road Park, Hove open from 1st May to 30th September |
| Camber Castle | Family, Heritage | 29 | 55 | English Heritage site, known formerly as Winchelsea Castle, a 16th-century Device Fort, builtby King Henry VIII. Monthly guided tours Aug-Oct |
| Carr Taylor Vineyards | Events, Food & Drink | 21 | 40 | Self-guided and tutored tours of a family-run country vineyard, offering wine tastings and tearoom. Winners of over 130 awards |
| Chartwell | Family, Gardens, Heritage, Nature | 23 | 50 | National Trust. Family home and garden of Sir Winston Churchill |
| Chimera Climbing Centre | Adventure, Family, Sports | 12 | 30 | Made by climbers for climbers. Some of the finest indoor bouldering in the South East of England |
| Congress Theatre, Eastbourne | Culture, Entertainment, Family | 21 | 50 | Grade II* listed, purpose built, theatre and conference venue built in 1963. host to touring West End musicals and plays, ballet, opera, comedy and live music |
| Crowborough Beacon Golf Club | Sport | 8 | 20 | Dramatic heathland setting, one of the highest points in Sussex, enjoying far-reaching views to the sea 22 miles away. |
| Cuckmere Valley / Cuckmere Haven | Family, Nature, Learning | 23 | 50 | National Trust. Flower-rich chalk grassland with stunning views of the Cuckmere River. Perfectly situated for field studies at Frog Firle Farm |
| Davenport Vineyards | Food and Drink | 4 | 10 | Organic wines made in Sussex. Note vineyard not open to the public without prior arrangement |
| De La Warr Pavilion | Culture, Entertainment, Events, family, Learning | 22 | 50 | Established in 1935, modern ever since. Exhibitions, comedy, music, peformance, broadcast & film, family shows, workshops |
| Devonshire Park Theatre, Eastbourne | Culture, Entertainment, Family | 22 | 50 | Grade II listed small Victorian Theatre presenting major touring productions and one-night shows |
| Dewlands Golf Club | Sport | 3 | 10 | Dewlands is renowned for its warm and friendly atmosphere, with generous 15 minute tee times. |
| Ditching Beacon | Nature | 27 | 50 | National Trust. Panoramic views from the top of world |
| Downsview Vineyard & Orchard | Food and Drink | 6 | 15 | Small family run business owned and managed by Cathy and Jim Brown, who are passionate about making quality still and sparkling wines and ciders with all wines having their own unique character. |
| Drusilla's Park, nr Alfriston | Events, Family, Nature, Learning | 18 | 35 | 10-acre zoo near to Alfriston, in East Sussex, UK. Its exhibits are targeted towards children between 2 and 10 years |
| Dunloran Park | Culture, Entertainment, Family, Nature | 11 | 20 | Landscaped park and grounds totalling approximately 78 acres with a 6-acre lake, a Grecian temple and ornamental fountain |
| East Sussex National Hotel, Resort and Golf | Events, Sport | 11 | 25 | A magnificent resort hotel, wedding venue & spa with 2 championship golf courses and views of the South Downs. Space for events, meetings, conferences or social occasions. |
| Eastbourne | Culture,Entertainment, Family, Heritage, Seaside, Sport, Shopping, Towns & Villages | 23 | 45 | "Endless blue skies, sweeping South Downs countryside, colourful art scene and warm sunshine". Home to the Eastbourne International Airshow and Eastbourne International Tennis Tournament |
| Eastbourne Pier | Entertainment, Events, Family, Food & Drink, Seaside | 23 | 40 | Seaside pleasure pier dating from 1870. Jazz lounge, restaurant, nightclub, fish & chips, tea rooms |
| Electric Palace | Culture, Entertainment, Family | 23 | 55 | Compact, arthouse cinema, screening classic and world films, with a bar and a live-events programme. |
| English Wine Centre | Events, Food & Drink | 18 | 35 | Quality English wines, Michelin recommended restaurant, stunning Sussex wedding venue |
| Eridge Rocks Nature Reserve | Adventure, Family, Nature, Sports | 8 | 17 | A majestic sandstone rock outcrop among mixed woodland with giant boulders some ten metres high, a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the community of plants growing. Areas for climbing. |
| Fenton's Rink, Tunbridge Wells | Family, Sport | 10 | 20 | England's only ice curling rink, open October to April |
| Fizz on Foot | Food and Drink, Nature | 23 | 45 | Offers stunning walking routes across the South Downs National Park and the Cuckmere Valley along with visits to award-winning vineyards, tutored wine tastings and delicious lunches |
| Fly Sussex Paragliding | Adventure, Sport | 17 | 35 | "Learn to paraglide, flying a wing that fits in a rucksack. Come and train at the most popular paragliding school in the UK." |
| Forest Garden, Shovelstrode | Family, Gardens, Learning, Nature | 20 | 40 | Secluded luxury camping in two yurts and a beautiful log cabin, wide range of traditional woodland craft courses and a Forest Garden. An open woodland ecosystem is created using a mix of both common and unusual plants, trees and shrubs. |
| Friston Forest | Family, Nature, Sport | 22 | 45 | Forestry Commission. Friston Forest offers a number of waymarked routes for visitors to explore the beech woods. Its undulating terrain makes it popular with walkers and mountain bikers. Also horse riding, stargazing and barbeque (BBQ) sites |
| Glyndebourne | Culture, Learning | 15 | 25 | Home to the world famous annual Glyndebourne Festival Opera, an opera house set in an English country house |
| Go Ape, Bedgebury | Adventure, Family, Nature | 12 | 30 | Enjoy two to three hours in the trees taking on Zip Wires, Tarzan Swings, Rope Ladders and a variety of obstacles and crossings - something for everyone on a family day out. |
| Groombridge Place and The Enchanted Forest | Adventure, Family, Gardens, Nature | 12 | 25 | Including a formal Knot and Oriental Garden, a Secret Garden, the white rose garden and the Drunken Garden, a favourite of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Giant chess set, pretty tree lined forest paths with water pools, giant tree swings, a raised board walk with zip wires and rope swings, wooden bridges, a maze and Crusoe’s World. Birds of prey, peacocks, Zedonk (half zebra, half donkey) and wild fallow deer |
| Grosvenor and Hilbert Park | Events, Family, Nature, Sports | 11 | 30 | Tunbridge Wells' oldest public park and still contains some original historic features, such as the lake and grottoes or 'dripping wells. Includes 2 woods with streams running through |
| Hadlow Down Traction Engine Rally | Crafts, Entertainment, Family, Food & Drink, Heritage | 4 | 12 | Beginning of June - traction engine rally, veteran and classic cars, model and narrow-gauge railways, Jessett collection of mechanical musical instruments, vintage farm machinery. Model railway exhibition in September |
| Hailsham Pavilion | Culture, Entertainment, Family | 14 | 30 | Fully independent cinema, live music venue and theatre. Mainstream and classic films, plus music shows and theatre productions in an Edwardian auditorium. |
| Harrisons Rocks | Adventure, Family, Nature, Sports | 10 | 21 | A sandstone crag near Groombridge, owned and managed by the BMC for the benefit of climbers and the general public for recreation on foot. |
| Hastings Old Town | Culture,Entertainment, Family, Heritage, Seaside, Shopping, Towns & Villages | 22 | 50 | The extent of Hastings before the 19th century. Annual events include the Old Town Week, Jack In The Green, the Seafood and Wine Festival, and the Bonfire Procession. |
| Hastings Pier | Entertainment, Events, Family, Food & Drink, Learning, Seaside | 22 | 50 | Summer marquee events including opera, pirate trail, giant water slide, camera obscura, restaurants and bars, fish & chips, community theatre, workshops,work placements |
| Heathfield Agricultural Show | Crafts, Entertainment, Family, Food & Drink, Heritage, Learning, Nature | 4 | 10 | Held at the end of May, a proud showcase of the products and produce of The High Weald, with cattle, sheep, horses, dogs, crafts, farmers' market, flower show, education centre, vintage tractors |
| Herstmonceux Castle | Culture, Events, Family, Gardens, Heritage, Learning | 16 | 35 | Herstmonceux Castle Gardens and Grounds is a 300 acre estate including woodland, formal themed gardens and a 15th century moated castle. It is an International Study Centre for Queen’s University in Canada and hosts students, tourists, residential conferences, corporate events and weddings |
| Herstmonceux Observatory Science Centre | Family, Learning, Nature | 16 | 35 | Spectacular hands-on science and discovery among the domes and telescopes of a world famous astronomical observatory. Children's workshops |
| Hever Castle and Gardens | Entertainment, Family, Heritage, Nature | 21 | 40 | Experience 700 years of history and award-winning gardens at the romantic double-moated 13th century Hever Castle once the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. |
| Hidden Spring Vineyard | Food & Drink | 7 | 15 | Small independent vineyard owned and run by two enthusiastic wine lovers, providing great English wines. Open for tastings and tours. |
| High Rocks National Monument | Events, Family, Nature | 11 | 20 | Acres of breathtaking sandstone rocks interlinked with eleven bridges, provide a scenic walk in a tranquil woodland setting |
| Horam Park Golf | Sport | 9 | 20 | Horam Park Golf Club is a true hidden gem, often spoken of as the best kept secret in Sussex. It features a mix of par 3s, 4s and 5s, making a par of 35, or 70 for 18 holes. |
| Kino, Hawkhurst | Culture, Entertainment, Family | 13 | 30 | Boutique entertainment venue with HD projection and sound. The first purely digital cinema in UK. Glyndebourne live screenings |
| Knockhatch Adventure Park | Adventure, Events, Family, Learning, Nature | 15 | 30 | Owl sanctuary, farm animals, soft play, cannon arena, adventure play area, boating, bungee trampoline, drop slide, go-karts, mini quads, laser game, waterslide |
| Lamb House | Culture, Heritage, Gardens | 28 | 55 | National Trust. Georgian house with literary associations including Henry James |
| Lavendar Line Railway | Family, Heritage | 14 | 30 | A preserved railway that boasts a fantastic family atmosphere. The railway travels for a two mile round trip. Steam and diesel |
| Leeds Castle | Culture, Entertainment, Events, Family, Food & Drink, Gardens, Heritage, Nature, Sport | 28 | 55 | “THE LOVELIEST CASTLE IN THE WORLD”. Discover almost 900 years of history and explore 500 acres of beautiful parkland and gardens. The whole family will enjoy the maze and grotto, thrilling falconry displays, punting on the moat, adventure playgrounds and more! |
| Lewes | Culture, Heritage, Shopping, Towns & Villages | 17 | 35 | Landmarks include Lewes castle and medieval buildings, there are antique and book shops, plenty of pubs, food and accommodation plus it is the centre of the Sussex bonfire tradition |
| Lewes Little Theatre | Culture, Entertainment, Family | 17 | 35 | Home of Lewes Theatre Club and thriving Lewes Theatre Youth Group, six to eight main stage productions per year andadditional touring events |
| Litlington Chalk Horse | Family, Nature, Heritage | 20 | 40 | Chalk (white) figure of a horse cut out on a hillside in the Cuckmere Valley |
| Little Foxes Copse, Five Ashes | Nature, Family | 2 | 5 | A fascinating opportunity to experience a woodland creation site set in the beautiful rolling landscape of the High Weald. The mixed native trees and shrubs, planted over two decades up to 20001, now fit snugly into the landscape. |
| Llama Park | Events,Family, Nature | 14 | 30 | Park with Llamas, Alpacas, Reindeer, Goats, Sheep, Pigs. Geese, Ducks, Chickens, Peafowl. Walks, childrens' play area, food |
| Long Man of Wilmington | Nature, Family | 20 | 50 | A hill figure on the steep slopes of Windover Hill near Wilmington 6 miles northwest of Eastbourne and ¹⁄₃ mile south of Wilmington |
| Malborough Pub & Theatre, Brighton | Culture, Entertainment | 26 | 55 | Fringe theatre, queer performance with great food and a friendly crowd. LGBTQ+ pub theatre |
| Michelham Priory & Gardens | Events, Family, Gardens, Heritage | 15 | 30 | A former Augustine Priory surrounded by England’s longest medieval water filled moat. Physic and medieval water garden, trails, dressing up and hands-on activities |
| Monks House, Rodmell | Culture, Gardens, Nature | 22 | 45 | National Trust property. Nestled in the heart of rural Sussex, Monk’s House is a tranquil 17th-century weather-boarded cottage which was inhabited by Leonard and his novelist wife Virginia Woolf from 1919 until Leonard's death in 1969. You can explore the house and gardens |
| National Cat Centre | Family, Nature | 15 | 35 | Visitors to our rehoming centre in Chelwood Gate, Sussex, can meet our feline residents and talk with our dedicated team about the best cat for you and your home. As well as a nature trail (and a few resident donkeys), we have a welcoming café and gift shop stuffed with all things cat. |
| Nutley Windmill | Family, Heritage | 10 | 25 | Standing in the beautiful Ashdown Forest, the last Open Trestle Post Mill in Sussex & one of only 5 left in the country. The best preserved and only operational windmill is Sussex based on a design used since the 12th C |
| Nuts4Climbing | Adventure, Events, Family, Learning, Sport | 10 | 25 | Offering the highest quality outdoor climbing courses for adults available in the South East. The closest outdoor climbing venue to London, priding itself on offering first class low-ratio coaching to climbers of all levels and abilities. Also sells climbing equipment |
| Odeon Cinema | Entertainment, family | 13 | 30 | Multiplex cinema |
| Old Soar Manor | Heritage | 25 | 50 | An English Heritage property, owned and maintained by the National Trust. It is a small 13th century stone manor house, Grade I listed. |
| Opus Theatre, Hastings | Culture, Entertainment, Family, Learning | 23 | 50 | high quality concerts, recitals, opera, dance, art films, theatre, workshops, literary groups, lectures, the visual arts and more |
| Pashley Manor Gardens | Culture, Events, Gardens, Heritage, Nature | 10 | 25 | A winner of the HHA / Christie's Garden Of The Year Award. The Gardens provide the perfect setting for sculpture. Each year the work of many eminent sculptors is displayed as well as work by local artists. |
| Perryhill Orchards | Crafts, Food & Drink, Shopping | 13 | 30 | Free tasting of their apple juices and ciders in the farm shop, craft centre with log baskets, kitchen utensils and decorated cookware to ornate pots and vases, beautiful hangings and eye-catching jewellery. Customised crafts to order. |
| Pevensey Castle | Family, Heritage | 21 | 35 | A medieval castle and former Roman Saxon Shore fort. An English Heritage site and a Scheduled Monument |
| Pevensey Court House Museum & Goal | Family, Heritage | 20 | 35 | Amazing history from the Romans to 1945. Children's discovery trails |
| Picture House, Uckfield | Culture, Entertainment, Family | 10 | 20 | Award-winning 2 screen independent cinema. New releases, classics, theme nights and cultural screenings from National Theatre and Royal Opera. |
| Polegate Windmill | Family, Heritage | 17 | 25 | Built in 1817. See website for openings time of windmill and museum, and for tours |
| Pooh Sticks Bridge | Family, Heritage, Nature | 14 | 35 | Play Pooh Sticks on the bridge where Christopher Robin first played it with Winnie-the-Pooh. Pooh Car Park near Chuck Hatch is about half a mile away by footpath. Pooh Corner tea room and gift shop is nearby in Upper Hartfield |
| Rathfinney Estate | Events, Food & Drink | 21 | 40 | Established to produce some of the world's finest sparkling wines. Estate tours, tastings & trail |
| Rialto Theatre, Brighton | Culture, Entertainment | 30 | 55 | Performing arts theatre: music, comedy, drama, fringe, events |
| Ridgeview Vineyard | Events, Food & Drink | 20 | 40 | Dedicated to creating world class sparkling wines in the South Downs of England, specialising in growing classic grape varieties. Open for tours, tastings and events |
| Rother Valley Railway | Entertainment, Family | 14 | 30 | Reconstructing the Kent & East Sussex steam railway from Robertsbridge to Bodiam |
| Royal Ashdown Golf Club | Sport | 15 | 35 | A traditional members’ golf club set in the heart of the Ashdown Forest. The stunning heathland layout of the Old Course is currently (2015) rated by Golf World as 42nd in its top 100 courses in England and not a bunker in sight. |
| Royal Tunbridge Wells | Culture, Entertainment, Heritage, Nature, Shopping, Towns & Villages | 9 | 20 | Site of the Chalybeate Spring (hence the "Wells"), historic buildings & architecture, imposing sandstone formations, shopping and a wide range of festivals |
| Royal Victoria Place | Shopping | 10 | 20 | Royal Victoria Place boasts more than 90 top name stores, excellent family facilities and a great range of places to eat and relax. |
| Rye | Culture,Entertainment, Family, Heritage, Seaside, Towns & Villages | 28 | 55 | "Perched on a hill, the medieval town of Rye has an unhurried atmosphere and enchanting streets that draw visitors with their warm welcome" |
| Salomans Estate and Museum | Culture, Entertainment, Events | 12 | 30 | Set in 36 acres of rolling gardens, parkland and woods, it includes an impressive Victorian theatre, as well as accommodation and event space |
| Scotney Castle | Adventure, Family, Gardens, Heritage, Nature | 10 | 25 | National Trust property. Country house, romantic garden, 14th century moated castle - all in a beautiful wooded estate. With plenty of family activities on offer and over 780 acres of parkland and woodland to explore as well as the house and garden and Old Castle. |
| Sedlescombe Organic Vineyard | Events, Food & Drink | 19 | 35 | Truly authentic working vineyard experience where you can explore the Self-guided Trail through 3 vineyards and an ancient English woodland. Tours and tutored tastings |
| Seven Sisters Country Park including Friston Forest and Visitor Centre, Exceat | Events, Family, Nature | 24 | 45 | The area has a long and interesting history, including some fascinating shipwrecks. SSCP is a great place to explore on foot, by bicycle or by canoe, particularly along the spectacular meanders of the Cuckmere River. The Visitor Centre, situated in an 18th century barn, has displays and exhibitions. |
| Sheffield Park and Gardens | Adventure, Events, Family, Gardens, Heritage, Learning, Nature | 15 | 30 | National Trust property. Acres of landscape garden bordered by historic parkland and woodland. Something for everyone with family activities |
| Sissinghurst Castle Garden | Culture, Events, Gardens, Heritage, Nature | 19 | 40 | National Trust. Historic, poetic, iconic; a refuge dedicated to beauty. Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson fell in love with Sissinghurst Castle and created a world renowned garden. |
| Spa Valley Railway | Entertainment, Events, Family, Food and Drink | 9 | 20 | Heritage steam railway offering driver and railway events, dining, children's events and days out, as well as steam journeys through the wonderful Kent and Sussex countryside and where each station is a destination with its own attractions |
| St. Leonard's Tower | Heritage | 24 | 50 | Remains of a Norman tower possible a keep built by Gundulf, the Bishop of Rochester, between 1077 and 1108. |
| Standen House and Garden | Culture, Gardens, Heritage, Nature | 19 | 40 | National Trust. Arts and Crafts family home with Morris & Co. interiors, set in a beautiful hillside garden |
| Sussex Farms Museums and Nature Trail, Horam | Events, Family, Nature, Learning | 8 | 20 | The Museum and nature trails show country life as it was 100 years ago. Inside are areas displaying agricultural tools, stable equipment, the dairy, forge and countryside sports. |
| Sussex Guild Craft Show | Crafts, Events | 10 | 25 | August bank holiday weekend at Pashley Manor Gardens. A fantastic selection of high quality crafts from 40 Sussex Guild members, a highly skilled group of designer makers |
| Sutton Valence Castle | Heritage | 25 | 50 | English Heritage site, a ruined medieval fortification dating from the 12th century. Free entry to the ruins |
| The Curzon, Eastbourne | Culture, Entertainment, Family | 23 | 50 | 3-screen cinema showing main releases, live streaming of National Theatre and RSC productions and some foreign-language releases |
| The Forum | Entertainment, Family | 9 | 20 | An independent music venue in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent with a standing capacity of 250. It has hosted many famous singers and acts. |
| The Hub Theatre, Haywards Heath | Culture, Entertainment, Family, Learning | 21 | 45 | Central Sussex College’s working theatre environment with the latest industry-standard technology to provide students with an outstanding theatre space |
| The Old Loom Mill | Crafts, Family, Learning | 16 | 30 | Agricultural buildings converted into a craft centre, offering large selections of discounted knitting wool, fabrics, local crafts and gifts in the South of England. Workshops, pottery painting and birthday parties |
| The Truggery | Crafts, Heritage, Shopping | 12 | 30 | The oldest trug shop in the world!. We have been making Sussex Trugs in our workshop and selling them from a little shop attached to the house for over a hundred years. We still use using traditional methods and materials. |
| Theatre Royal, Brighton | Culture, Entertainment, Family, Learning | 29 | 55 | Grade II listed building presenting a range of West End and touring musicals and plays, opera and ballet as well as Creative Learning events, workshops and courses. Capacity of 952. |
| Therapy Room Comedy Club, Tunbridge Wells | Entertainment, Family | 10 | 20 | Once a month attracting the finest stand ups from around the world. Relaxed surroundings where you can watch great comedy, dance, eat, drink and chat. |
| Tonbridge Oast Theatre | Culture, Entertainment, Family | 18 | 40 | 112 seat theatre based in an old oast house. Home to the Tonbridge Theatre and Arts Club |
| Trinity Theatre, Tunbridge Wells | Culture, Entertainment, Family | 10 | 25 | Mix of classical theatre/music/films/visual arts and children's theatre with animation and puppetry. |
| Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery | Culture, Family, Learning | 10 | 25 | Special exhibitions, collection of Tunbridge wooden ware, objects of the month. Explorer backpacks, gallery trails and colouring books for children. |
| Urban Jump Trampoline Park | Adventure, Family, Sport | 6 | 15 | Trampoline park, Soft play, Urban Rainforest, Foam pits, Climbing wall, Slam dunk, Dodgeball, Battle beam |
| Wakehurst | Gardens, Nature | 21 | 45 | National Trust property. Botanical garden with the world's largest seed conservation project |
| White Rock Theatre, Hastings | Culture, Entertainment, Family | 22 | 50 | Large venue for classical and rock music, stand-up comedians, circus, panto and community events. |
| Wilderness Wood, Hadlow Down | Events, Family, Food & Drink, Learning, Nature | 4 | 10 | 62 acres of chestnut coppice with stands of beech, scots pine, douglas, cedar and giant sequoia. A cafe, a workshop, a home, a kitchen garden, a marquee, and camping shelters |
| Windmill Hill Windmill | Family, Heritage | 13 | 30 | The windmill at Windmill Hill. Transformed from a neglected ruin to a working mill….. |
| Winter Garden Theatre, Eastbourne | Culture, Entertainment, Family | 23 | 50 | Wide variety of entertainment including tea dances, old-style music shows, comedy club and conferences in the Floral Hall and Gold Room |
For information on events happening locally, you can also visit the WhereWeCanGo website
Explore Wealden 2022 attraction guide
For the eighth year running Wealden District Council’s visitor attractions guide is back by popular demand.
The new 2022/23 attractions guide showcases over 80 attractions within the district offering many ‘hidden gems’ for visitors to explore.
Copies of the guide are available from economicdevelopment@wealden.gov.uk or you can download it Explore Wealden Attractions Guide 2022