East Grinstead
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East Grinstead is a town in West Sussex, in the South East of England.Understand
East Grinstead is an ancient market town that was the capital of the old High Weald, and lies at the meeting point of the four counties of Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex and Surrey. The carol "Good King Wenceslas" was written at the town's Sackville College.
Get in
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
East Grinstead station 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
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phone: +44 1892 770179, +44 1342 326561A beautiful 17th-century sandstone almshouse, where the carol "Good King Wenceslas" was written.
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phone: +44 1342 323029address: West Hoathly Road, RH19 4NEThe National Trust's flagship Arts and Crafts country house, internationally renowned for its William Morris wallpapers, textiles and contemporary fittings. Also has extensive landscaped gardens.
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phone: +44 1342 325026address: Church Ln, RH19 3BBContains the graves of the Sussex Martyrs.
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phone: +44 1342 302233address: Old Market Yard, Cantelupe Road, RH19 3BJ
- 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.
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phone: +44 1825 720800address: Firbank Way, East Grinstead RH19 1QSEngland's premier restored steam railway, has its Northern terminus located adjacent to main East Grinstead station. Trains steam 11 miles through the heart of the Sussex Weald throughout the year - other terminus is close to Sheffield Park National Trust gardens. Museum, Shop, Restaurant, Locomotive shed. 30 steam engines!
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Go to the races at
phone: +44 1342 834800address: Racecourse Road, Lingfield RH7 6PHUnusually, this has flat-racing all year round, using artificial Polytrack in winter. Flat-racing in summer, and jumps races in winter, are on turf. Lingfield is 3 miles north of East Grinstead, with its own railway station.
- 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.
Cuisine StudioOne of the best and least well-known to visitors (but not to locals!)
- Lots of take-away outlets in the town.
TaylorsGenerally considered to be the best place for fish and chips, with queues stretching out onto the street at weekends.
Nizam Indian Restaurant
ShaplaGood takeaway.
Drink
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phone: +44 1342 335130address: The Atrium, Little King St, RH19 3DJJD Wetherspoons.
The BroadwayAnother large venue.
Crows NestLive bands every week.
The Dorset ArmsGastropub.
The Sussex ArmsVery posh.
The SportsmanOne of the smallest pubs in England. Hidden down an alley. Often full of crazy people.
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The Open Arms
phone: +44 1342 327727address: 51 Railway approachMicropub serving range of cask and real ales.
The town also has 2 main nightclubs.
Tryst
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Bliss
address: Kings Street
Sleep
The town's Tourism Initiative has a full listing of all accommodation on their website
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phone: +44 871 527 8348address: London Rd, Felbridge, RH19 2QR
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phone: +44 1342 337700address: London Rd
Media
- Local weekly newspaper - East Grinstead Courier and Observer.
- Community radio station - 107 Meridian FM, on 107FM and online.
Go next
- Ashdown Forest is nearby, for walking, wildlife, llamas and Winnie The Pooh.