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Town in West Sussex, England
Photo: Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
East Grinstead is a town in West Sussex, in the South East of England. The town is on the Greenwich Meridian. It has many historic buildings, and the Weald and Ashdown Forest lie to the south-east.
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A beautiful 17th-century sandstone almshouse, where the carol "Good King Wenceslas" was written.
The National Trust's flagship Arts and Crafts country house, internationally renowned for its William Morris wallpapers, textiles and contemporary fittings. Also has extensive landscaped gardens.
The church stands on the highest ground in the town and was rebuilt in the 18th century (the tower dating from 1789) to a perpendicular design by James Wyatt. The imposing structure dominates the surrounding countryside for many miles around. In the churchyard are commemorated the East Grinstead Martyrs, and in the south-east corner is the grave of John Mason Neale.
England's premier restored steam railway, has its Northern terminus located adjacent to main East Grinstead station. Trains steam 11 miles through the heart of the Sussex Weald throughout the year. The other terminus is close to Sheffield Park National Trust gardens. Museum, Shop, Restaurant, Locomotive shed. 30 steam engines!.
Unusually, this has flat-racing all year round, using artificial Polytrack in winter. Flat-racing in summer, and jumps races in winter, are on turf. Lingfield is 3 miles north of East Grinstead, with its own railway station.
A wonderful centre for conservation and education housing a range of British animals. Includes a wetlands area and large outdoor enclosures, and offers regular talks from the keepers
One of the best and least well-known to visitors (but not to locals!)
Generally considered to be the best place for fish and chips, with queues stretching out onto the street at weekends.
Good takeaway.
Another large venue.
Live bands every week.
Gastropub.
Micropub serving range of cask and real ales.
JD Wetherspoons.
One of the smallest pubs in England. Hidden down an alley. Often full of crazy people.
Very posh.
The Sunday lunch is good.
Excellent inn with 4 rooms out in the countryside. The bar is open M-Sa noon-11PM, Su noon-10PM. No children under 7.
Splurge luxury hotel in Tudorbethan manor, great ambiance, comfort and cuisine. No children under 7 or dogs.
Country pub with meals and rooms.
By train
East Grinstead station is connected to London Victoria and London Bridge stations. Fare and timetable information is available from the Southern website, or from National Rail Enquiries, tel.
By bus
Bus services in East Grinstead are more limited than that of other towns in this area. There are services to Haywards Heath and Crawley, with stops made on many villages in between.
By bus
Metrobus is the main bus company that operates buses in East Grinstead. Timetables and fares are available on Metrobus. Buy your ticket from the driver when you board the bus.
By taxi
The main taxi rank is at the train station, although you can order a taxi by telephone to pick you up from anywhere.
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