Sussex

<p>Hi Karen &#8211; thanks for your feedback! We love Standen of course, you might like this <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/culture/standen-house-sussex-nymans-summer-2022/" rel="nofollow ugc">https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/culture/standen-house-sussex-nymans-summer-2022/</a>! Just hard to fit it all in!</p>


<p>Really surprised that you didn’t include Standen in your East Grinstead feature &#8211; fabulous National Trust house and garden with so much to see for both adults and children.</p>



<p></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T170516.007-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59545" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T170516.007-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T170516.007-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T170516.007-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T170516.007-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T170516.007.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Tucked away near the East Sussex, Surrey, and Kent borders, East Grinstead  may not be as well known as some of it&#8217;s neighbours, but it should certainly be on your radar as a great shopping and gourmet destination. Its personal claim to fame is that its High Street has one of the longest continuous runs of Tudor architecture in the country. With Ashdown Forest on its doorstep, foodie finds and under an hour’s commute to the Big Smoke, what’s not to love about this town? </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1800" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171355.062.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59517" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171355.062.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171355.062-667x800.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171355.062-833x1000.jpg 833w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171355.062-768x922.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171355.062-1280x1536.jpg 1280w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171355.062-438x525.jpg 438w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The high street is packed with indie coffee shops</figcaption></figure>



<p>With a high street packed full of indie restaurants including <a aria-label="Rocca (opens in a new tab)" href="http://www.roccakitchen.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rocca</a>, a Mediterranean kitchen &amp; cocktail bar, and fine dining at <a aria-label="By The Fountain (opens in a new tab)" href="https://bythefountain.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">By The Fountain</a> you&#8217;re sure to find something to tickle your fancy. The town has embraced café culture and many of the eateries boast alfresco options. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1800" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171216.020.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59515" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171216.020.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171216.020-667x800.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171216.020-833x1000.jpg 833w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171216.020-768x922.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171216.020-1280x1536.jpg 1280w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171216.020-438x525.jpg 438w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Flint Owl Bakery</figcaption></figure>



<p>Perhaps the cutest coffee shop in town is <a aria-label="Flint Owl Bakery (opens in a new tab)" href="https://flintowlbakery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flint Owl Bakery</a>, who also have a cafe in Lewes. They are well known for their organic fermented breads and pretty pastries but you can also pick up own delicious own-brand jams and pickles, plus confectionary. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-drink">DRINk</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T172718.949.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59520" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T172718.949.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T172718.949-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T172718.949-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T172718.949-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T172718.949-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Muddy approved pie at The Ship</figcaption></figure>



<p>Like your pubs large? Head to the <a aria-label="The Ship Inn  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.shipinneastgrinstead.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ship Inn </a>at the top of the high street. It&#8217;s recently undergone a makeover and the inside space is now stylish and light, while outside boasts a Burger Shack, tiered decked garden and lovely huts when the weather is inclement.</p>



<p>Know your Chablis from your Chardonnay? If not head to the <a aria-label="Tasting Rooms  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.thetastingroomseg.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tasting Rooms </a>a slick wine bar and shop. With in-house events, from tastings to theme nights and cocktail masterclasses you&#8217;ll be almost a sommelier by the time you leave. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="833" height="1000" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171446.858-1-833x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59530" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171446.858-1-833x1000.jpg 833w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171446.858-1-667x800.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171446.858-1-768x922.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171446.858-1-1280x1536.jpg 1280w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171446.858-1-438x525.jpg 438w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171446.858-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 833px) 100vw, 833px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The high street is full of historic buildings</figcaption></figure>



<p>Worth hunting out too is <a aria-label="Broadleys (opens in a new tab)" href="https://broadleys.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broadleys</a>, a mini fashion department store stocking brands such as Hugo Boss and Smith &amp; Soul, or if you&#8217;re getting married <a aria-label="Lily Jacobs Bridal (opens in a new tab)" href="https://lilyjacobs.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lily Jacobs Bridal</a> (a finalist in the <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/work/think-you-know-your-local-gems-try-our-hit-list/">Muddy Sussex Awards</a> for Best Bridal Store in 2022) or <a href="https://www.pennyfarthingjewellers.net/">Penny Farthing Jewellers </a>are essential. Ding dong!</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="833" height="1000" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171415.358-833x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59514" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171415.358-833x1000.jpg 833w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171415.358-667x800.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171415.358-768x922.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171415.358-1280x1536.jpg 1280w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171415.358-438x525.jpg 438w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171415.358.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 833px) 100vw, 833px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Checkmate outside the bookstore</figcaption></figure>



<p>East Grinstead has gone all continental with the locals indulging in a game of chess outside the historical bookshop. Channel your inner <em>Queens&#8217;s Gambit </em>and see if you can beat a Grandmaster. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-things-to-do">THINGS TO DO</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T173240.088.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59522" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T173240.088.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T173240.088-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T173240.088-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T173240.088-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T173240.088-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sackville College/Facebook</figcaption></figure>



<p><a aria-label="Sackville College  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.sackvillecollege.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sackville College</a> is a gorgeous Jacobean Almshouse at the far end of the high street, founded by Robert Sackville in 1609 and still in use today. The College is built of Sussex sandstone and is a splendid example of Jacobean architecture with sweeping views towards the Ashdown Forest. </p>



<p>The small indie arts venue, <a href="https://www.chequermead.co.uk/">Chequer Mead Theatre</a>, supports local youth theatre, live comedy and musical events plus there is also a programme of workshops and classes. Performances are as diverse as live Jazz, a Tina Turner tribute and school productions of Mary Poppins and Matilda. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="560" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/10/Alexander-House-Outdoor-hot-tub-barrel-sauna-e1602750378642.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-49093" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/10/Alexander-House-Outdoor-hot-tub-barrel-sauna-e1602750378642.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/10/Alexander-House-Outdoor-hot-tub-barrel-sauna-e1602750378642-300x168.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/10/Alexander-House-Outdoor-hot-tub-barrel-sauna-e1602750378642-720x403.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/10/Alexander-House-Outdoor-hot-tub-barrel-sauna-e1602750378642-768x430.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/10/Alexander-House-Outdoor-hot-tub-barrel-sauna-e1602750378642-900x504.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Utopia Spa</figcaption></figure>



<p>Just outside the town is the Muddy award-winning hotel <a aria-label="Alexander House  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.alexanderhotels.co.uk/alexander-house/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alexander House</a> it&#8217;s home to the stunning Grecian-inspired <a aria-label="Utopia Spa  (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.alexanderhotels.co.uk/alexander-house/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utopia Spa</a> that boasts 25 treatment rooms (including three for couples), an outdoor Zen garden featuring a bespoke barrel sauna and hot tub (above), and relaxation lounges to zone out in between <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/beauty/review-oskia-ritual-treatment-at-utopia-spa-east-grinstead/">Oskia</a> and Temple Spa treatments. Book us in!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-walks">WALKS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="600" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-18T111547.865.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-57012" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-18T111547.865.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-18T111547.865-300x180.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-18T111547.865-720x432.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-18T111547.865-768x461.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/03/Untitled-design-2022-03-18T111547.865-875x525.jpg 875w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The picture perfect Wakehurst</figcaption></figure>



<p>You simply must visit <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/wakehurst/">Wakehurst,</a> Kew’s wild botanic garden, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. It&#8217;s home to the UK’s largest conservation project, the Millennium Seed Bank and a picture-perfect Elizabethan Mansion that&#8217;s a must for your Insta-feed.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="833" height="1000" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171512.070-833x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-59518" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171512.070-833x1000.jpg 833w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171512.070-667x800.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171512.070-768x922.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171512.070-1280x1536.jpg 1280w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171512.070-438x525.jpg 438w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/06/Untitled-design-2022-06-23T171512.070.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 833px) 100vw, 833px" /></figure>



<p>Other notable spots include the pretty St Swithun&#8217;s Church that stands on the highest ground in the town that was rebuilt in the eighteenth century (the tower dates from 1789). If you&#8217;re lucky you might catch a wedding in the pretty grounds. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stay">STAY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="900" height="820" src="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/08/Gravetye8.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-48638" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/08/Gravetye8.jpg 900w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/08/Gravetye8-300x273.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/08/Gravetye8-549x500.jpg 549w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2020/08/Gravetye8-768x700.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stunning Gravetye Manor</figcaption></figure>



<p>Now you&#8217;re talking! When it comes to swanky <a rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="Gravetye Manor, (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.gravetyemanor.co.uk/" target="_blank">Gravetye Manor,</a> in West Hoathly, just outside the town, has got it all going on.  A jaw-droppingly gorgeous manor house and garden where the beautiful grounds seem to envelop the house, it&#8217;s a real special occasion destination.  Under head chef George Blogg it gained it&#8217;s Michelin star and in summer the kitchen garden supplies 95 per cent of its fresh produce. An exquisite treat worth saving up for.</p>


Insider guide to East Grinstead

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