About the area
Explore Sussex from Forest Garden Shovelstrode
Local Villages & Essentials
Ashurst Wood - 1 mile
A small village with everything you need for supplies:
• Londis convenience store (open until 7pm)
• Alan Martin Meats - excellent butcher with BBQ packs and top quality sausages
• The Maypole Pub - a cosy stop after a woodland walk
• The Three Crowns - does a good Sunday lunch
Forest Row - 2 miles
A vibrant village on the edge of Ashdown Forest with:
• Pubs including The Swan, The Chequers Inn and The Hop Yard
• Veasey's Fishmongers, Seasons Organic Shop, and two delicatessens
• Java & Jazz - popular pizza restaurant
• Esso petrol station and Tesco Express
• Tablehurst Farm - biodynamic farm, farm shop and café
East Grinstead - 2.5 miles
An ancient market town with one of the longest runs of 14th-century timber-framed buildings in England. Here you'll find:
• The nearest railway station
• Sainsbury's next door to the train station
• Restaurants (Indian, Thai, Chinese, Italian)
• High street shops including Boots, Robert Dyas, Millets
• Access to the Bluebell Railway steam line
Tunbridge Wells - 12 miles
An historic spa town with excellent shopping, cafés and restaurants. Don't miss The Pantiles, a Georgian colonnade filled with independent shops and eateries, namely the very popular Ivy Restaurant.
Brighton - 27 miles
Explore the famous North Laine and South Laines, packed with small shops, the famous pier, The Pavillion, cafés and restaurants.
Lewes - 20 miles
A charming market town known for antique shops and Bill's Restaurant & Delicatessen
Ashdown Forest - 4 miles
Once a Norman deer hunting forest, Ashdown Forest is now the largest free public access space in the South East. Perfect for:
• Long walks with panoramic views
• Wildlife spotting
• Visiting Hartfield, home of A.A. Milne
• Pooh Corner Tea Shop
• Playing Poohsticks at the famous bridge
Things to Do Nearby
Bluebell Railway - 2.5 miles
A heritage steam railway running from East Grinstead to Sheffield Park - a great family day out.
Standen - 5 miles
A National Trust Arts & Crafts house with Morris & Co. interiors and beautiful gardens with peacocks.
Sheffield Park - 10 miles
A spectacular landscape garden with lakes, seasonal colour and historic parkland. Nearby: Trading Boundaries - furniture shop and café.
Hever Castle - 10 miles
Childhood home of Anne Boleyn, set in stunning grounds with cafés and pubs nearby with plenty of activities for children throughout the season
Outdoor Activities include :-
• Horse riding on Ashdown Forest (5 miles)
• Boating & swimming at Weirwood Reservoir (2.5 miles)
• Bike hire from Country Bikes (2 miles)
• Rock climbing at Bowles (13 miles)
• Lingfield Racecourse (4 miles
Places to Eat we recommend
The Hatch Inn - 5 miles, Coleman's Hatch
5 miles, Colemans Hatch
A favourite local restaurant - child and dog friendly, excellent food. Booking essential.
The Griffin - 12 miles, Fletching
16th century Inn with stunning views across Sheffield Park and a great outdoor BBQ area
The Fountain - 4 miles, Cowden
Very good food at reasonable prices. Cowden is often voted one of Kent's prettiest villages.
The George and Dragon - 11 miles, Speldhurst
A wonderful old pub with excellent food - booking recommended.
The Gallipot - 5 miles, Hartfield
Lovely old pub serving excellent food, close to the start of the Poohsticks walk.