Crowborough sometimes gets bad press, but we like it. It sits in the north-east of Sussex between Royal Tunbridge Wells and Uckfield, and it is the highest inland town in East Sussex, set within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and on the edge of Ashdown Forest (when you walk along the High Street to the main crossroads, you get tantalising glimpses of the countryside beyond).
It’s got a bit of history, with its first mention as long ago as the 14th century, and it enjoyed a boom with the arrival of the railway in the 19th century. In fact, it was once a popular spot for health and wellbeing. 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 and there is a gift shop, Zest. There’s also 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 vintage 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.
Bowles Outdoor Centre
Grab your skis, yes, your skis! And head to the dry ski slope, snowboarding, climbing and outdoor activity centre.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle trail
For fans of Sherlock Holmes, why not spend some time following our Sussex Exclusive mini Sir Arthur Conan Doyle trail? Begin at Jarvis Brook railway station and head up to the town and then over to Hurtis Hill, where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle once lived. His house, Windlesham House, is now a care home.
From there, stroll across Crowborough Common, taking care on the golf course where he was both a member and an enthusiastic player.
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.
Crowborough walks
Crowborough sits right in the heart of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which means it is surrounded by amazing countryside. But you don’t have to travel far or walk long distances to enjoy fantastic local walks. All around the town, you’ll find pockets of countryside and nature, most of which also have an interesting story to tell. So buckle up your boots and explore.
Frescoes at Rotherfield
Rotherfield is a pretty village just outside Crowborough with a charming medieval church. Look out for the ancient yew tree (estimated to be at least 1,500 years old) in the churchyard. The site’s first recorded wooden church was built in AD 792 with later Saxon and Norman stone extensions. In 1893, a series of wall paintings were discovered here which probably date to the 14th and 15th century. They remain remarkably vibrant and are worth a quick detour before you head to the 18th century Catts Inn or the 17th century coaching inn, Kings Arms.
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.
Rock exploring and climbing
North of the town lie both Eridge Rocks and Harrison’s Rocks. They are both a sandstone rock outcrop among mixed woodland dating back millions of years.
Some of the rocks are 10 metres high and they create a magical effect. Harrison’s Rocks are popular with climbers and from the top you catch glimpses of vineayards and the Spa Valley Railway.
Steam trains
Running from Tunbridge Wells to Eridge, the Spa Valley Railway is a heritage railway line with a selection of different trains and an ongoing programme of events.
Search for Winnie the Pooh
For more literary nostalgia, head west from Crowborough to Hartfield, home of Winnie the Pooh and Pooh Corner, or maybe visit Pooh Sticks Bridge.
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, while Birchden Vineyard is down a sleepy lane not far from the town (and is a great place for a getaway or to buy farm-fresh asparagus in spring).
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 “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”.
It is all too easy to drive through Crowborough without stopping but a little bit of exploring reveals a town with many hidden delights.
If you like this post about things to do in Crowborough, you may also like:
