Forest Row

East Sussex

Type:Towns & Villages

Hartfield Road, Forest Row, East Sussex, RH18 5DZ

Tel: 01342 822661

Forest Row

About

Forest Row is at the northern tip of both East Sussex County Council and Wealden District Council. The outlying areas of the parish border three other counties - West Sussex, Surrey and Kent. The nearest town is East Grinstead, which is 'over the border' in West Sussex.

Originally a small hamlet that grew up at one of the 'gates' of Ashdown Forest where the turnpike road (now the A22) began its climb up the forest ridge, the village of Forest Row has grown gradually over the past 150 years or so. Much of its growth was due to the arrival of the railway in 1866 and the opening of the golf course in 1889. For 100 years the village had a direct train service to London, but sadly, the line was an early casualty of the 'Beeching Axe'. The steady growth of Forest Row has, however, continued with a population in the parish of nearly 5,500 at the last census. The village is surrounded on three sides by Ashdown Forest and this forms a natural boundary, preventing development on a large scale.

The village has retained much of its rural character and is a pleasant mixture of old and new, with traditional Sussex cottages and pleasing modern developments. There are several village greens carefully preserved and maintained by the Parish Council, giving an attractive open appearance.

Forest Row is now a shopping centre for quite a wide area and virtually every trade and profession is represented amongst the small shops and businesses that still provide a personal service. A small number of small industrial units have also been built and these have helped to create a balanced and sustainable community without intruding on the basic character of the village.

The population of the village is quite diverse and dynamic, largely due to the presence of Michael Hall School and Emerson College, and over the years the village has become something of a centre for organic produce and services - witnessed by the presence of award-winning Tablehurst and Plawhatch farms, Cyrnel Bakery, the Seasons and other small businesses. There are also many 'alternative' practitioners in the village, making it something of a centre for such treatments.



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What's Nearby

  1. Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club

    Founded in December 1888, it is one of the longest established golf clubs in Sussex. A…

    0.9 miles away
  2. Wych Cross Nursery Ltd

    One of the largest retail selections of roses in the country with 1000 varieties. Also a…

    1.94 miles away
  3. Vanguard Way

    Vanguard Way is the ideal route for the walking enthusiast. At 66 miles (107 km) of…

    2.94 miles away
  1. Cats Protection National Cat Centre

    A trip to the National Cat Centre, set in delightful woodland, is a memorable experience…

    2.95 miles away
  2. Sackville College

    A beautiful stone Jacobean almshouse round a quadrangle. Galleried Founder's Hall with…

    3.21 miles away
  3. Pooh Corner

    Pooh Corner is a gift shop specialising in Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends. The timber…

    3.43 miles away
  4. The Priest House

    The Priest House sits on the western edge of Ashdown Forest in the picturesque high Weald…

    4.03 miles away
  5. Lingfield Park Racecourse

    Set in beautiful Surrey countryside, Lingfield Park is one of the country's busiest…

    5.13 miles away
  6. Wakehurst

    Stunning photos of magnificent botanic gardens owned by Kew & all you may wish to know…

    5.63 miles away
  7. Soft Rock Climbing

    Harrisons Rocks in Groombridge provide a combination of some of the best beginner…

    5.64 miles away
  8. Tulleys Farm

    Farm Shop, Butchery, Gift Barn. Tea Room, Garden & Play Area. PYO, Seasonal Events,…

    5.71 miles away
  9. British Wildlife Centre

    The British Wildlife Centre is the best place to see and learn about Britain’s own…

    5.89 miles away
  10. The Garth Pleasure Grounds

    Visit The Garth in Surrey, an 18th-century Grade II* listed house with open days and…

    5.9 miles away
  11. Hever Castle and Gardens

    Romantic 13th century moated castle, once Anne Boleyn's childhood home. Magnificently…

    7.1 miles away
  12. Bluebell Railway

    Step back in time to the Steam Age by climbing aboard one of the lovingly preserved…

    7.16 miles away
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