Set on the edge of the Pevensey Levels, Hailsham is a traditional Sussex market town with roots that date back to the Domesday Book and before. And for a relatively small town, there are a number of interesting things to do in Hailsham and the surrounding area.
A very potted history of Hailsham
Neolithic man was here before the Romans, and at that time, the Pevensey Levels were a watery bay with low tide salt marshes. The town was granted a market charter in 1252, and had a thriving cattle market (and still does) and leatherworks.
Things to do in Hailsham town centre
Hailsham is not a town that shouts, but it does merit a closer look and a little time because there are a few key places that give it shape and character:
St Mary’s Church
St Mary’s Church in Hailsham is right in the heart of the town and dates back to the 13th and 15th centuries. It first gets a mention in history’s annals in 1229, and thereafter, a battle of ownership unfolded between the Abbey of Bayham, the Priory of Michelham and the Rector of Hailsham. Bayham Abbey won. The church has suffered a variety of woes since but has been much restored and is worth a visit. They do not leave it unlocked so check opening times first.
The Pavilion cinema
Built in 1921, this remarkable Art Deco cinema and theatre is one of Hailsham’s real gems. Still very much in use, it hosts films, live screenings, performances and community events. It has also attracted filmmakers, its vintage charm making it a natural backdrop, with productions including Sherlock and filming involving Lucy Worsley.
Hailsham Heritage Centre and Museum
A small but fascinating insight into the town’s past, Hailsham’s museum is open every Friday and Saturday morning May to October. It has a small but interesting display including period items, local history, 19th and 20th century photographs and wartime artefacts.
The cattle market
Not a thing of beauty but interesting nonetheless and one of the more unexpected features of Hailsham is its cattle market and continued connection to livestock trading. Their weekly Livestock Sales are held on Wednesdays. They also hold a Farmers’ Market on the site.
Other buildings to look out for
Fleur-de-Lys Inn in Market Street (now Town Council Offices) built in 1542 and the Grenadier Inn in High Street built in 1803 to meet the needs of troops housed in the town ready for war with France.
A town made for walking
One of Hailsham’s greatest strengths is its location. It sits at the crossroads of some of Sussex’s most rewarding walking routes:
- The Cuckoo Trail – a gentle, accessible path following a former railway line which wanders from Heathfield to Polegate
- The Wealdway – stretching from the Thames Estuary to the South Downs
- The historic Cuckmere Pilgrim Path and the 1066 Country Walk
- There is also excellent walking at nearby Abbot’s Wood, across the Pevensey Levels and on the South Downs nearby.
This makes Hailsham an ideal base, particularly for those who like to explore slowly, on foot, with a sense of landscape unfolding around them.
Exploring the surrounding area
Head out of Hailsham town centre and there are plenty of very diverse attractions from wine and windmills to science and stadiums:
Michelham Priory House & Gardens
Moated, atmospheric and beautifully preserved, Michelham Priory is one of Sussex’s most evocative historic sites. Explore the main house and kitchens as well as hidden gardens, a Bronze Age roundhouse, sculptures and a watermill.
Arlington
Arlington offers a cluster of different experiences. Arlington Reservoir has some accessible walks with great views over the water and lots of interesting wildlife.
St Pancras Church, Arlington is a fascinating and historic church with its dedication being to the son of a Roman nobleman. It’s made up of an eclectic array of architecture from the 11th century (possibly pre-Norman) onwards. There is a pre-used Roman brick in one of the windows and it is thought Arlington may have been on the site of an old Roman road. It’s also home to some faded 14th century paintings and a 13th century pot. It is one of the churches on the Cuckmere Pilgrim Path.
Arlington Bluebell Walk and Bates Green Garden
The Arlington Bluebell Walk and Farm Trail is based at Bates Green Farm and has a 1 km bluebell trail (suitable for all) as well as a couple of other walks. These have become very popular in recent years. Bates Green Farm is also home to a 1.5 acre garden and 5.5 acre wildflower meadow open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays from February until October.
Arlington Stadium
If you’re looking for something a little more punchy, Arlington Stadium is home to stock car racing, speedway and motorsport action. They have an ongoing programme of events.
Knockhatch Adventure Park
For something more energetic, and particularly if you’re with family, Knockhatch Adventure Park provides a lively contrast to the slower rhythm of the surrounding countryside. There is so much going on here from a Sherlock Holmes experience and a Blackbeard adventure playground to the animals like capybara, owls, parrots and meerkats and a dinosaur experience. You could spend two days exploring.
Windmill Hill
Just east of Hailsham, Windmill Hill is home to one of the area’s most striking landmarks, the Windmill Hill windmill. This is a beautifully restored smock mill, open on selected days. When it turns, it feels like stepping back into Sussex’s working past.
Henners Vineyard
A highlight of the area, Henners produce sparkling and still wines, along with gins. They host tours and tastings, alongside events and seasonal dining experiences and you can sit on their gorgeous terrace amongst the vines with views across the marshes to the Downs.
From Henners, you can walk down to:
All Saints Church, Herstmonceux
Set apart from the village itself, this church feels almost hidden. Its setting, and its striking memorials, make it well worth the detour. It dates back to the 12th century and the monument of Thomas, Lord Dacre and his son who died in the 16th century is remarkable. Reflect for a moment in the graveyard before you move on.
From the church, a footpath leads (around 1.5 km) across countryside to:
Herstmonceux Castle
Herstmonceux Castle dates back to the 15th century, and was commissioned by Sir Roger Fiennes, Treasurer to the Household of Henry VI. The moated castle was purchased and then gifted to Queen’s University, Canada by industrialist and philanthropist Alfred Bader and his wife Isabel. It is one of the oldest and most significant brick buildings in England, constructed around 1441 and also has over 600 acres of woodland, wildflower meadows and gardens. Falconry experiences are sometimes available, and worth seeking out. Access to the castle interior is via guided tours which take place at 12 noon and 2 pm each day.
Herstmonceux Science Centre
The Observatory Science Centre and Museum looks after the historic observatory site and telescopes at Herstmonceux and is an interactive science centre which used to operate in the former home of The Royal Greenwich Observatory. This unique attraction is a great day out and offers spectacular science amongst the domes and telescopes of a world famous observatory. It’s just up the road from Herstmonceux Castle.
A Sussex craft: the trug
The Truggery, just west of Herstmonceux, is one of the last places keeping the Sussex trug-making tradition alive. These distinctive wooden garden baskets are still largely handmade, and visiting offers a rare connection to a heritage craft that is quietly disappearing.
Hellingly
Hellingly is a small but pretty hamlet with a historic church and Tudor manor. It sits aside the Cuckoo Trail and was once involved in the Wealden iron industry. You can just see Horselunges Manor over the wall and the church dates back to the 12th century although it was locked when we visited.
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