Heathfield, East Sussex
About Heathfield, East Sussex
The small market town of Heathfield sits high up in the Sussex Weald. It offers some fantastic views both down towards Eastbourne and across the valley towards Mayfield to the North of the town. The town sits almost exactly in the middle between Tunbridge Wells and Eastbourne, both large towns with good links to London.
The town has a diverse range of local shops and supermarkets, with Coop having their largest superstore here (not proven, but I think so).
Heathfield & Waldron Parish Council includes the surrounding villages of Broad Oak, Cross-in-Hand, Old Heathfield, Waldron, and Punnetts Town.
Surrounded by many country lanes and woodland areas, there are plenty of places to walk.
Millenium Green is a Woodland area just off the High Street to the North. This trail runs along the old Cuckoo Line, which was a rialway which ran between Eastbourne and Eridge.
The Cuckoo Trail also follows the old route of this railway line, and runs the full length of the old railway to Eastbourne. This cycle and walking trail is relatively flat and serves as a lovely place to walk and enjoy the countryside. The Cuckoo Trail officially starts from Station Road, Heathfield.
The town is also twinned with the French town of Forges-Les-Eaux in Normandy. The town often celebrates this partnership by holding an annual French Market called ‘Le Marche’ on the August bank holiday.
History of Heathfield
Visit South East England reports that Heathfield obtained it’s Market Charter in 1316. The town experienced significant growth thanks to the iron industry in the area during the 16th & 17th century. The town also benefited from the Cuckoo Line railway which first came to the town in 1880
The earliest reference to Heathfield was in the year 1230, where it was referred to as ‘Hatfield’ which translates as open land overgrown with heather.
Heathfield has quite a few annual events with some steeped in tradition, such as the Cuckoo fair. Held in springtime, it is said that the Old Woman of the ‘Heffle Fair’ would release a Cuckoo from her basket to tell all of England that Spring has begun.
Other annual events include the Heathfield Show, and Heathfield Bonfire, which as recently been reinstated after over 60 years
Walking in Heathfield
Situated along a ridge, high up in the Sussex Weald, the town has a wonderful array of walks with some fantastic views.
Of course, the Cuckoo Trail is one of the most popular walking trails. This is a relatively flat trail and can be used all year round.
There are also a number of woods surrounding the town, such as Darch’s Wood and Sapperton Wood.
There are also plenty of country lanes that can take you around the outskirts of the town. These are a little bit hilly – but definitely worth it for the views.
With such a wide range of walking routes, you can be certain that whatever time of year you visit there will be a lovely place to walk.
There are also a number of local cafes and takeaways available in the town – so after your walk be sure to stop in for a coffee and cake.
Visiting Heathfield
If you plan on visiting Heathfield there are a few local Bed & Breakfasts such as ‘Thimbles Bed & Breakfast‘ which is only 1 mile away from the town.
There are also a number of AirBnB‘s available in the town, ranging from £47 per night to £187.
‘ve spent most of my life living in Heathfield – although it’s small, it still offers plenty of things to do and see. Read more about other nearby towns such as Wadhurst, Crowborough and Tunbridge Wells here. Or read more of my blogs here.