Laughton is a little village just east of Lewes which has a history that dates back to at least the Domesday Book and probably to Roman times. For a small settlement, it punches nicely above its weight and if you’re looking for walks at Laughton, you won’t be disappointed.
The Pelhams
Laughton was once the home of the Pelham family, a name that pops up often in this part of the world. They were a prominent Sussex family over the course of several centuries and they owned Pevensey Castle, Hastings Castle and Stanmer House. They are noted with all sorts of achievements and connections and Sir William Pelham built Laughton Place in 1534 (although all that remains is a tower that is now owned by the Landmark Trust). The village church dates back to the 13th century with later additions and wears the Pelham family emblem.
Walking at Laughton Greenwood
If you turn off the A22, driving from Eastbourne to Uckfield on to the B2125, you soon come to The Roebuck, Laughton’s village pub (opposite the village green). Just before that is a little turning (Pound Lane), where you’ll find a limited amount of parking. There is also parking at the pub, (but please ask permission first) as well as at Vert Lane Corner and Keepers Gate.
From here you have access into a wonderful area of woodland, Laughton Common Wood and Laughton Community Greenwood (formerly Vert Woods Community Woodland) which is 171 acres of mixed woodland. This is ancient woodland and is the focus of a community of volunteers who are restoring and conserving the woods, and creating a series of paths and spaces. They hold events and walks, but if you want nothing more than a lovely stroll, well then this place is idyllic.
A woodland walk
Pound Lane leads you directly into the woods, and the path is well made and maintained. This is a wonderfully tranquil piece of woodland with paths off left and right. I walked in a more or less straight line for just under a kilometre and then I turned left. After less than half a kilometre again, I turned left again, down through the wood, passed Brickhurst Pond and back down to the road and pub. This was a walk of pure nature and I saw butterflies, birds and even a slow worm. At 2.5 km on well made up ground, it was perfect for those with family that can’t walk far or have push chairs. In the spring, expect bluebells and in the autumn, enjoy lovely shades of gold.
If you want to walk a little bit further, not a problem. From Pound Lane, head up the main woodland path and turn right instead of left at the t-junction. From there you walk into Vert Wood and keep going until you come to the first signed footpath to your right, and then follow that all the way back to the start for a 4.5 km walk. Alternatively join the two walks together for a 5.5 km walk by walking up Shortgate Lane (to the left of the pub as you look at it), and then bearing right into Brickhurst Lane and into the wood.
Treat yourself
The Roebuck Inn is a historic coaching inn which has a large garden and children’s play area and a cosy fire for winter. They also have rooms and promise local ingredients where possible and a menu prepared by award winning chefs, so why not grab a bite to eat or a drink before you head home.
Other things to do nearby
There are quite a lot of things to do or see in the area, including Blackberry Farm on the north side of the woods, Farleys House and Gallery less than 5 km away, Michelham Priory, Arlington Reservoir, Charleston Farmhouse, Berwick Church, Glyndebourne, and of course, Lewes.
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