Recommendations at and around Old Barn Cottage

Sally
Recommendations at and around Old Barn Cottage

Sightseeing

HEVER CASTLE THE CHILDHOOD HOME OF ANNE BOLEYN, THE SECOND WIFE OF HENRY VIII AND MOTHER OF ELIZABETH I. Dating from the 13th century, this magnificent crenelated castle in Kent is surrounded by a moat and set in 50.5 hectares of pristine parkland, much of it managed for wildlife. Thanks to William Waldorf Astor, a wealthy American-born attorney, politician, businessman and newspaper publisher, the castle was restored in the early 20th century. It boasts beautifully adorned rooms with panelled walls and is filled with antiques, tapestries and fine art, including a magnificent collection of Tudor portraits. Astor spent a great deal of money creating a giant 15 hectare lake surrounded by lavish gardens divided into “rooms”, including The Loggia, the Italian Garden (complete with Pompeiian Wall and classical statues), a Tudor Garden and Rhododendron Walk. There is also a giant topiary chess set, two mazes (one made of yew, the other on water) and a quintessential English Rose Garden featuring more than 4,000 rose bushes, including its own own Hever Rose. There are lots of walks to undertake, including one that follows the course of a stream, and another, known as Anne Boleyn’s Walk, which winds its way through an impressive collection of trees planted more than a century ago. Other highlights include a permanent display of model houses, which illustrate the development of English country houses from Tudor to Victorian times, and a military museum that includes the reconstruction of a World War I trench and the interior of a World War II Cromwell tank turret. Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds. For more information, including opening times and admission prices, visit the Hever Castle & Gardens website.
199 locals recommend
Hever Castle & Gardens
Hever Road
199 locals recommend
HEVER CASTLE THE CHILDHOOD HOME OF ANNE BOLEYN, THE SECOND WIFE OF HENRY VIII AND MOTHER OF ELIZABETH I. Dating from the 13th century, this magnificent crenelated castle in Kent is surrounded by a moat and set in 50.5 hectares of pristine parkland, much of it managed for wildlife. Thanks to William Waldorf Astor, a wealthy American-born attorney, politician, businessman and newspaper publisher, the castle was restored in the early 20th century. It boasts beautifully adorned rooms with panelled walls and is filled with antiques, tapestries and fine art, including a magnificent collection of Tudor portraits. Astor spent a great deal of money creating a giant 15 hectare lake surrounded by lavish gardens divided into “rooms”, including The Loggia, the Italian Garden (complete with Pompeiian Wall and classical statues), a Tudor Garden and Rhododendron Walk. There is also a giant topiary chess set, two mazes (one made of yew, the other on water) and a quintessential English Rose Garden featuring more than 4,000 rose bushes, including its own own Hever Rose. There are lots of walks to undertake, including one that follows the course of a stream, and another, known as Anne Boleyn’s Walk, which winds its way through an impressive collection of trees planted more than a century ago. Other highlights include a permanent display of model houses, which illustrate the development of English country houses from Tudor to Victorian times, and a military museum that includes the reconstruction of a World War I trench and the interior of a World War II Cromwell tank turret. Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds. For more information, including opening times and admission prices, visit the Hever Castle & Gardens website.
HERITAGE RAILWAY LINE that runs along the border of East and West Sussex between East Grinstead, in the North, and Sheffield Park, in the South, with stops at Horsted Keynes and Kingscote. The 11 mile line was the UK’s first preserved standard gauge passenger railway— volunteers began operating it in August 1960, less than three years after British Rail ceased using it — and today it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the county. The Bluebell Railway has more than 30 vintage steam trains at its disposal — the biggest collection in the UK after the National Railway Museum — some of which were taken into care before British Rail ceased steam services. These are run every weekend between late March and late October. There are additional “special” services over the winter, including “festive feast” trains in the weeks leading up to Christmas. For those who fancy something truly special, why not book a ticket on the Golden Arrow Pullman dining train? This recreates the era when the Golden Arrow, one of the most glamorous and famous trains in the world, travelled between London and Paris. On board you will be seated in an opulent compartment and served a delicious three course meal with wine, the gorgeous Sussex countryside lying just outside the carriage windows. Other food- and drink-based rail services include an afternoon tea train, real ale evenings, fish’n’chip specials and a Sunday carvery train. Dogs are welcome on most services for just £2 per dog. For more information, including timetables and ticket prices, visit the Bluebell Railway website
85 locals recommend
Bluebell Railway
Sheffield Park
85 locals recommend
HERITAGE RAILWAY LINE that runs along the border of East and West Sussex between East Grinstead, in the North, and Sheffield Park, in the South, with stops at Horsted Keynes and Kingscote. The 11 mile line was the UK’s first preserved standard gauge passenger railway— volunteers began operating it in August 1960, less than three years after British Rail ceased using it — and today it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the county. The Bluebell Railway has more than 30 vintage steam trains at its disposal — the biggest collection in the UK after the National Railway Museum — some of which were taken into care before British Rail ceased steam services. These are run every weekend between late March and late October. There are additional “special” services over the winter, including “festive feast” trains in the weeks leading up to Christmas. For those who fancy something truly special, why not book a ticket on the Golden Arrow Pullman dining train? This recreates the era when the Golden Arrow, one of the most glamorous and famous trains in the world, travelled between London and Paris. On board you will be seated in an opulent compartment and served a delicious three course meal with wine, the gorgeous Sussex countryside lying just outside the carriage windows. Other food- and drink-based rail services include an afternoon tea train, real ale evenings, fish’n’chip specials and a Sunday carvery train. Dogs are welcome on most services for just £2 per dog. For more information, including timetables and ticket prices, visit the Bluebell Railway website
Botanical garden with the world's largest seed conservation project Wakehurst is Kew Wild Botanic Gardens in Sussex. Situated in the high Weald, there are more than 500 acres of ornamental gardens, woodlands and a nature reserve to be explored. An Elizabethan mansion stands majestically in the grounds. This is the perfect backdrop to formal gardens and managed lawns which bleed gently out into the wilder landscape. Wakehurst is also home to the Millenium Seed Bank, the largest wild seed conservation project in the world. There is plenty to see and do at Wakehurst – a stunning walled garden, water gardens, and meadowland are just a small part of what you can experience. Children will love the natural play spaces and nature lovers will delight in spotting unusual flora, fungi and wildlife in the reserve. The stables restaurant and seed café both selling hot food, delicious cakes and fresh coffee will make sure your day is a memorable one. Dogs are not permitted and parking charges apply.
82 locals recommend
Wakehurst
Selsfield Road
82 locals recommend
Botanical garden with the world's largest seed conservation project Wakehurst is Kew Wild Botanic Gardens in Sussex. Situated in the high Weald, there are more than 500 acres of ornamental gardens, woodlands and a nature reserve to be explored. An Elizabethan mansion stands majestically in the grounds. This is the perfect backdrop to formal gardens and managed lawns which bleed gently out into the wilder landscape. Wakehurst is also home to the Millenium Seed Bank, the largest wild seed conservation project in the world. There is plenty to see and do at Wakehurst – a stunning walled garden, water gardens, and meadowland are just a small part of what you can experience. Children will love the natural play spaces and nature lovers will delight in spotting unusual flora, fungi and wildlife in the reserve. The stables restaurant and seed café both selling hot food, delicious cakes and fresh coffee will make sure your day is a memorable one. Dogs are not permitted and parking charges apply.
BRITISH WILDLIFE CENTRE (3.7 miles) The finest collection of native wildlife in Britain. Over forty different native species from tiny harvest mice to magnificent red deer. Open every Saturday, Sunday and Bank holidays. Also daily during state school holidays British Wildlife Centre Eastbourne Road (A22), Newchapel, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6LF Tel: 01342 834658 Located on the A22 in Surrey, just 10 minutes south of M25 Junction 6 (Godstone) and 10 minutes north of East Grinstead, just north of the Newchapel roundabout (junction with B2028)
17 locals recommend
British Wildlife Centre
Eastbourne Road
17 locals recommend
BRITISH WILDLIFE CENTRE (3.7 miles) The finest collection of native wildlife in Britain. Over forty different native species from tiny harvest mice to magnificent red deer. Open every Saturday, Sunday and Bank holidays. Also daily during state school holidays British Wildlife Centre Eastbourne Road (A22), Newchapel, Lingfield, Surrey RH7 6LF Tel: 01342 834658 Located on the A22 in Surrey, just 10 minutes south of M25 Junction 6 (Godstone) and 10 minutes north of East Grinstead, just north of the Newchapel roundabout (junction with B2028)
FAMILY HOME AND GARDENS OF SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL Chartwell was the much -loved Churchill family home from 1922 and the place from which Sir Winston Churchill drew inspiration until the end of his life. The rooms remain much as they were when he lived there, with pictures, books and personal mementos evoking the career and wide-ranging interests of a great statesman, writer, painter and family man. The hillside gardens reflect Sir Winston’s love of the landscape and nature. They include the lakes he created, the kitchen garden and the Marycot, a playhouse designed for his youngest daughter Mary. CHARTWELL MAPLETON ROAD, WESTERHAM, KENT, TN16 1PS 01732 868381
105 locals recommend
Chartwell
Mapleton Road
105 locals recommend
FAMILY HOME AND GARDENS OF SIR WINSTON CHURCHILL Chartwell was the much -loved Churchill family home from 1922 and the place from which Sir Winston Churchill drew inspiration until the end of his life. The rooms remain much as they were when he lived there, with pictures, books and personal mementos evoking the career and wide-ranging interests of a great statesman, writer, painter and family man. The hillside gardens reflect Sir Winston’s love of the landscape and nature. They include the lakes he created, the kitchen garden and the Marycot, a playhouse designed for his youngest daughter Mary. CHARTWELL MAPLETON ROAD, WESTERHAM, KENT, TN16 1PS 01732 868381
STANDEN HOUSE Arts and Crafts family home with Morris & Co. interiors, set in a beautiful hillside garden. A family home and garden brought to life in this gem of the Arts & Crafts Movement, hidden at the end of a quiet Sussex lane, with views over the Ashdown Forest and Weirwood Reservoir. Built in the 1890s, Standen today tells the story of family life during the 1920’s in a unique setting. The design of the house is a monument to the combined genius of architect Philip Webb and his friend William Morris. All the big names of the Arts & Crafts period are represented in the house interiors, including ceramics by William De Morgan and metalwork by W. A. S. Benson. Today you can see the house set for a weekend visit in the 1920s. Follow the story of the Beale family over a 24 hour period as they enjoy breakfast in bed and welcome guests for afternoon tea and provide musical entertainment. Throughout December, Standen will be decorated for a traditional Beale family Christmas complete with trails, exhibitions and festive décor of the period. The hillside gardens are being restored to the Arts & Crafts inspired garden developed by Mrs Beale, owner of Standen. Using her diaries, lost garden features and a historic plant collection will return the gardens to their heyday, providing year round interest for the garden enthusiast. Garden tours are often scheduled to provide an introduction to the garden and the exciting revival project. On the wider estate, footpaths and self-guided walks lead out into our ancient woodlands and the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Well behaved dogs on short leads are welcome in the formal gardens. Picnicking is also welcome in all areas of the Standen gardens and woodlands. The beautiful 18th century barn is home to the licensed café, serving breakfast, hot meals and lighter snacks. The Barn café is a great place to sample seasonal dishes made with food grown in the Kitchen Garden. In the shop you can find a range of Arts & Crafts and Morris & Co inspired gifts, textiles and ceramics, souvenirs and locally produced wine, chocolate and beer. Also available to take home are bottles of Standen Grande, a sparkling wine produced on the former estate and only available to purchase at Standen. For more information about admission prices, events, opening times and access, visit the website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/standen
34 locals recommend
National Trust - Standen
West Hoathly Road
34 locals recommend
STANDEN HOUSE Arts and Crafts family home with Morris & Co. interiors, set in a beautiful hillside garden. A family home and garden brought to life in this gem of the Arts & Crafts Movement, hidden at the end of a quiet Sussex lane, with views over the Ashdown Forest and Weirwood Reservoir. Built in the 1890s, Standen today tells the story of family life during the 1920’s in a unique setting. The design of the house is a monument to the combined genius of architect Philip Webb and his friend William Morris. All the big names of the Arts & Crafts period are represented in the house interiors, including ceramics by William De Morgan and metalwork by W. A. S. Benson. Today you can see the house set for a weekend visit in the 1920s. Follow the story of the Beale family over a 24 hour period as they enjoy breakfast in bed and welcome guests for afternoon tea and provide musical entertainment. Throughout December, Standen will be decorated for a traditional Beale family Christmas complete with trails, exhibitions and festive décor of the period. The hillside gardens are being restored to the Arts & Crafts inspired garden developed by Mrs Beale, owner of Standen. Using her diaries, lost garden features and a historic plant collection will return the gardens to their heyday, providing year round interest for the garden enthusiast. Garden tours are often scheduled to provide an introduction to the garden and the exciting revival project. On the wider estate, footpaths and self-guided walks lead out into our ancient woodlands and the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Well behaved dogs on short leads are welcome in the formal gardens. Picnicking is also welcome in all areas of the Standen gardens and woodlands. The beautiful 18th century barn is home to the licensed café, serving breakfast, hot meals and lighter snacks. The Barn café is a great place to sample seasonal dishes made with food grown in the Kitchen Garden. In the shop you can find a range of Arts & Crafts and Morris & Co inspired gifts, textiles and ceramics, souvenirs and locally produced wine, chocolate and beer. Also available to take home are bottles of Standen Grande, a sparkling wine produced on the former estate and only available to purchase at Standen. For more information about admission prices, events, opening times and access, visit the website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/standen

Entertainment

LINGFIELD PARK RESORT Lingfield Park Resort boasts the busiest racecourse in Europe with over 80 fixtures across the year, with flat, jump and all weather racing. As well as being a popular racecourse, Lingfield Park Resort also boasts a Spa & Leisure Club also, a challenging 18-hole Golf Course, providing a fantastic leisure resort in Surrey.
18 locals recommend
Lingfield Park Racecourse
Racecourse Road
18 locals recommend
LINGFIELD PARK RESORT Lingfield Park Resort boasts the busiest racecourse in Europe with over 80 fixtures across the year, with flat, jump and all weather racing. As well as being a popular racecourse, Lingfield Park Resort also boasts a Spa & Leisure Club also, a challenging 18-hole Golf Course, providing a fantastic leisure resort in Surrey.
Immerse yourselves for up to an hour in the worlds of pirates or gangsters for groups of 4 - 8 or an experienced group of 2. The Escape Room Adventures take you on a journey of discovery as you puzzle your way through the gameplay and unlock the many secrets within. The easiest scenario is Mutiny which is ideal for beginners, families or a group with mixed experience. Visitor Services For general enquiries please contact us at escape@tulleysfarm.com or call 01342 718472.
14 locals recommend
Tulleys Escape Rooms & Games
Unit 4 Turners Hill Rd
14 locals recommend
Immerse yourselves for up to an hour in the worlds of pirates or gangsters for groups of 4 - 8 or an experienced group of 2. The Escape Room Adventures take you on a journey of discovery as you puzzle your way through the gameplay and unlock the many secrets within. The easiest scenario is Mutiny which is ideal for beginners, families or a group with mixed experience. Visitor Services For general enquiries please contact us at escape@tulleysfarm.com or call 01342 718472.

Lunch favourite

Eastbourne Road, Felbridge, Near Lingfield. RH7 6HL - 01342 837102 (3.8 miles) The ever popular Tammy’s Thai prepares a variety of delicious Thai food specialities. Three course lunch for £11.50 is not to be missed.
Tammy's Thai Restaurant
Eastbourne Road
Eastbourne Road, Felbridge, Near Lingfield. RH7 6HL - 01342 837102 (3.8 miles) The ever popular Tammy’s Thai prepares a variety of delicious Thai food specialities. Three course lunch for £11.50 is not to be missed.

Walks

WALKING There are many lovely country walks, right from your doorstep - crossing fields using the public footpaths or possibly a stroll along the leafy lane to the Curious Pig for a pint and a spot of Lunch. There are a number of Ordnance survey maps and printed information sheets of local walks available for your use. These can be found in the drawer of the grey dresser. HAREWOODS ESTATE (National Trust) (2.5 miles) The Harewoods estate was created over a number of years by the Victorian London stockbroker, Alfred Howard Lloyd, and forms a large part of the countryside in and around the picturesque village of Outwood. Harewoods is lovely countryside with many footpaths and bridleways that take you across working farmland, meadows, an ancient common and woodland. In the spring, the woods are filled with colourful wild flowers; spectacular displays of primroses, wood anemones and bluebells in Hornecourt Wood. Over 100 ponds can be found, ranging from large open ponds to marshes, where keen bird-watchers may spot snipe and woodcock. Outwood Common was used by commoners for grazing and timber up until the mid 1800s and many ancient oak trees can still be seen today. Opposite the carpark is Outwood Windmill which is a post mill, i.e. one built around a vertical post. It was built for a miller Thomas Budgen in 1665 and, since it is still in working order, it counts as the oldest working windmill in England. The sails you see now are more modern than on the original mill, having a “spring” mechanism. Like all windmills, Outwood mill was often in jeopardy, from strong winds, beam cracking and wartime neglect. Another notable venue worth a visit whilst at Harewoods is The Bell Coaching Inn dating from 1635. Rustic Country Pub with oak beamed interior, fire, patio and garden add to the charm. It serves a seasonal menu, craft lagers, seasonal ale, cider, spirit, artisan soft drinks, or fine selection of wines. Serving from 12-3pm but all day from 12 on Sunday, so you do not need to time your walk too precisely. Harewoods is approximately 2.5 miles on foot from Old Barn Cottage or can be reached by road (3.3 miles) Outwood Lane, Outwood, RH1 5PW
National Trust - Harewoods
Outwood Lane
WALKING There are many lovely country walks, right from your doorstep - crossing fields using the public footpaths or possibly a stroll along the leafy lane to the Curious Pig for a pint and a spot of Lunch. There are a number of Ordnance survey maps and printed information sheets of local walks available for your use. These can be found in the drawer of the grey dresser. HAREWOODS ESTATE (National Trust) (2.5 miles) The Harewoods estate was created over a number of years by the Victorian London stockbroker, Alfred Howard Lloyd, and forms a large part of the countryside in and around the picturesque village of Outwood. Harewoods is lovely countryside with many footpaths and bridleways that take you across working farmland, meadows, an ancient common and woodland. In the spring, the woods are filled with colourful wild flowers; spectacular displays of primroses, wood anemones and bluebells in Hornecourt Wood. Over 100 ponds can be found, ranging from large open ponds to marshes, where keen bird-watchers may spot snipe and woodcock. Outwood Common was used by commoners for grazing and timber up until the mid 1800s and many ancient oak trees can still be seen today. Opposite the carpark is Outwood Windmill which is a post mill, i.e. one built around a vertical post. It was built for a miller Thomas Budgen in 1665 and, since it is still in working order, it counts as the oldest working windmill in England. The sails you see now are more modern than on the original mill, having a “spring” mechanism. Like all windmills, Outwood mill was often in jeopardy, from strong winds, beam cracking and wartime neglect. Another notable venue worth a visit whilst at Harewoods is The Bell Coaching Inn dating from 1635. Rustic Country Pub with oak beamed interior, fire, patio and garden add to the charm. It serves a seasonal menu, craft lagers, seasonal ale, cider, spirit, artisan soft drinks, or fine selection of wines. Serving from 12-3pm but all day from 12 on Sunday, so you do not need to time your walk too precisely. Harewoods is approximately 2.5 miles on foot from Old Barn Cottage or can be reached by road (3.3 miles) Outwood Lane, Outwood, RH1 5PW
ASHDOWN FOREST (12 miles) Home of A.A Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh Originally a deer hunting forest in Norman times, Ashdown Forest is now one of the largest free public access space in the South East. It is a great place for walking and enjoying spectacular views over the Sussex countryside and is known the world over as the 'home' of Winnie-the-Pooh. Ashdown Forest is an ancient area of tranquil open heathland occupying the highest sandy ridge-top of the High Weald. Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Ashdown Forest lies between Crowborough, Forest Row and Maresfield, rising to an altitude of 732 feet (223 metres) above sea level, its heights provide expansive vistas across the heavily wooded hills of the Weald to the chalk escarpments of the North Downs and South Downs on the horizon. The Ashdown Forest Centre, Colemans Hatch Road, Wych Cross, Forest Row, East Sussex. RH18 5JP
92 locals recommend
Ashdown Forest
Wych Cross
92 locals recommend
ASHDOWN FOREST (12 miles) Home of A.A Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh Originally a deer hunting forest in Norman times, Ashdown Forest is now one of the largest free public access space in the South East. It is a great place for walking and enjoying spectacular views over the Sussex countryside and is known the world over as the 'home' of Winnie-the-Pooh. Ashdown Forest is an ancient area of tranquil open heathland occupying the highest sandy ridge-top of the High Weald. Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Ashdown Forest lies between Crowborough, Forest Row and Maresfield, rising to an altitude of 732 feet (223 metres) above sea level, its heights provide expansive vistas across the heavily wooded hills of the Weald to the chalk escarpments of the North Downs and South Downs on the horizon. The Ashdown Forest Centre, Colemans Hatch Road, Wych Cross, Forest Row, East Sussex. RH18 5JP

City/town information

This is where the treat starts, as stretching from East to West are an incredible mixture of magnificent mediaeval buildings, small passageways and courtyards all waiting for you to explore them. Today many are commercial buildings with shops, cafes , restaurants and pubs mixed with other commercial uses on the upper floors. Many are still private homes and have remained almost unchanged since they were built. If you take a look at the rear of the houses on the South side of the Street you’ll notice the extraordinary length of their gardens. Known as Portlands they were intended to enable the households to be almost self-sufficient by keeping pigs and poultry as well space for vegetables and fruit, some extend as far as 630 feet and are all still preserved as they were, although not many boast pigs and chickens these days! For an English town the High Street might seem strangely wide, and this is due to the fact that for many years it also served as a thriving market place, and there some early photographs in the Town Museum showing cattle wandering around the street on a market day. These days the High Street is more focused on its speciality shops offering a unique take on today’s retail offer. There are hundreds of years of history to explore here, from old coaching inns, where you can still almost hear echoes of the stagecoaches of yesteryear clatter through the street. There are also signs of a more turbulent past commemorated in the churchyard of St Swithun’s, where you can find a memorial to the three Protestant martyrs who were burnt at the stake in the middle of the High Street in 1556 having to refused to renounce their faith. At the Eastern end of the High Street stands East Grinstead’s foremost architectural gem, the golden sandstone buildings of Sackville College. Founded in 1609 by the Earl of Dorset as a home for the poor of the parish, it continues to this day to serve the same purpose. It’s called a college as the residents originally lived a ‘collegiate’ life with their own rooms, but all coming together to eat together. From the outside there aren’t too many clues as to the secrets that lie within, but once through the door you will find yourself in a courtyard with gravel paths and inlaid with turf, surrounded on each side by the various elements of the College. In the summer months the College is opened to the public, who are treated to guided tours of the downstairs rooms including the study where the famous Christmas carol of Good King Wenceslas was written by a previous warden of the college in 1853.
19 locals recommend
East Grinstead
19 locals recommend
This is where the treat starts, as stretching from East to West are an incredible mixture of magnificent mediaeval buildings, small passageways and courtyards all waiting for you to explore them. Today many are commercial buildings with shops, cafes , restaurants and pubs mixed with other commercial uses on the upper floors. Many are still private homes and have remained almost unchanged since they were built. If you take a look at the rear of the houses on the South side of the Street you’ll notice the extraordinary length of their gardens. Known as Portlands they were intended to enable the households to be almost self-sufficient by keeping pigs and poultry as well space for vegetables and fruit, some extend as far as 630 feet and are all still preserved as they were, although not many boast pigs and chickens these days! For an English town the High Street might seem strangely wide, and this is due to the fact that for many years it also served as a thriving market place, and there some early photographs in the Town Museum showing cattle wandering around the street on a market day. These days the High Street is more focused on its speciality shops offering a unique take on today’s retail offer. There are hundreds of years of history to explore here, from old coaching inns, where you can still almost hear echoes of the stagecoaches of yesteryear clatter through the street. There are also signs of a more turbulent past commemorated in the churchyard of St Swithun’s, where you can find a memorial to the three Protestant martyrs who were burnt at the stake in the middle of the High Street in 1556 having to refused to renounce their faith. At the Eastern end of the High Street stands East Grinstead’s foremost architectural gem, the golden sandstone buildings of Sackville College. Founded in 1609 by the Earl of Dorset as a home for the poor of the parish, it continues to this day to serve the same purpose. It’s called a college as the residents originally lived a ‘collegiate’ life with their own rooms, but all coming together to eat together. From the outside there aren’t too many clues as to the secrets that lie within, but once through the door you will find yourself in a courtyard with gravel paths and inlaid with turf, surrounded on each side by the various elements of the College. In the summer months the College is opened to the public, who are treated to guided tours of the downstairs rooms including the study where the famous Christmas carol of Good King Wenceslas was written by a previous warden of the college in 1853.

Restaurants

There's a number of great pubs and restaurants in close proximity to the property. We recommend all of the following.
A manor house and garden that feel perfectly at one. Where beautiful grounds envelop the house. Where freshly grown produce becomes part of every meal in our Michelin Star restaurant. A place of timeless tranquillity in the Sussex Countryside, where a calm and warm atmosphere brings the most perfect relaxation. Where spirits are lifted and stresses left behind. Where the enthusiasm and passion of our staff shines bright.
20 locals recommend
Gravetye Manor
Vowels Lane
20 locals recommend
A manor house and garden that feel perfectly at one. Where beautiful grounds envelop the house. Where freshly grown produce becomes part of every meal in our Michelin Star restaurant. A place of timeless tranquillity in the Sussex Countryside, where a calm and warm atmosphere brings the most perfect relaxation. Where spirits are lifted and stresses left behind. Where the enthusiasm and passion of our staff shines bright.
Comfy soft furnishings, roaring fireplaces and animal skin rugs in a gastropub with themed nights. Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · Delivery Address: Turners Hill Rd, Crawley Down, Crawley RH10 4HH
15 locals recommend
The Dukes Head
6 Manor Rd
15 locals recommend
Comfy soft furnishings, roaring fireplaces and animal skin rugs in a gastropub with themed nights. Service options: Dine-in · Takeaway · Delivery Address: Turners Hill Rd, Crawley Down, Crawley RH10 4HH
Beautiful country pub with rooms With a focus on great & quick service and a growing reputation for serving superb food in luxurious but relaxed surroundings, The Old House makes the perfect venue for every occasion. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch, a delicious evening meal, a private party, a business meeting, an overnight stay or a Christmas gathering, we look forward to welcoming you.
The Old House
Effingham Road
Beautiful country pub with rooms With a focus on great & quick service and a growing reputation for serving superb food in luxurious but relaxed surroundings, The Old House makes the perfect venue for every occasion. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch, a delicious evening meal, a private party, a business meeting, an overnight stay or a Christmas gathering, we look forward to welcoming you.
A cosy pub by Wire Mill Lake Here at The Wiremill, Lingfield – the view over the lake will never get old, even though the pub itself has been around since the 15th Century. Take in the lakeside ambience while you share a bottle of wine and grab a bite to eat outside or dine and drink indoors where our traditional pub charm will have you, your family and even your dog feeling all cosy.
12 locals recommend
The Wiremill Lakeside Pub & Inn
Wire Mill Lane
12 locals recommend
A cosy pub by Wire Mill Lake Here at The Wiremill, Lingfield – the view over the lake will never get old, even though the pub itself has been around since the 15th Century. Take in the lakeside ambience while you share a bottle of wine and grab a bite to eat outside or dine and drink indoors where our traditional pub charm will have you, your family and even your dog feeling all cosy.
Homely, wood-accented locale featuring locally sourced British pub fare & Argentinian-style steaks. Address: Copthorne Bank, Copthorne, Crawley RH10 3JG
15 locals recommend
The Cherry Tree
31-33 Grove Vale
15 locals recommend
Homely, wood-accented locale featuring locally sourced British pub fare & Argentinian-style steaks. Address: Copthorne Bank, Copthorne, Crawley RH10 3JG
The Curious Pig in the Parlour
Effingham Road
8 locals recommend

Pub

9 locals recommend
The Bell
Outwood Lane
9 locals recommend
The Curious Pig in the Parlour
Effingham Road
8 locals recommend
The Wiremill Lakeside Pub & Inn
Wire Mill Lane
12 locals recommend