Uckfield
The East Sussex town of Uckfield makes up for its small size with access to countryside, coast and nearby towns and cities, including Brighton. Sandwiched between the coastal parts of East Sussex and Ashdown Forest, east of the A22 between Eastbourne and London, it’s a thriving Wealden market town that may well be one of the region’s best-kept secrets, plus it has a strong sense of community.
The history
Uckfield’s first historical mention is in the late 1200s; a medieval chapel was built here in 1291, which was later replaced by the Holy Cross parish church in 1839. However, evidence has been found of human occupation here as early as the Stone Age. The town also became a stop-off point on the pilgrimage between Canterbury, Chichester and Lewes, while also being a central staging post on many trade routes. Its oldest house to remain standing, Bridge Cottage, dates from the fifteenth century. (These days, it’s a museum.)
Uckfield essentially developed in its High Street and the New Town area just to the south of the original town centre. Church Street ha a number of post-medieval buildings, including the Old Grammar School, Bakers Cottage and the Malt House.
Local amenities
There’s an award-winning cinema, the Picture House, and great sports facilities, plus a decent line-up of local shops including banks and supermarkets. There’s also a popular leisure centre and swimming pool. On the banks of the River Uck is a pleasant pedestrianised shopping centre, called Bell Walk, and there are also plenty of good places around to have a drink or something to eat.
Free time
Uckfield lies on the southern limits of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), near the Ashdown Forest, while the River Uck winds through the lower areas of the town. It’s also worth checking out West Park and Hempstead Meadows nature reserves, as well as Harlands Pond and Nightingale Wood if you’re exploring locally.
There’s a Farmers’ Market on the first Saturday of each month, which is the biggest of its kind in the county. Then there’s the local festival, held over a number of weeks each summer.
So with so much on the doorstep, you shouldn’t be short of things to do.
Well connected
The B2102 runs through the middle of town, and the A22, A26 and A272 are all accessible. There are regular train services to London Bridge and East Croydon, plus transport links to Brighton, Tunbridge Wells and Eastbourne.
Whats nearby
Looking to move to this area?
We aim to work very closely with our buyers to make moving home as hassle-free as we possibly can. So let us help you to find your dream home.