Crowborough is in the north east of Sussex in between Royal Tunbridge Wells and Uckfield.
It’s proud to be the highest inland town in East Sussex and in fact, when you walk along the High Street to the main crossroads, you get tantalising glimpses of the countryside beyond. The town is surrounded by the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is right on the edge of Ashdown Forest.
The town is twinned with the French town of Montargis and also (and unusually) with the English town of Horwich. And of course, Crowborough’s most famous resident was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes.
Things to do in Crowborough
Crowborough has quite a busy little town centre.
In the town
Start by saying hello to the statue of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle at the main crossroads and then, in the small shopping precinct, look up at the artwork, which shows forged ironwork designs inspired by local industries historically associated with the town. There are rakes representing charcoal burning, chimneys inspired by the brickworks at Jarvis Brook and orchids … because orchid growing was one of the town’s industries. The artist was Sussex based blacksmith and designer, James Price.
In the town centre itself, there’s a couple of independent shops that are worth a visit. Alteus Wines are a family run, independent wine merchant and they stock a number of local wines, beers, ciders and gins as well as produce from further afield. Fantissimo sell vintage and retro home décor amongst other things and there is a gift shop, Zest. There’s also a bridal shop and a good butchers as well as one of those good old-fashioned hardware stores that looks like it has anything and everything you could ever possibly need!
Before you head out of town to explore, there are some good cafés and restaurants too and a brand new tea house opposite the free car park. Every fourth Saturday of every month from 9 am – 1 pm, there’s a Farmer’s Market in the town.
Crowborough Miniature Railway
From the end of March, a miniature railway at Goldsmiths Leisure Centre in Eridge Road offers rides to the public every Saturday and bank holiday between Good Friday and Bonfire Night.
Things to do near Crowborough
Crowborough is in a beautiful part of Sussex, so when you’re ready, grab your bag and set off for some exploring.
Walshes Park
Just on the outskirts of the town is Walshes Park where there once stood a Medieval moated manor. The area is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument. A boardwalk has recently been installed and there are three different walks (of between 1.2 and 2.2 km) and various sculptures as well as information boards along the way.
Ashdown Forest
With Ashdown Forest right on the doorstep, no visit to Crowborough is complete without time spent on the forest. Whether you just want to enjoy walking or horse riding (with perhaps a stop off at a country pub), or discover some of the forest’s landmarks like the abandoned Chelwood Vachery Forest Garden, Pooh Sticks Bridge or Nutley Windmill, there are 9.5 square miles of forest to keep you busy.
Vineyards near Crowborough
If you’d like to explore the Sussex wine scene, you’re in luck because there are lots of vineyards in Sussex. Downsview Vineyard is just outside Crowborough on the road to Hadlow Down and from April to September they have various activities including their Cellar Door, pizza nights and tours and tastings.
Barnsgate Manor
Barnsgate Manor just outside Crowborough (at Herons Ghyll) has recently gone through a few changes. These days, it’s home to a yoga studio, Tranquillity Yoga and The Clay Studio which offers a range of pottery classes, courses and workshops.
Crowborough Country Park Nature Reserve
This is a local nature reserve on the outskirts of Crowborough and on the way to Jarvis Brook. It used to be a quarry and there is a river, gorge, and lots of wildlife. It’s not massive and a walk around it is about 1 km.
Crowborough golf
If you’re looking for golf, Crowborough Beacon Golf Club is south west of the town and was founded in 1895. It’s on one of the highest points in Sussex and on a good day, you can see the sea! It is “now rated 72nd finest Golf Course in the Country by Golf World”. South east of the town is Dewlands Manor Golf Course. Designed and built in 1989, it “has been described as one of the best 9 holes in the country”.
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