Explore Wealden

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

Volunteers Wanted for Heathfield’s Biggest Event ✨As Volunteers’ Week takes place across the UK, we want to give a big t...
04/06/2026

Volunteers Wanted for Heathfield’s Biggest Event ✨

As Volunteers’ Week takes place across the UK, we want to give a big thank you to all the volunteers throughout Wealden.

With many local, charity‑led organisations managing our attractions, events and even our natural environments, it’s more important than ever to recognise that Wealden couldn’t be ‘explored’ without the day‑to‑day care and support of these wonderful volunteers.

One such event is Le Marché: Heathfield’s beloved August Bank Holiday celebration. A much‑loved annual tradition for nearly 30 years, it’s a day of French‑inspired markets, entertainment, food, music and uplifting community spirit.

What many people may not realise is that the event is entirely volunteer‑led, run by a dedicated committee of local people.

So, whether you’re a Heathfield local, a fellow Wealdener (we’re going with it 😄), or someone from further afield, could you help support this fantastic event? They’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help with marketing, sponsorship, logistics or general support.

There’s no set time commitment – even the smallest amount of time can make a real difference.

Interested? Check out the website via the link below and get in touch ⬇️

02/06/2026

Got your coffee from the Horam Hub? Now discover the wonders of the Cuckoo Trail and the creatures who call it home… 🦡

As part of the Arts and Heritage programme, transformed the Cuckoo Trail into an interactive, beautifully illustrated children’s art workbook.

After touring primary schools across Wealden a couple years ago, the workbook is now available to download via Explore Wealden. It’s perfect to enjoy at home or take with you on your next Cuckoo walk.

Then, earlier this year, the latest stage of the programme saw Casarotto’s creatures come to life through augmented reality (AR).

Using ’s innovative website, you can simply scan the QR codes along the Trail, collect your digital stamps, and meet new wildlife friends – from Polegate to the Horam Hub and up into Heathfield.

The Cuckoo Trail is much more than a cycle path; it’s a place for you and your family to discover local wildlife in a creative, fun and unique way ✨

01/06/2026

Next stop along the Cuckoo Trail: Cadence Clubhouse at the new Horam Station Hub ☕️

As part of improvements to the Cuckoo Trail – Wealden’s well loved walking and cycling route, once a former railway line – the station platform at Horam has been brought back to life.

Opening earlier this May, the new Horam Hub also brought on board the brilliant , who have opened their tenth coffee clubhouse right on the platform.

With bike pumps, water refill stations, repair tools, toilets and, of course, Cadence’s top notch food and drink menu, it’s the perfect stop off on your ride – as well as a welcoming space to meet friends and enjoy the outdoors.

Or, pop in for a coffee before starting your Cuckoo Trail Art Workbook or trying out the new AR Trail… come back tomorrow to see journey in creating the creatures of the Cuckoo Trail ✨



🌟 Wealden Family Favourites 🌟Swinging into our final family-friendly gem is Branching Out Adventures, a high ropes activ...
29/05/2026

🌟 Wealden Family Favourites 🌟

Swinging into our final family-friendly gem is Branching Out Adventures, a high ropes activity centre tucked away in the woodlands of Bentley.

Led by trained professionals, you can take on the thrill of treetop adventures with high ropes, a giant swing and a speed zip wire. Even on a rainy day, there’s still the chance to challenge yourself on the climbing wall 🧗

If you’re like me and maybe just a little bit too wobbly with heights… don’t worry, there are low ropes, ‘Bounce About’ trampolines, and even mini ropes for little ones, so everyone can join in the fun.

Missed our Wealden Family Favourites this half term? The summer holidays are only 8 weeks away 👀

🌟 Wealden Family Favourites 🌟Next up in our family‑friendly picks this half term is the not‑so‑small (and very mighty) K...
28/05/2026

🌟 Wealden Family Favourites 🌟

Next up in our family‑friendly picks this half term is the not‑so‑small (and very mighty) Knockhatch Adventure Park 🎢

Located just outside of Hailsham, the park certainly packs a punch. From jumping pillows and thrilling rides and slides, to a playground complete with its very own castle.

The park also welcomed new capybara sisters earlier this year, who join the lemurs, meerkats and owls, all of which you can see up close at keeper talks.

Can you guess our next favourite...?

🌟 Wealden Family Favourites 🌟We’re celebrating our best family-friendly days out this May half term – not the hot and bu...
26/05/2026

🌟 Wealden Family Favourites 🌟

We’re celebrating our best family-friendly days out this May half term – not the hot and busy trips up to London or the stress of going abroad, but the ones right here in the heart of the Sussex countryside.

We’re starting with the ever‑popular Sharnfold Farm: a farmyard favourite with nature trails, playgrounds and, of course, plenty of animals 🐖

They’ve pulled out all the stops for May half term, with recent additions including the Mini Maze, Lakeside Lookout and Sound Stage. So even if you’ve visited before, now’s the perfect time to pop back and see what’s new.

Follow our page to see what’s next…✨

19/05/2026

The Big One… Blog ✨

100 years after Winnie-the-Pooh first came to life, a brand-new story is beginning in Ashdown Forest with The Big One Hundred.

Inspired by the landscape that once inspired A.A. Milne, a curious new creature will soon be making its way across Wealden this summer 👀

We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about the programme in our brand-new blog – including exciting Explorer Days, locations, and the people behind the magic bringing the project to life.

Read the blog now, and give us a follow for more updates (link in comments) ✨



Ashdown Forest

15/05/2026

More than great wine, the Wealden Wine Trail is a celebration of the people behind it 🍇🍷

Behind every bottle are the growers working with the changing seasons, the winemakers refining each vintage, and the passionate teams creating memorable experiences across the region.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been visiting vineyards along the trail to capture some of these stories — and the people who make the Wealden wine scene so special.

In this film, wine expert Tom Surgey beautifully captures the spirit of the trail and the experiences that make each vineyard unique.

Start planning your visit for English Wine Week via the link below 🥂

Celebrate countryside culture at Heathfield Agricultural Show 🐄Start your half term with one of Wealden’s best‑loved rur...
12/05/2026

Celebrate countryside culture at Heathfield Agricultural Show 🐄

Start your half term with one of Wealden’s best‑loved rural events on Saturday 23rd May – with an animal‑packed programme that brings together agriculture, family fun and community spirit.

Watch the OG Performance Horse team in awe, gasp at the daring Vander Wheel of Death, and dote on the ever‑popular Shetland Pony Grand National 🐎

There’ll also be a wide range of attractions, including local food and shopping, livestock and equine classes, live music, and arts & crafts.

Early Bird tickets are available until this Friday – find more information via the link below ⬇️

New details and tour dates announced for The Big One Hundred – a magical new story for Ashdown Forest awaits… ✨A brand-n...
08/05/2026

New details and tour dates announced for The Big One Hundred – a magical new story for Ashdown Forest awaits… ✨

A brand-new programme in partnership with Ashdown Forest and Trigger creatives, The Big One Hundred will bring exciting performances, workshops and activities across Wealden, including the creation of a mysterious forest creature 👀

Join the adventure and discover Ashdown’s unique wildlife, take part in sightings of the magical creature, collect your Explorer Badges, and earn your place as an official Ashdown Explorer!

What’s more, this summer the creature will journey beyond Ashdown Forest into some of Wealden’s best-loved spots, including:

👀 Hailsham Town Centre
👀 Sheffield Park and Garden NT
👀 Uckfield’s Weald on the Field
👀 Herstmonceux Castle Estate

Wealden residents can access tickets early from 10am on 18th May – keep an eye on our socials for more details.

General release tickets will be available from 10am on 26th May.

Click the link in the comments to find out more ✨

Address

Wealden District Vicarage Lane
Hailsham

Opening Hours

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

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