Visit East Grinstead

06/09/2026

Still time to buy your tickets.

East Grinstead Memorial Estate are hosting a talk by Michael Blencowe on The Wildlife of Sussex.

Michael Blencowe, is a well-known Sussex naturalist, and will be at St Swithun’s Church, East `Grinstead on 22 September, 2026 at 7.30.

"The diverse habitats of this southern county support a wide range of amazing species. Michael Blencowe takes you on a guided tour from the rock pools through the woodlands and up on to the South Downs and we’ll meet some amazing wildlife along the way."

The charity, East Grinstead Memorial Estate (EGMEL), is the owner of much of the East Court Estate, including Ashplats Wood.

All ticket proceeds will be donated to the St Swithun’s Restoration Trust, a charity responsible for raising funds to finance the preservation and repair of St Swithun’s Church.

Doors open at 7 pm. The talk starts at 7.30 pm, concluding at approx. 8.45 pm. Each ticket costs just £5.24 (£5.00 face value plus nominal admin fee.)

Tickets will go on sale on 17 August at https://www.ticketsource.com. You can find it easily! Just use the search term “Blencowe” or”Swithuns”.

05/09/2026

Between 12 and 20 September there will be 80 guided and self-guided walks taking place all across the High Weald. Whether you're new to countryside walking, looking for a family-friendly nature walk or a rewarding 13-mile hike, there's something to suit every age, interest and ability. It’s also a great way to learn more about the history and wildlife of the High Weald and meet new friends along the way.

All of the walks are free. Many operate on a 'turn up on the day' basis, while some require advance booking via the Walking Festival website.

https://www.highwealdwalks.org/

04/09/2026

Ashdown Forest’s first Open Studios event will be taking place from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th September, 10am-5pm. A diverse collective of more than 80 local artists and makers will be showing and demonstrating their work in some unusual locations around the Forest and local villages.

The event celebrates the rich creative tradition of the Forest and features works by painters, potters, sculptors and jewellers plus some more unusual contributors. All of the participants live and work in Sussex and will be showing their work in 20 unique locations. Visitors to the venues can collect stars to enter a competition to win a prize to be spent on a piece of featured artwork.

There will be an exhibition at the Ashdown Forest Centre on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September of artwork that has been donated by some of the participating artists which will be part of an online auction in aid on The Ashdown Forest Foundation.

03/09/2026

The market will be on Market Square today and our stall holders will be ready and waiting.

Veasey & Sons Fishmongers Forest Row .co.uk

02/09/2026

Heritage crafts and core making skills with Sussex Contemporary exhibitors; including demonstrations and talks.

Booking not needed. This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Wednesdays: 15 and 29 July, 5 and 19 August, 2 and 23 September 2026, 10am to 4:30pm

Demos and talks are non-bookable, just turn up on the day. Sussex Contemporary exhibitors will be on Goose Green all day showcasing core making skills and heritage crafts.

01/09/2026

Join Ashdown Forest Wardens for a free social stroll from Broadstone car park (located off Colemans Hatch Road, RH18 5JP, What3Words: magnetic.lows.ourselves). 1st September 10am - 12pm.

If you’d like to learn a bit more about the Forest, discover a new walk or just chat about wildlife this is the walk for you! As with any walk on Ashdown Forest there will be hills and uneven ground, so sturdy footwear is a must. Dogs are more than welcome to accompany their well-behaved owners – please remember to bring poo bags and a lead.

This walk will take approximately two hours, is free of charge and there’s no need to book – just turn up on the day.

Unfortunately, this walk will not be suitable for wheelchair users or pushchairs. Car parking charges apply.

31/08/2026

Join the Mayor for a Quiz Night in aid of her two chosen charities, Her Move and East Grinstead Lions.

Buy your tickets now at [email protected] or 01342 323636

30/08/2026

A date for your diary - 6th September - Part of National Garden Scheme

Come and enjoy a variety of gardens in East Grinstead, each offering its own unique inspiration. Imberhorne Allotments with 80 thriving plots filled with grapevines, vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Perfect for anyone interested in growing their own (opening in Sept only). 35 Blount Avenue, a contemporary design with south facing borders alive with tropical plants, while vibrant dahlias and roses bring the front garden to life. 5 Nightingale Close, beautifully landscaped gardens spread across two levels, inc lush planting, herbaceous beds, roses, and elegant topiary trees. 7 Nightingale Avenue, roses and flowering plants cascade down to a stream. This enchanting garden also inc a potager and a wonderful collection of bonsai. Plant sales at 35 Blount Avenue and 5 Nightingale Close. Kindly note: No dogs allowed.

Admission
Adult: £6.00
Child: Free
Opening times
13:00 - 17:00

29/08/2026

Peter Rabbit at the Bluebell Railway 29 -31 August - Kingscote Station

Our favourite mischievous bunny is coming back to the Bluebell Railway, and you are all invited to meet him! Mark your calendars for the ultimate August bank holiday treat.

Peter Rabbit™ will be making exciting personal appearances at Kingscote Station at intervals throughout the day. Don’t forget to bring your camera to snap a photo, say hello, and join in the holiday fun! Alongside meeting Peter, bring your own picnic and your favourite teddy bear along to enjoy at the station.

28/08/2026

🎉 WHAT’S ON THIS BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND? 🎉

Looking for something to do in and around East Grinstead this Bank Holiday weekend? There’s plenty going on! 👇

FRIDAY 28 AUGUST

🎵 The Crown, East Grinstead
Live music from 9pm

🎸 The Dorset Arms
Live music Friday, Saturday & Sunday

SATURDAY 29 AUGUST

⚽ East Grinstead Town FC vs Hassocks
Kick-off 3pm
📍 The Vistavis Community Stadium, East Court

🐰 Peter Rabbit at the Bluebell Railway
📅 29–31 August
📍 Kingscote Station

🎬 Outdoor Cinema – Star Wars IV: A New Hope
📍 Gatwick Aviation Museum
🎶 Gates open 6.15pm with live music & food
🎥 Film starts 8.15pm
👉 https://www.cinestock.co.uk/events/outdoorcinema-star-wars-gatwick-aviation-museum-august-29th

⚔️ England’s Medieval Festival
📍 Pippingford Park
📅 Saturday–Monday
👉 https://www.englandsmedievalfestival.com/

🎪 Fun on the Green – The Arc, Caterham
📅 Saturday–Monday
⏰ 12 noon–6pm
🎟️ Wristbands £10

🎸 The Dorset Arms
Live music throughout the weekend

SUNDAY 30 AUGUST

🎶 Old Dunnings Mill Pub – Music Festival
⏰ 12 noon until late
🎟️ Free entry – fun for all the family!

🎵 Summer Sunday Live Music at Standen
⏰ 2–4pm
🎟️ Free event – no booking required
(Normal admission charges apply.)

🐄 Edenbridge & Oxted Agricultural Show
👉 https://edenbridge-show.co.uk/

🏁 Banger Racing – B2B Teams
⏰ From 10am
👉 www.smallfieldraceway.co.uk

🎶 The Crown, Turners Hill
🍔 BBQ & live music from 6pm

🎉 Blindley Heath Social Club – Family Fun Day
⏰ From 2pm

🎬 Outdoor Cinema – The Greatest Showman
📍 Emmetts Garden
🕺 5.30pm – Silent Disco
🚪 6.30pm – Cinema gates open
🎥 8.10pm – Film starts
👉 https://www.cinestock.co.uk/events/outdoor-cinema-the-greatest-showman-emmetts-garde-sunday-30th-august

BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 31 AUGUST

🐄 Edenbridge & Oxted Agricultural Show
👉 https://edenbridge-show.co.uk/

🍻 The Engine Room Bar
⏰ Open 2pm–9pm

💛 Whatever you’re up to this Bank Holiday weekend, have a great one!

Know of another local event happening that we’ve missed? Let us know in the comments! 👇

Edenbridge & Oxted Show is one of the South East’s best-loved agricultural shows, bringing Kent, Surrey and Sussex together for a full day of family entertainment, livestock, horses, food, shopping and countryside attractions this August Bank Holiday Sunday and Monday, 30th and 31st August.