www.sussexcrp.org

Uckfield & Line lines railway beautiful these along attractions and Travelling on the East Grinstead and lines with Southern makes a wonderful way to see the local countryside and get to some fantastic attractions and destinations. These lines offer some of the best views of the South East, so come and visit - we are sure you will love it! countryside villages, towns, the to guide free Your Uckfield Eridge Ashurst Hever Edenbridge On the southern boundary of the The place to visit is glorious , 312 acres of East Set on the High a fantastic location for On the border of and Sussex - The King of the Castles, family home The town is served by two railway lines, Edenbridge Town High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty parkland which dates back to the 12th century. The house itself is a day out in the country for all the family. peace, quiet, just miles of uninterrupted countryside. of Anne Boleyn - so much to see and do! Station on the Uckfield Line and Edenbridge Station 300 years old and is now a fine country hotel, but you are welcome Eridge is a mecca for rock climbing The Sussex Border Path is a footpath route nearly 150 miles long on the the Tonbridge to Redhill Line. to walk in the grounds. enthusiasts, the sandstone crags around the inland boundary of the county of Sussex. feature throughout the surrounding The Church is all that remains of the original village as the owner of countryside, the most well known The county owes its origins to the kingdom of the South Saxons the great house decided he didn't like the view so had the village of these being Harrisons Rocks at and can claim to have one of the longest inland county knocked down and moved. nearby . There are boundaries from Emsworth to Rye. many organisations locally who WALK: Buxted Park offer tuition - Bowles Outdoor WALK: The Sussex Border Path and follow the river Medway Centre, an educational charity, see www.sussexborderpath.co.uk CYCLE: The Buxted Loop see cycle-route.com provides a unique and inspirational learning environment set alongside CYCLE: Along A264 to Villa Golf, site of a Roman Villa via Teasley a spectacular natural sandstone Mead to Top Hill for fantastic views of the High Weald. crag see www.bowles.ac. The A great place to get out and explore all that the countryside has rocks at , set amongst to offer. A busy little town with many shops, restaurants, its own A rural market town situated woodland managed by the Sussex Cowden vintage cinema and a monthly farmers’ market held on the first in the High Weald Area of Wildlife Trust, is another location Saturday of the month at Civic Centre car park. Uckfield also has Outstanding Natural Beauty to seek out. Eridge also hosts a famous bonfire and carnival society. bordering . reputedly Britain's best camp site At 787ft above sea level, it is at Forgewood site www.campingunplugged.com with direct access The castle itself hosts a display of Tudor artefacts including “the A historic market town, near the border with , close to the Uckfield's Leisure Centre houses a 25m pool with a sloping the highest inland town in to the Estate, once owned by William the Conqueror’s best display of Tudor portraits after the National Portrait Gallery”. bridging point of where the River Eden meets the River Medway - beach and a flume, perfect for family fun. Visit Hempstead Meadow, . brother Odo, www.eridgepark.co.uk For information and a calendar See Anne Boleyn's famous letter to Henry VIII. Wander around thus Edenbridge. an important wetland habitat, which can been seen as the train of events including the famous Eridge Horse Trials. the ornate, award winning gardens, hire a boat and set sail on approaches the Station, the site supports all number of birds, Once the home to Sir Arthur the lake, picnic in the grounds or eat in either of the restaurants. The historic High Street houses its own museum dedicated to the snakes, flora and fauna. Conan Doyle creator of The operates from Eridge as well as Tunbridge There are two mazes to choose from, but beware, one is area's rich history. Every Thursday there is a street market held in the Sherlock Holmes, the town Wells West station, near the historic Pantiles. You can use these trains a water maze! Market Yard, permission for this was granted by Royal Charter in 1279. Why not catch a bus and visit the Ashdown Forest Llama Park boasts a statue tribute to him as a through service to Tunbridge Wells. Spa Valley Railway host

at , home to Llamas, Alpacas, a herd of Reindeer, cast in bronze by renowned a number of themed events throughout the year: historic rallys, The castle hosts a variety of events throughout the season - Pick up or download a leaflet from the town hall for information knitwear shop and a dedicated museum? artist David Cornell. children's events, restaurant trains, even Santa specials. step in Henry's footsteps and watch one of the jousting on one of the many circular walks in the surrounding countryside day wonderful a for behind car the Leave

See www.llamapark.co.uk for details. See www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk for full details. Further along this tournaments. The Open Air theatre is another great attraction www.edenvalleykent.org. For two weeks in the summer the town

There is a farmers’ market on line lies the historic, romantic Groombridge Place set in acres of Take your bike and visit the famous Penshurst Off Road Cycling see events such as Shakespeare, films and music concerts. hosts a fabulous festival of music, art, entertainment, food and Line Reigate & Redhill

Explore East Sussex County Council's programme of guided the 4th Saturday of every month beautiful gardens. Combined tickets are available. (PORC). Miles of off-road tracks with plenty of jumps, downhill slopes, family fun www.edenbridgetown.com for details. walks and environmental projects at www.eastsussex.gov.uk at Pine Grove car park. If all this activity is making you hungry Eridge boasts a number of pubs. steep trails and race-circuits, created to delight off-road bikers and Why not stay the night in one of their Bed & Breakfast rooms There are many walking/cycling opportunities around the Station. BMXers. See www.kent.gov.uk/leisure for details. featuring four poster beds and roll top baths? www.hevercastle.co.uk Edenbridge even boasts its very own bonfire society – - Tonbridge Uckfield is an Ashdown Forest Access Station. For Bus Links The town has a leisure centre the 5th of November is certainly a night to remember. to the Forest see www. wealdenbus.org.uk/forestexplorer.html with a swimming pool. Eridge is an Ashdown Forest Access Station. For Bus Links to Visit the Rock Inn at Hoath Corner after your walk and enjoy the The Castle also hosts triathlon events. See www.edenbridgebonfire.co.uk for details. the Forest see www. wealdenbus.org.uk/forestexplorer.html beautiful views. See www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk for details. WALK: On Ashdown Forest bus routes 261, 29, 54. WALK: See mapmywalk.com for over 200 local walking routes or WALK: Choose one of many short or long distance from See www.wealdenbus.org.uk/forestexplorer.html for details. www.eastsussex.gov.uk WALK: To Harrisons Rocks. See www.eastsussex.co.uk for details. WALK: Cowden Station to Truggers Gill. WALK: Follow the footpaths to Hever Castle. www.ednvalleykent.org or www.kent.gov.uk/leisure or Broadwater Warren www.walkingclub.org.uk See www.kentramblers.org.uk/walk70 for details. See www.kent.gov.uk search Eden Valley walk. CYCLE: To the county Town of . CYCLE: Circular route to www.cycle-route.com CYCLE: The Edenbridge Circular through Hever and Tonbridge See www.cycle-route.com for details. Please note cycling is not permitted off road on Ashdown Forest. CYCLE: Sustrans Route 21 from Greenwich, through Eridge to Paris! CYCLE: To PORC, see www.kent.gov.uk/leisure for details. CYCLE: The Tunbridge Wells Loop via Hever www.cycle-route.co.uk www.cyclerouteuk.com for details.

Heritage Railways East Grinstead Dormans Hurst Green Ashdown Forest Sussex Community The historic market town of East Grinstead, Visit Dry Hill Fort, an Iron Age The origins of the village of Hurst Green can be seen in the historic 6,500 acres of common land to explore. sometimes known as the capital of the High Weald, fortification, also known as buildings around the vast village green. Visit one of the many churches, Rail Partnership is renowned for its architectural heritage. Lingfield Mark on The Vanguard see the beautiful, modern stained glass windows at St John's Church Way. Wander the pre-historic which were installed after a major fire. track ways and enjoy the magnificent views. WALK: Hurst Green to Chiddingstone Causeway via Chartwell. Uckfield & See www.walkingclub.co.uk walk 16. The Meridian Line passes through the village of CYCLE: Yew Tree Way. See www.surreycc.gov.uk for details. East Grinstead Line Dormansland. Leave the car behind for a wonderful day WALK: The . 'The place where oaks grow' The broad High Street with its wealth of Medieval and Tudor CYCLE: The Sussex Border Path towards historic Park. wooden framed buildings is well worth exploring, and there’s plenty See www.sussexborderpath.co.uk for details. of opportunities to stop and shop as well to sit down and watch the world go by from a friendly cafe or bar. Since 2103 it is also the Spa Valley Railway Northern terminus of the , the UK’s foremost Lingfield THE AIM OF THE PARTNERSHIP IS TO CONNECT Runs from Tunbridge Wells West, Halt, Groombridge restored steam railway. The platform is only a short distance Amazing views, open heathland, wooded areas, streams to cross, COMMUNITIES TO THEIR RAILWAYS, BY HELPING TO and then on to Eridge through some beautiful Kent & Sussex from the mainline station and you can step on board trains that wildlife to spot, walking trails and a specified cycle route, there are ENSURE THE SERVICE PROVIDED MEETS THE NEEDS countryside. Groombridge Place Gardens are a short walk will take you through the Sussex landscape to Sheffield Park. many pubs, restaurants and tearooms around the Forest to stop and OF THE COMMUNITY AND ITS VISITORS AND TO: from the station and there is much to see and do at any of revive yourself. Or why not take a longer break and stay at one of the Stations on the route. Local attractions include the glorious sandstone Jacobean Almshouse the many b&b's, campsites or self catering units. • Promote sustainable travel of Sackville College. This 400 year old gem in the High Street is • Promote connective travel to and from the stations See www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk for news, events, opening open to visitors during the summer months from 14:00 - 17:00 See www.ashdownforest.org for the conservators or times, technical information. Wednesday to Sunday. The history of the town is explained in www.ashdownforest.com for information on the Forest, where • Encourage tourism to rural areas the excellent modern town Museum just off the High Street in to stay, what to do, special events, and news on the guided walks that • Help preserve rail infrastructure for use by future generations Bluebell Railway Cantelupe Road. Free entry, and open from Wednesday to Saturday are held every Wednesday. Be sure to look out for Winnie the Pooh - 10:00 - 16:00 and Sundays 14:00 - 17:00. he may be hiding somewhere! THE SUSSEX COMMUNITY RAIL PARTNERSHIP (SCRP) From Sheffield Park Station, An interesting town in the borough of Tandridge, which the IS WORKING ON FIVE LOCAL LINES: Horsted Keynes, Kingscote to Just outside the town is the National Trust’s property at Standen, a Greenwich Meridian runs through. Master Park hosts many WALK: Anywhere and everywhere, the Vanguard Way, the East Grinstead Station, there is treasure trove for lovers of Arts and Crafts, furnishings and fabrics, events throughout the year, including the famous Pram Race. . See www.ashdownforest.com for walking information. • The Uckfield and East Grinstead Line of which this house is famous for. There are also gorgeous gardens a museum at Sheffield Park with • The Tonbridge to Redhill & Reigate Line interesting railway artefacts, to explore and places to picnic overlooking the Medway Valley and The obvious attraction is Lingfield Park Racecourse, open all year, not In the centre of town there is a Leisure Centre, The Everyman CYCLE: Please keep to the specified cycle route as off-road Sheffield Park Gardens Weirwood Reservoir. Those wanting a trip to both the East and just for the racing but many other events including musical theme Cinema which shows live screenings from the National Theatre, cycling is not permitted on the Forest. • The Seaford to Line Western hemispheres might like to visit the towns East Court nights. See www.lingfieldpark.co.uk for details. and the Barn Theatre in Bluehouse Lane. Bluehouse Lane also See www.ashdownforest.com for details. is well worth a visit. • The Marsh Link Line Estate where the Greenwich Meridian passes. During the working holds a bi-annual arts festival. For information on running times, week you can get a certificate to prove that you have stood on The Lingfield Nature Reserve is a short walk from the Station off ASHDOWN FOREST IS NOW ACCESSIBLE BY BUS • The special events, news etc visit the Meridian itself! Vicarage Road, open every day. They host many events throughout Nearby Limpsfield, a short walk from the Railway Station is an FROM VARIOUS NEARBY RAILWAY STATIONS - www.bluebellrailway.co.uk the year. interesting place to visit. The graveyard at St Peter's Church is the Uckfield Station buses 261, 29 and 54 All the information contained in this brochure can be found East Grinstead is an Ashdown Forest Access Station. For bus links last resting place of the composer Frederick Delius and the Eridge Station bus 29 and Spa Valley Railway on our website www.sussexcrp.org to the Forest see www. wealdenbus.org.uk/forestexplorer.html The Old Town, a short walk from the Station is an interesting, conductor Sir Thomas Beecham. East Grinstead Station buses 270, 291, 261 and Bluebell Railway. historic site. Follow us on facebook and twitter Runs for 2 miles from the village of , between Uckfield WALK: The Sussex Border Path or WALK: Over the Downs to Oxted Mill. Buy a Forest Explorer ticket from the bus operator, this allows Your free guide to the towns, villages, countryside and Lewes, to Worth Halt in the Parish of Little Horstead. Ashdown Forest - bus routes 270, 291, 261 www.wealdenbus.org.uk WALK: To the old village known as 'Old Town'. See www.surrey.gov.uk/walking for details. you to ride to the Forest, walk to another bus stop, get on with and attractions along these beautiful railway lines Visit www.lavender-line.co.uk for information on opening another bus operator and complete your journey. Please see PLEASE HONOUR THE COUNTRY CODE times, events and further details. CYCLE: The Forest Way www.eastsussex.gov.uk CYCLE: The Bough Beech Reservoir Loop. See www.cycle-route.com CYCLE: Oxted/Lingfield Loop. See surreycc.gov.uk/cycling for details. www. wealdenbus.org.uk/forestexplorer.html for further details. www.sussexcrp.org Tonbridge - Redhill & Reigate Line The line cuts a swathe as straight as a die through rural Kent and Surrey. Completed in 1842 the line, whilst providing all the facilities the modern traveller would expect to see at any rural station in the 21st century, passes through some of the most historically interesting sites the south of has to offer. Tonbridge Leigh Edenbridge Gateway to Kent A beautiful, ancient Kentish village built around The town is served by two railway lines, Edenbridge Station a picture perfect cricket pitch. on the the Tonbridge to Redhill Line and Edenbridge Town Historic buildings jostle for space in the village centre. A great place Station on the Uckfield Line. for a walk in the country with a couple of country pubs to refresh our intrepid traveller. See wwwleighkent.org.uk for details.

WALK: Leigh to Penshurst - walk 92. See www.walking club.org.uk for details.

CYCLE: Route 12 to either Tonbridge or Penshurst Penshurst No it’s not in the village of Penshurst, but Chiddingstone. An ancient market town sited on the River Medway that boasts its very own castle. The castle and its surrounding parkland hosts a variety of shows, fetes and open air concerts in the summer. The park has an indoor/outdoor swimming pool and many sports facilities. The town has two theatres: the EM Forster and The Oast. A bustling country town, full of charm, interesting little shops and Just a few minutes walk from the station you can be in the middle places to eat. The High Street boasts its own museum. of open countryside and Haysden Country Park, 165 acres of woodland, meadows and open water. You can walk, cycle, fish and Pick up or download a leaflet from the town hall for information sail, and there is a children's play area. See www.TMBC.gov.uk on one of the many circular walks in the surrounding countryside. for events, walks and much more. On the 2nd Sunday of the The Little Brown Jug public house is literally on the Station’s doorstep. See www.edenvalleykent.org for details. month a Farmers’ Market can be found at Sovereign Way. Follow the footpaths to visit the famous Penshurst Place, historic house & gardens (bus route 231 or 233) wander round the village, For two weeks in the summer the town hosts a fabulous festival of Jane Austen connection - did you know that Jane Austen's family take tea in the famous tearooms. In the other direction the romantic music, art, entertainment, food and family fun. lived in Tonbridge for many generations? A guide for a circular Chiddingstone Castle, a rich man’s folly (it is recommended that See www.edenbridgetown.com for details. walk is available from Tourist Information. you take a taxi from either Tonbridge or Edenbridge Town Station). See www.janeaustensoci.freeuk.com for details. See www.penshurstplace.com and www.chiddingstonecastle.org.uk Edenbridge has its very own bonfire society – the 5th of for details. Visit the historic National Trust Village of Chiddingstone, November is certainly a night to remember in this town. WALK: Special mention - Tudley Church. The stained glass often used as a film location. See www.edenbridgebonfire.co.uk for details. windows were created by the famous Russian artist Marc Chagall. A footpath runs across the Somerhill Estate from the A21 slip road WALK: Chiddingstone to Penshurst www.westerhamramblers.org.uk WALK: Choose one of many short or long distance from /Vauxhall Inn round-a-bout. Or bus route 29 from the Station. or Bough Beech Reservoir. www.ednvalleykent.org or www.kent.gov.uk/leisure

CYCLE: From Tonbridge via regional cycle route 12 to CYCLE: Penshurst Off Road Cycle Track - access from Tonbridge, CYCLE: To Hever via Haxtead Mill. Penshurst Place and the Penshurst Off-Road Cycle Track. Cowden or Route 12 from Penshurst. Round Bough Beech Reservoir See www.kent.gov.uk/leisure for details. for magnificent views.

Godstone Redhill Reigate Great connections for the south coast and Gatwick. Apparently the most romantic town in Great Britian.

LEGEND

Visit the RSPCA re-homing centre a few minutes walk from the Station and find a new friend to join you on your travels. See www.rspca-friendsofsouthgodstone.org.uk for details. Visit the Belfry shopping centre, 50 stores all conveniently under one You are now on the edge of the Surrey Hill Area of Natural Beauty. roof. The Harlequin Theatre has a packed programme of hit shows, A historic town centre of timbered buildings, bursting with See www.visitsurrey.com for suggestions of things to in Surrey. films, concerts, comedy and events, there really is something for independent shops, restaurants and public houses. everyone. See www.harlequintheatre.co.uk WALK: To the Bay Pond a nature reserve managed by Built around the site of an old castle, Priory Park is the venue for Surrey Wildlife Trust. www.surreywildifetrust.org A popular market adds to the hustle and bustle. Try the street many public events and has a programme of activities for all the food stalls if you have time as there can be queues. family see www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk for more details. CYCLE: To Outwood Windmill visit www.cycleroute.com/surrey See www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk for details. Visit the Reigate Caves & Tunnels. The Barons Cave is believed to A short walk from the railway station is Mercers Park, a wetland originate from the 11th century. Please check www.wcms.org.uk Nutfield nature reserve and for the more adventurous a RYA centre for for opening days/times. watersports. See www.aquasports.co.uk Visit Priory Farm a destination for all the family. Farm shop, WALK: The North Down Ridge that links to The Millennium Trail. restaurant, children's play area, adventure trail, gift shop, fishing, Visit Reigate Fort built to defend in Victorian times, it is one See www.reigate-banstead.gov.uk for details. nature trail and pick-your-own fruit. of 13 Forts built along the North Downs. For open days and more information, see www.nationaltrust.org.uk CYCLE: visit www.cycleroute.com for inspiration You are now in WALK: The Greensand Way, the route is well signposted from Metrobus 460 or 420 from Redhill Station. the rolling Surrey Hills, Reigate is an excellent start point to get out the village. See www.surreycc.gov.uk for details. For walking and explore the surrounding countryside. and cycling, see www.visitsurrey.com/discover/surrey-hills WALKING AND CYCLING: Visit www.surreyhills.org See www.surreyhills.org for details.

Information - Please use this guide to inspire your visit. This guide was made possible by the generous support of: Visit the Southern web-site is for useful travel information, www.kent.gov.uk for information on visiting Kent special offers, train times, advance bookings and group save tickets www.surreycc.gov.uk for information on visiting Surrey www.southernrailway.com www.eastsussex.gov.uk for information on visiting East Sussex For assisted travel phone 0800 138 1016 please remember to give 24 hours notice if you need assistance. www..gov.uk for information on visiting West Sussex

Use the website www.traveline.co.uk to plan your journey from Contains Ordnance Survey copyright and database right. data © Crown leaving home to your destination. Bus information for onward travel can be found on: www.nationalrail.co.uk tel: 08457 48 49 50 will help if you are www.arrivabus.co.uk www.buses.co.uk travelling from outside of the area. www.metrobus.co.uk www.southdownspsv.co.uk Visit www. sustrans.org.uk for cycling, walking routes and much more. www.stagecoachbus.co.uk www.compass-travel.co.uk All information in this guide believed to be correct at the time of going to print.