Explore Wealden

Explore Wealden In the heart of Sussex lies a captivating and diverse landscape of untold hidden gems.....just waiting to be found!

🌟 New Blog: Bonfire Season in Wealden 🌟The first weekend of September might mean the end of the summer season for the re...
04/09/2026

🌟 New Blog: Bonfire Season in Wealden 🌟

The first weekend of September might mean the end of the summer season for the rest of the UK, but in Sussex it signals the start of the best one: Sussex Bonfire Season.

With Uckfield kicking off the celebrations tomorrow, we thought we'd take a look at how the Wealden district fits into the Sussex bonfire story.

Fourteen bonfire societies call Wealden home, each with their own unique traditions and character. Their impact on local communities continues throughout the year, with fairs, festivals and family events taking place well beyond bonfire season.

Uckfield Carnival may look a little different this year in line with recent government guidance around the use of fire, but it also highlights how this unusual Sussex tradition is about much more than torches and fireworks.

It's about community, local life and, most importantly, having a good time!

Take a look at our latest blog to discover more about Wealden during bonfire season and the events coming up across the district ⬇️

📸 Jim Holden
Uckfield Bonfire & Carnival Society

What’s On in Wealden this weekend: Ashdown Forest Open Studios 🎨 Developing from the former Crowborough Open Studios, As...
03/09/2026

What’s On in Wealden this weekend: Ashdown Forest Open Studios 🎨

Developing from the former Crowborough Open Studios, Ashdown Forest Open Studios is here to celebrate local talent and creativity.

Discover the work of 80 artists across 20 venues in Forest Row, Hartfield, Crowborough, Fairwarp and Nutley, with painting, ceramics, photography, printmaking, embroidery, sculpture and much more on display.

Although it's the first year of AFOS, it's connected to a much bigger milestone: the 100th anniversary of A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh stories. The studios are drawing inspiration from Milne's creativity and the nature of his Hundred Acre Wood, Ashdown Forest.

Running from 4th to 6th September, the Open Studios also features five art trails. Or, for a more personalised adventure, create your own route using the interactive map on the AFOS website ⬇️

📍 Find in Wealden… an action-packed, wild-themed trampoline park 🤸Recently given a makeover by the Drusillas Park family...
01/09/2026

📍 Find in Wealden… an action-packed, wild-themed trampoline park 🤸

Recently given a makeover by the Drusillas Park family, Go Wild! in Heathfield is the perfect place to let the kids go wild (in a safe and secure manner, of course).

Trampolines, foam pits and dodgeball, climbing walls and balance beams… there's plenty there to keep energetic youngsters entertained. Meanwhile, tiny adventurers can let off steam in the soft play jungle.

And for the adults who don't feel like bouncing around, there's always the Go Wild! Café, serving coffee, lunch and a well-earned break ☕

One and two-hour sessions are available from 11am to 5pm, and there are even Wild Party Packages available for birthday celebrations.

If your school has an INSET Day tomorrow, why not burn off that last bit of summer holiday energy at Go Wild! (Don't worry though, they're open during term time too.)

Free parking available. Check out their website for more information ✨

August Bank Holiday Weekend = Wealden Festival Weekend ✨It may be a three-day weekend, but we have FOUR unique, fun-lovi...
27/08/2026

August Bank Holiday Weekend = Wealden Festival Weekend ✨

It may be a three-day weekend, but we have FOUR unique, fun-loving festivals happening across the area.

Become a medieval knight, an amateur astronomer, or a… car expert at the wonderful events lined up this Bank Holiday:

🚗 Festival of Transport 🚗
Celebrating the remarkable achievement of 50 years running, the Festival of Transport Hellingly is gearing up for another fantastic show. Run by Eastbourne Historic Vehicle Club, the event fills the farm with steam engines, tractors, buses, cars and much, much more.

⚔️ East Sussex Living History Festival ⚔️
Hundreds of reenactors gather in the beautiful grounds of Michelham Priory House & Gardens to dive into our rich past. Experience everyday life between the 10th and 16th centuries through live demonstrations, hands-on activities and plenty of lively entertainment.

🔭 Astronomy Festival 🔭
The Observatory Science Centre in Herstmonceux has a stellar programme (sorry, that's the last pun) lined up, including planetarium shows, astronomy societies, children's activities and guest speakers. Weather permitting, there's even the opportunity to stargaze, with camping passes still available for the ultimate dark-skies experience.

🏰 England's Medieval Festival 🏰
Pippingford Park transforms into King's Grove for England’s premier Medieval Festival. Step into a world of jousting, traders, markets, music, food and entertainment. Day tickets and full weekend camping passes are still available for this show-stopping event.

We sure do like to end the summer holidays in style here in Wealden 😎

One week until sch... sorry, until Hailsham Festival of Arts and Culture starts ✨Celebrating its 20th anniversary this y...
24/08/2026

One week until sch... sorry, until Hailsham Festival of Arts and Culture starts ✨

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Hailsham Festival once again has a brilliant, fun and unique programme lined up.

Showcasing the talent, creativity and imagination of Hailsham and the surrounding area, the festival features a diverse range of events spanning art, music, dance, drama, film and creative writing.

Even better, over half of the 30 events are free to attend, with many others costing £5 or less.

Not sure where to start? Here are just a few highlights:

🦕 Street Celebration: dinosaurs (and one gazelle), music, dance, acrobatics and more in Hailsham High Street
🎶 Gibbon & Goldfinch Family Gig: interactive family fun, colourful costumes and songs for all ages
🔎 Murder on the Morlington Express: an evening of murder, mystery and double entendres
📚 Book & Author Fair: Showcasing the writers of Hailsham and beyond, with books, signings and author talks
🌳 Once Upon a Whispering Wood: a magical family theatre show featuring puppetry and immersive storytelling
🇺🇦 Volya Voices: Ukrainian Choir & Dancers: a moving evening of Ukrainian music and culture
🎨 Flock Community Art Exhibition: Gallery North celebrates togetherness, community and collaboration through art

Find the full programme and book tickets via the Hailsham Festival website ⬇️

Where better to celebrate Surrealism Week than at the Home of the Surrealists? Join Farleys House & Gallery for a week o...
18/08/2026

Where better to celebrate Surrealism Week than at the Home of the Surrealists? Join Farleys House & Gallery for a week of creativity, culture and wonderfully surreal events ✨

Once the country home of surrealist artist Roland Penrose, and war photographer and model Lee Miller, Farleys remains a hub of culture, creativity and modern art.

Many leading figures of the 20th century visited Farleys, including Max Ernst, Joan Miró, Leonora Carrington and none other than Pablo Picasso.

Are you the next world-class artist to walk through its doors? Probably not (no offence), but it’s still well worth a visit.

Join in the Surrealism Week celebrations, from their popular annual picnic to a brand-new comedy night. Visit their website to book your place, and be quick, the Lee film screening has already sold out!

Check out the upcoming events...

Annual Surrealist Picnic 🧺

Taking place in the beautiful sculpture garden, this unique day features food and drink, live music, surreal performances and dance, and extravagant costumes.

📅 Sunday 30th August, 4pm – 8pm
📸 Jim Holden for www.leemiller.co.uk

Art Laughs with Verity Babbs 🖼️

Watch art historian and comedian Verity Babbs for a special edition of Art Laughs, the acclaimed art-themed comedy series that brings laughter into cultural spaces.

📅 Friday 28th August, 7pm – 9pm
📸 Verity Babbs ©

16/08/2026

Take your last chance to see Poppet before it returns to the Hundred Acre Wood at Herstmonceux Castle's Explorer Days next weekend 👀

The Big One Hundred is drawing to a close, and what a month it's been! We've had eyes keeping an... eye on high streets, Explorer Days where families have brought their creativity to life through nature, and Poppet surprising visitors as it met fellow Wealden residents across the district.

If you've missed out this summer, or simply want to say goodbye to dear old Poppet, join us for the grand finale at Herstmonceux Castle Estate on Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd August ✨

There'll once again be an incredible immersive performance from Ashdown Forest's newest inhabitant, alongside hands-on activities for families to explore the story of Ashdown Forest and its environmental importance.

Located within the High Weald National Landscape, Ashdown Forest is far more than simply the setting that inspired A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh stories (as cool as that is). It's also home to many rare and threatened species, and is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its unique habitats and wildlife.

While this chapter has been a wonderful celebration of this remarkable landscape, we hope the story of Ashdown Forest continues long into the future... ready for The Big Two Hundred in 100 years' time!

Look out for more events, activities and programmes celebrating Ashdown Forest, including the Open Studios coming up very soon... 👀*

*This is the last time I use the eyes emoji, I promise.

The Great British… or should I say, the Great Wealden Summer Savings ☀️There’s less than two weeks left to take advantag...
13/08/2026

The Great British… or should I say, the Great Wealden Summer Savings ☀️

There’s less than two weeks left to take advantage of the government’s Great British Summer Savings, giving discounts on family days out across the country.

Have you checked out what is on offer in Wealden? You don’t need to; we’ve got it all here for you:

✨ Drusillas Park
One of the country's most popular family zoos has gone even further and doubled the Summer Savings! Book advance tickets online for just £23.95 – saving £16 per ticket – and enjoy VAT-free kids' meals on the day.

✨ Michelham Priory House & Gardens
Visit this Sussex Past treasure with discounted admission, including entry to the fantastic East Sussex Living History Festival over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Enjoy medieval encampments, blacksmithing, axe throwing and even knight training (sign me up please).

✨ Knockhatch Adventure Park
Take advantage of discounted Summer Savings tickets and explore Knockhatch’s newest highlights for 2026; including the cutest capybaras, owl arena shows and the epic Blackbeard's Buccaneer ride.

✨ Herstmonceux Castle Estate
Save on a visit to the magnificent, and recently renovated Herstmonceux Castle Estate this summer. Join a castle tour, wander the beautiful gardens and woodland, or wave goodbye to Poppet at the grand finale of The Big One Hundred on 22nd and 23rd August.

Which attraction will you be making the most of before the Summer Savings come to an end? ⬇️

Have you seen Poppet in Polegate? 👀Twenty-three miles south of its home in Ashdown Forest (better known as the original ...
11/08/2026

Have you seen Poppet in Polegate? 👀

Twenty-three miles south of its home in Ashdown Forest (better known as the original Winnie-the-Pooh's Hundred Acre Wood), Poppet is now making its mark on the High Street in the small Wealden town of Polegate.

Perhaps Poppet has ventured south in search of new adventures. Located on the eastern edge of the South Downs National Park, Polegate is a popular base for walkers and cyclists exploring the South Downs Way.

Now, as part of The Big One Hundred celebrations, Polegate has welcomed Poppet with open arms. Wander along the High Street to discover which local businesses have unleashed their creativity through their window displays.

Still not sure what The Big One Hundred is all about? How many of our posts have you missed?! 😄 Check out the link below to learn more about the programme before the grand finale at Herstmonceux Castle next week ⬇️

We've seen the mysterious eyes in the high streets of Hailsham and Uckfield... and now Poppet has made its way up to Cro...
05/08/2026

We've seen the mysterious eyes in the high streets of Hailsham and Uckfield... and now Poppet has made its way up to Crowborough for a new competition! 👀

Up until the 31st August, the town is joining in the fun as shops create creatures of their own as part of The Big One Hundred celebrations.

How many can you find? Enter Crowborough & District Chamber of Commerce's Big Shop Trail competition for the chance to win prizes 🎁

All you need to do is explore Crowborough High Street and see which local businesses have hidden Poppet in their window displays.

Celebrating 100 years of A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh stories, Ashdown Forest is telling a new story in the real Hundred Acre Wood with The Big One Hundred.

Check out our website to discover more about the programme and the inspiration behind it ⬇️

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Wealden District Vicarage Lane
Hailsham

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Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
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