7 minute read
Heathfield
Destination: HEATHFIELD
Heathfield is a thriving market town set in stunning surroundings, as Sara Whatley discovers
Upon one of the main ridges of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty you will find the ancient market town of Heathfield. It sits equidistant to Tunbridge Wells to the north and Eastbourne to the south. It has grown from the original village, Old Heathfield, which is now part of the town, and together with the neighbouring village of Waldron it forms the civil parish of Heathfield and Waldron.
The origins of the name Heathfield can be traced back to the year 1230 when the accounts of the Sheriff for that year record Heathfield as Hatfeld, meaning open land overgrown with heather. Hefful or Heffle are also old names for Heathfield. The area of the Weald is characterised by sandstone ridges
and clay valleys, or ghylls; dense forests, woodland and heathland.
The market charter was granted for Heathfield in February 1316 during the reign of Edward II. On the High Street today you will find a good mix of independent shops and businesses from a cheese and wine monger to hairdressers, fashion boutiques, to a grocer and butcher; this town is well catered for. There is pride in this High Street too; it is neat and tidy with festive bunting and lovely floral displays, adding more charm to the authentic old red brick buildings that line the bustling streets.
In olden times the industry in Heathfield was dependent on
Pennells Carpets is one of the leading flooring retailers in the South East which was established in 1982. They are a family run business, who always aim to put their customers at the forefront. Whether you are a homeowner looking for new carpets to refresh your living space or a business with a need to refurbish your flooring, call Pennells to find out what they can do for you. Carpets and Flooring – it’s what they do! www.pennellscarpets.com Tilsmore Court, 89 High Street, Heathfield TN21 8JA 01435 862000
Located in Heathfield High Street, Trading 4U offers 3 floors of home and garden products. A fantastic range for Christmas, including battery and mains operated indoor and outdoor lighting, Christmas decorations, Christmas trees, wreaths and garlands. There is a lovely range of quality oak and pine furniture, mattresses, divans, Egyptian cotton bedding, duvets and pillows. Explore the large range of energy saving LED light bulbs and Solar garden lighting at great low prices. Stationary, artist materials, children’s books, photo-frames and great Christmas gifts – you won’t be disappointed with a visit to Trading4U! 58 High St, Heathfield TN21 8JB - 01435 868137
Come and visit Shuna’s Vintage Clothes in Heathfield. Market on Tuesday morning, or by appointment. She has an Aladdins Cave of womens’ clothes and accessories, plus some menswear. Shunas career was in the Fashion and Film industry, as a film costume designer, fashion illustrator and fashion journalist-winning a Bafta and an Oscar nomination. She buys Vintage clothes, including Designer labels, Biba, Ossie Clarke and Oriental embroidered items. Shuna’s Vintage Heathfield Market, Burwash Road, TN21 8 RA 07831 258582
Trading 4U The Flower Workshop
The Flower Workshop caters for all occasions, whether you are sending flowers to a friend, planning your perfect wedding, or sending your final tribute to a lost loved one. The friendly and experienced team will guide you through selecting and designing stunning floral displays and putting your ideas into reality. With a variety of indoor and outdoor plants, home and giftware, and a daily supply of fresh cut flowers. They also offer a beautiful range of Christmas giftware and door wreaths, as well as hosting Wreath Workshops or DIY kits for you to enjoy in your own home. 3 Ivyholme, Station road, Heathfield TN21 8LB 01435 863333 Facebook/ Instagram – theflowerworkshopheathfield
ironmongery. From Roman times iron was smelted in this area, up until the final furnace blew out in 1787. Then, larger iron companies took over from the smaller traders in the Weald and Sussex Downs.
For the 8,000 plus people that reside in Heathfield, there is a lot to do. A host of clubs and groups including singing, painting, table tennis, litter picking, youth drama and many more (10 pages worth on www.Heathfield.net) welcome new members and with such a large choice there are activities and interests for all ages.
Music lovers may enjoy the Heathfield Silver Band, which has been making music together for over a hundred years. The aim of the band is to promote and teach brass band instruments and music to the community, regardless of means or ability. They do this by performing many engagements each year and raising the funds they need, and they have charitable status. Members range from eight years to eighty!
It is said that spring would not start until word from Heathfield had announced it so. A market started in the 1300s at which The Old Woman of Heffle Fair would release a cuckoo
from her basket, signifying the end of winter, the height of spring and the coming summer. All of England would listen to the news this crucial cuckoo had to say, and some say they can still hear the first cuckoo singing on the traditional day of the fair, the 14th April. The Heffle Cuckoo Fair was an annual celebration in April held at the original site in Cade Street near Old Heathfield, which closed its doors in 2020. The Old Woman with her basket is so significant to the town she also appears on the Heathfield town sign.
Heathfield is also a wonderful place to explore the outdoors. Once upon a time Heathfield was a stop on the Cuckoo Line railway between Eridge and Polegate, but it closed its doors to passengers in 1965. The old line
ironmongery. From Roman times iron was smelted in this area, up until the final furnace blew out in 1787. Then, larger iron companies took over from the smaller traders in the Weald and Sussex Downs.
For the 8,000 plus people that reside in Heathfield, there is a lot to do. A host of clubs and groups including singing, painting, table tennis, litter picking, youth drama and many more (10 pages worth on www.Heathfield.net) welcome new members and with such a large choice there are activities and interests for all ages.
Music lovers may enjoy the Heathfield Silver Band, which has been making music together for over It is said that spring would not start until word from Heathfield had announced it so
TOP ATTRACTIONS
Le Marche The longest running Anglo/ French market in the South East, held annually in August New Mill Visit this Grade II listed post mill at Cross in Hand, near Heathfield Heathfield Park Cricket Club A thriving village club founded in 1878, welcoming new players or just come and watch a match with a drink from the bar
Heathfield Agricultural Show Next held on 27th May 2023, this show is a real look at country life
is now the Cuckoo Trail, a 14-mile footpath and cycleway that stretches from Hampden Park in Eastbourne to Heathfield. Enjoy a cycle, then stop off in town for a wander round the shops and some well-earned tea and cake. l
All Wrapped Up is a large, independent, family run quality card and gift boutique in Heathfield. Often described by our customers as being an Aladdin’s cave of treasures, we have a reputation of having that ‘something different’ and providing some ‘good old-fashioned service’! We offer a wide and eclectic range of: Wellbeing, candles and home fragrance Christmas decorations Cosy hats, gloves and scarves Snug wraps, snoods and ponchos Jewellery, purses and handbags Extensive range of specialist Christmas cards Glass, china and homeware Probably the best advent calendar selection in Sussex! Children’s gifts, toys, puzzles and games Great stocking fillers and Secret Santa ideas That ‘elusive’ male gift We are overflowing with ideas for the whole family Why not pay us a visit? We might just have it ‘ALL WRAPPED UP’ for you this Christmas! Visiting us from further afield? Why not make a day of it? With a large varied range of quality independent shops, cafes and restaurants, and ample free parking. Heathfield is a small town with SO much to offer – it might just surprise you!
