Explore Heathfield: A Bustling Market Town in East Sussex
Lying on the edge of the High Weald, the bustling East Sussex town of Heathfield is located between Eastbourne and Tunbridge Wells, close to the River Cuckmere’s source. It’s a cracking little place, rural but with easy transport connections to London, great schools and a nice community spirit – this market town is rapidly becoming a housing hotspot, with some great property bargains to be had.
The History of Heathfield: From Market Town Origins to Modern Charm
Heathfield first gained its market charter in 1316 when Edward II was king. After that, the town really started to take off, although there’s evidence of a Stone Age settlement nearby. Rebel Jack Cade, who whipped up protest against Henry VI, was murdered here in 1450. The 1880 arrival of the railway gave the area a fresh lease of life.
The Dacre family created the private estate of Bayley Park here in 1610, while its Grade II-listed mansion was first built by James Plummer in 1676. In 1791, Francis Newberry changed its name to Heathfield Park and built its Grade II-listed Gibraltar Tower.
At nearby Burwash is Rudyard Kipling’s final family home, now a National Trust property, while fourteenth-century Bodiam Castle is a short drive away.
Heathfield Local Amenities: Schools, Markets, and Community Favourites
There’s a popular local market, well regarded primary and secondary schools and a farmers’ market every fortnight. You’ll also find a decent range of shops along the High Street, Station Road and Station Approach, including supermarkets, banks, cafes and restaurants. A branch library, doctors’ surgeries and post office are also all here, alongside pubs like the Half Moon and the fourteenth-century Star Inn, slightly away from the town centre.
Free Time in Heathfield: Outdoor Adventures, Events, and Local Culture
You’re unlikely to be bored here. Heathfield makes an ideal base for keen hikers, given its proximity to Ashdown Forest. The former railway line today forms the Cuckoo Trail ramble to Polegate. The area is rich in history, with so much surrounding countryside to explore, while Brighton is just under an hour away. Meanwhile the Heffle Cuckoo Fair, held since 1315, takes place each April, attracting visitors from across the south-east. It features everything from Morris dancing to vintage cars.
Other popular events include the Heathfield and District Agricultural Show and ‘Le Marché’, with French and English market traders.
Finally, clubs and societies in the town include a cricket team, badminton and bridge clubs, a choir and drama club, among other activities.
Heathfield Transport Links: Convenient Access to London and Surrounding Areas
Although the rail station closed in 1965, there are trains from nearby Buxted to London Victoria and Uckfield. Stonegate has services to Hastings, London Charing Cross and Tunbridge Wells. Buses connect Uckfield and Haywards Heath, Eastbourne and Tunbridge Wells. Main roads serving the town are the A267 and A265.
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A selection of our most recent properties for sale in Heathfield
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Back Lane, Cross In Hand, Heathfield TN21 0QA
For Sale4 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms2 Receptions£650,000Discover the perfect family home in the sought-after location of Cross in Hand. Being offered to the market CHAIN FREE! This stunning detached property offers spacious, well-appointed living areas and a beautiful garden, making it the ideal place to create lasting memories with your loved ones!The p... -
Gorse Hill, Broad Oak, TN21 8TP
For Sale2 Bedrooms1 Bathroom2 Receptions£290,000This handsome two-bedroom terraced house in Broad Oak, Heathfield offers a comfortable and convenient living space, perfect for first-time buyers, downsizers, or investors and is being offered to the market CHAIN FREE!The property features a driveway and en-bloc garage, providing ample parking for y... -
Heathfield Road, Burwash Common, TN19 7NB
For Sale3 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms1 Reception£600,000Set within an exclusive collection of just ten homes set in the village of Burwash Common this stunning three bedroom family home offers the best of country living with all of the benefits of buying a newly-built home. Arranged over three floors, this home benefits from a combined living/dining room...
A selection of our most recent properties to let in Heathfield
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Bramley Avenue, Horam TN21
To Let2 Bedrooms1 Bathroom1 Reception£1,200 pcmLocated on Bramley Avenue in the heart of Horam, this modern two-bedroom ground floor flat offers practical living in a convenient location. Built in 2019, the property combines a contemporary layout with high-quality fixtures, designed to meet the needs of modern living.The home features an open-pl... -
Cherwell Road, Heathfield, TN21
To Let1 Bedroom1 Bathroom1 Reception£950 pcm**Deposit Replacement Available – Provided by Zero Deposit**Welcome to this homely one-bedroom second-floor flat located on Cherwell Road, situated a stone's throw away from Heathfield town centre. This second-floor property offers a comfortable king-size bedroom and a well-sized living room with ... -
Woods Corner, Dallington, TN21
Let Agreed4 Bedrooms2 Bathrooms2 Receptions£2,500 pcmLocated in the peaceful countryside of Dallington, this four-bedroom detached home offers a great balance of rural living and modern comfort. The property sits on a generous plot with gardens that enjoy vast views of the surrounding hills and woodlands of East Sussex. The well-sized kitchen/breakfas...
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