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Explore Wealden

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

09/11/2026

📍 New in Wealden... a taste of Baltic wellness in the Sussex countryside 🔥❄️☕

After spending two years living in Estonia, Rachel and Billy returned to Sussex with the idea of bringing back the sauna culture they had fallen so in love with over there.

Rather than being a simple treatment or gym add-on, as saunas often are in the UK, they experienced a different kind of sauna – places where people go to meet, catch up and relax together.

So they found a home at Dene Farm, near Tunbridge Wells, and created Balta Chill: a unique new social setting complete with two wood-fired saunas, cold plunges, showers and Sussex countryside views.

After embracing the warmth (and cold!), their cosy bar and café is there to help you relax and unwind with friends. Coffee, b**r and soft drinks are locally sourced... apart from the odd Estonian favourite, of course.

Keep an eye out for their regular events, community sessions and running clubs too ✨

Chill - Sauna Bar

05/11/2026

Remember, remember… the 7th November ❤️

While bonfires light up Lewes and the rest of the UK tonight, the small Wealden village of East Hoathly are preparing for their unique and deeply moving military-themed Carnival, taking place this Saturday, the day before Remembrance Sunday.

The date is no coincidence. East Hoathly & Halland Bonfire Society formed at the end of the first world war on 11th November 1918, also known as Armistice Day. Since then, members have marched with their torches each year to remember those lost in the Great War and, later, the Second World War.

The procession is both poignant and striking, as poppy displays, military uniforms and their motto, 'Lest We Forget', make their way down East Hoathly High Street.

So, if you're missing out on the Lewes celebrations this week – or even if you're not – East Hoathly & Halland's Carnival on 7th November is certainly worth a visit ✨

📸 Jim Holden
East Hoathly & Halland Carnival Society

03/11/2026

Where in Wealden Are We? 📍 The quaint South Downs village of East Dean

On the road to the famous Birling Gap and Seven Sisters, many people simply pass through East Dean. But stop for a while and you'll discover a hidden gem among the South Downs: a beautiful village green surrounded by independent cafés, shops and pubs proudly serving Sussex produce.

On your left from the car park, you'll find Hikers Rest, a café serving delicious homemade bakes that cater for all dietary requirements, alongside speciality coffee from nearby Liquid Spirit, which creates a blend exclusively for this East Dean eatery.

The café-turned-shop Deli on the Green is packed with local cheeses, drinks and gifts to browse while enjoying a coffee and cake or two (...or three). The book-page decorations made by Sandra's dad are our personal favourite 💚

Then, of course, there's the iconic Tiger Inn, which frames the village green. Having served ale since the 16th century, the inn offers local favourites such as Long Man on tap, alongside Sussex wines including Rathfinny if you're after something a little more refined. Settle into one of the cosy corners inside, or, if the weather is behaving itself, take a seat outside and admire the beautiful Sussex flint building.

While you're there, explore a little further. Discover the nearly 1,000-year-old St Simon and St Jude Church to the south of the green, or seek out Sherlock Holmes' retirement house (yes, we're aware Holmes is a fictional character. Yes, we're still going to claim this).

So, if you're planning a South Downs walk or a trip to Birling Gap, make sure to stop by the picturesque village of East Dean ✨

Rest On The Green Tiger Inn

28/10/2026

What’s On in Wealden: A skate jam and acrobatic dancers at Horam Recreation Ground 🛹

Come along tomorrow, 29th October, from 10am-3pm for free skateboard coaching from Team Rubicon in the morning, followed by a competition in the afternoon for all ages and abilities. Music and prizes included!

If skateboarding isn't your thing, immerse yourself in Zig Zag: a light-hearted, non-verbal dance theatre performance where two performers transform simple objects into a playful world.

The dancing duo move from chaos to calm, connection to division, learning when to pause, repair and try again. A bamboo rod becomes a line to cross, a bridge to share or a rule to rethink.

Featuring physical comedy and partner acrobatics, it's a feel-good invitation to see how small choices can shift the whole picture ✨

Event sponsored by Horam Parish Council, with the performance provided by Applause Touring

📷 Autin Dance / Romy Whai

27/10/2026

Find in Wealden… one of England's most spectacular displays of autumn colour 🍂

A National Trust landscaped garden and parkland, Sheffield Park and Garden is simply stunning in autumn, the very season it was planted for. In fact, its autumn displays are so highly regarded that the garden received a Grade I listing.

Nyssa, Acer and Taxodium trees reflect across the lakes, creating a spectacular scene in the (very strong) autumn breeze. Its natural beauty is truly something to behold; we can confirm that no filters were even used in the making of this reel...

Starting as early as mid-September and lasting until mid-November, Sheffield Park's peak is usually the second half of October, making now the perfect time to pull on your walking boots – and don’t forget the coat – and enjoy the vivid colours and serene surroundings.

Dogs are welcome on leads (except Saturdays before 1pm), and the Coach House Café and coffee vans are on hand to help keep visitors warm. The main garden paths are also accessible, with non-gravel routes clearly marked on maps and signposts.

Sheffield Park is English garden design at its finest and one of Sussex's most popular autumn days out, so make sure to visit before the colours fade for winter. There's no need to pre-book; simply turn up and either purchase a ticket or show your National Trust membership card ✨

Park and Garden NT Trust London and South East

22/10/2026

Small in size but packed with historical and environmental significance, Pevensey is a hidden gem on Sussex's coastline.

Now a peaceful seaside resort, it was once the landing place of William of Normandy, before he set off to Battle and became William the Conqueror.

Fortunately, its history still stands tall. Explore the magnificent Pevensey Castle, or visit the Court House Museum, which charts the village's story through the lives of Romans, royals, prisoners, Second World War soldiers and smugglers. The Mint House tells a different side of the story as a home of Sussex folklore.

Beyond the village lie the Pevensey Levels, a Site of Special Scientific Interest cared for by the Sussex Wildlife Trust. While much of the reserve is protected, you can still experience the landscape via the 1066 Country Walk, which crosses the marshes and offers fantastic opportunities for birdwatching, walking and cycling.

Try something new and discover this often-overlooked corner of the Sussex coast ✨

Visit 1066 Country

20/10/2026

Only 3 days to go until half-term?! Now that's scary 😱

But don't get your bedsheet in a twist. For those who have yet to fill the calendar, we've done it for you.

Find autumnal craft workshops, family days out and Halloween spectaculars across Wealden... and maybe one Bonfire Night (of course there is, it's us).

Discover more things to do and see this half-term on our dedicated events page – link in the comments below ✨

16/10/2026

📅 Five Bonfire Celebrations Still to Come in Wealden… 🎆

As 5th November approaches, more than half of Wealden's fourteen bonfire societies have already hosted their sparkling processions, dazzling displays and eye (or ear)-popping fireworks.

And there's still plenty more to come. Gather with the crowd on Hailsham High Street this weekend, or venture into the countryside during October half-term for the wonderful bonfire nights of Ninfield, Cowbeech and Isfield & Little Horsted.

Honour Remembrance Day with East Hoathly & Halland Bonfire Society in early November, before rounding off the season at Chiddingly.

While united by the shared heritage of the iconic Sussex Bonfire Season, each society has its own character, traditions and strong sense of community, giving every bonfire night its own distinctive atmosphere.

Find out more about Sussex Bonfire Season, and the bonfire societies and events taking place across Wealden, on our website (link in comments) ✨

Bonfire Society HBS Bonfire Society Charitable Trust & Little Horsted Bonfire Society Hoathly & Halland Carnival Society Parish Bonfire Society

📸 Wigner Studios

14/10/2026

📣 New Website Entry 🎉

Say hello to Explore Wealden's latest accommodation: The Oast at Martins Farm Estate.

And the first of its kind to feature on our website! Once used for drying hops, this converted single-kiln oast house has been carefully reinvented, retaining its distinctive round rooms, exposed beams and traditional turning cowl.

Located on the Sussex-Kent border in the village of Frant, this wonderfully unique countryside stay accommodates up to four people, with two bedrooms, an AGA kitchen, enclosed garden, laundry facilities and even a boot room.

Check out their listing below (link in comments) ✨

Martins Farm
📸 David Bartholomew

08/10/2026

📍 Find in Wealden… bikes, coffee and b**r all in one at Long Man Brewery 🚴☕🍺

The home of Sussex favourite Long Man b**r sits right in the heart of the South Downs National Park, in the Wealden village of Litlington.

But b**r isn't the only thing on offer. Another well-known Sussex name, Cadence Cycle Club, serves up an energising menu of coffee, toasties, pastries and cakes from its clubhouse.

There's also a bike pump, repair station for any quick fixes, water refill point, sheltered seating and toilets – making it the perfect pit stop for walkers and cyclists.

And if you can fit it in your bike basket or rucksack, pop into Long Man's Shop & Tasting Room afterwards and pick up a few local b**rs (not for the road, I should add).

There's also parking available for those simply wanting to explore the beauty of the South Downs and Cuckmere Valley.

Currently open 9am-3pm Monday to Friday and 8am-4pm at weekends ✨

Address

Wealden District Vicarage Lane
Hailsham

Opening Hours

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

Website

https://www.explorewealden.co.uk/

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