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Welcome to Wealden
Wealden District covers 323 square miles of rural East Sussex and it is one of the most rural areas in England. Nearly two-thirds is recognised as being of national landscape quality, boasting the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the South Downs National Park.
It is easily reached from London by rail on Southern and South Eastern to stations at Berwick, Buxted, Crowborough, Eridge, Frant, Normans Bay, Pevensey & Westham, Polegate, Uckfield and Wadhurst. Details for local bus routes can be found on the East Sussex interactive bus map.
The core appeal to visitors is its beautiful, varied and unspoilt landscapes and views. It has undeveloped coastal cliffs, beaches and countryside that varies from ancient woodland, forests and heathland to a patchwork of medieval fields, parklands and open rolling downs. There are a number of European and Internationally recognised special sites of ecological value that contribute to the special environmental attributes of Wealden including Ashdown Forest, which contains one of the largest single continuous blocks of lowland heath in south-east England and Pevensey Levels which is designated wetland habitat of international importance.
Attractive villages offer the visitor a warm welcome and you will see a wealth of historic timber-framed, flint and thatched buildings, so typical of the South East of England. And why not try the Cuckoo Trail (pdf print only) - a former railway line extending for 11 miles between Heathfield and Polegate, ideal for walkers and cyclists.
Did you know Wealden has over 85 attractions?
Watch the journey through Wealden video
Map of Wealden
Wealden Towns
The towns and villages welcome everyone with their unique charm, whether staying for a weekend break or longer holiday at any time of year.
Crowborough Sir Arthur Conan Doyle of Sherlock Holmes fame lived here.
Hailsham Market Charter in 1252 and the only livestock market in the area.
Heathfield the infamous Jack Cade, leader of the Kentish rebellion in 1450 is buried in nearby Punnetts Town.
Pevensey 1066 landings and castle dating back to Roman times.
Polegate start of the Cuckoo Trail stretching 14 miles north to Heathfield.
Uckfield renowned for Lord Lucan and the legendary Piltdown Man hoax.
Upcoming Events
| date | event |
|---|---|
| Sat 6 - Mon 22 Apr | Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt at Bateman's |
| Sat 6 - Mon 22 Apr | Cadbury Easter Egg hunt 2019 at Bateman's |
| Thu 11 Apr - Sun 19 May | Arlington Bluebell Walk and Farm Trail at Arlington Bluebell Walk & Farm Trail |
| Fri 19 - Mon 22 Apr | Easter at Bewl Water Country Park |
| Sun 21 - Mon 22 Apr | Chocoholics Afternoon Tea at Buxted Park |
Experience...
You can take a steam train journey back through time; become a zoo keeper for a day at Drusillas; or listen to the nightjar on an evening summer walk in the Ashdown Forest.
Or you can float away in a hot air balloon in Wadhurst; stroll with llamas, visit the village centres in Forest Row, Wadhurst or Fletching; or experience skiing all year round on the dry ski slope at Knockhatch Ski Park.
Relax & Enjoy...
Dine out at our award winning restaurants, gastro-pubs and cafés, savour some of the best locally produced food in Sussex; visit one of the many farms and farm shops specialising in seasonal and foraged foods.
Indulge in a cream tea at some exquisite places in quaint villages offering spectacular views around East Sussex.
Out and About...
The Cuckoo Trail runs for 11 miles along the route of the railway, and is a must for walkers, cyclists and horseriders alike.
Play on some of the finest golf courses in the country. For peace and tranquility why not try a spot of fishing - there are rivers, lakes, reservoirs and estuaries, all in beautiful locations offering a range of fishing for the keen sportsman.
Explore...
Thirty miles south of London you can explore the High Weald - one of the best surviving medieval landscapes in Northern Europe with its mysterious ancient woodlands and fern-clad streams, sunken lanes created by Saxon drovers, Tudor ironmasters and intriguing timber-framed buildings.
There are rare species to be found in wildlife rich fields and hedgerows on the legendary Ashdown Forest - originally a deer hunting forest in Norman times and the South East's largest area of heathland.
Get Immersed...
A profusion of local craftsmen, artists and writers have found inspiration here and you can visit the homes of some of England’s finest writers including Rudyard Kipling, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Virginia Woolf.
In addition, Lee Miller and Roland Penrose moved to Farley Farm House. This soon became a meeting place for some leading figures in the world of Modern Art, welcoming Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst, Joan Miro, Man Ray, Echaurren Matta and Antoni Tapies.
Stay a While...
Whether it's a cosy bed & breakfast or a well appointed guest house, there is a great choice of accommodation available. Or you might like to indulge yourself for that special occasion in the elegant settings of one of our country house hotels.
Alternatively, our excellently equipped camping and caravan sites and holiday parks set in stunning Sussex countryside will guarantee you the warmest of welcomes!
