Heathfield

It started as a stop on an ancient route and got official market town status in 1316, back when Edward II granted the charter (this website). That market tradition still holds up, especially if you visit the Farmers Market on the third Saturday of the month.

• Market town origins: The town’s place on the old ridgeway made it ideal for trade. The market charter locked that in early on.
• Ironworks legacy: Heathfield was part of the Wealden iron industry boom in the 1500s and 1600s. Cannon-making wasn’t unusual here. The Fuller family ran furnaces for the Royal Navy using local iron ore and woodland charcoal. Blackboys village nearby got its name from the charcoal burners.
• Railway growth: The Cuckoo Line opened in 1880 and gave Heathfield a growth spurt. That’s where most of the Victorian and Edwardian buildings come from. The line was shut in the late 1960s, but the route lives on as the Cuckoo Trail, a 14-mile path that’s now one of the area’s most used walking and cycling tracks.

Source: [1]

Getting To and Around Heathfield

Let’s keep it simple. You won’t find a train station in Heathfield anymore, but you’ve got options.

By Car

• From Tunbridge Wells: Follow the A267 south. Takes around 20–25 minutes.
• From Eastbourne or Uckfield: Use the A22 and then pick up the B2192 or A267.
• From Hastings: A265 westbound does the job.

By Bus

• Stagecoach Route 51: Hourly buses to Tunbridge Wells and Eastbourne. One of the main routes for locals.
• Route 29A (Brighton & Hove) [2]: Goes through Lewes and Uckfield to Brighton. Handy if you’re heading to the coast or the universities.
• Other routes: 231 (Etchingham), 225 (Battle), 195 (Waldron).

Nearest Train Stations

• Tunbridge Wells: Direct bus (Route 51), then trains to Charing Cross and London Bridge.
• Uckfield: On the Southern line. Buses connect via 29A.
• Etchingham & Stonegate: Reachable by car or local bus.

Living in Heathfield: What’s Here?

Nature and Outdoor Life

• Cuckoo Trail: Ideal for walking, cycling, and riding. Former railway route, now a national cycle path.
• Broad Oak Park: A family-friendly green space with a play area.
• Heathfield Park: Great for dog walkers. Also home to the Gibraltar Tower.
• Nearby walks: Abbot’s Wood, Lake Wood, and a popular local booklet, “20 Walks Around Heathfield,” give you lots of options.

Local Events and Community

• Heathfield Agricultural Show (May): Celebrates farming and local life.
• Heffle Cuckoo Fair (April): Traditional spring fair with stalls and entertainment.
• Farmers Market: Monthly, with local produce and handmade goods.

Source: [3]

Places to Eat and Drink

You won’t go hungry or thirsty here.

• The Star Inn (Old Heathfield) [4]: A 14th-century pub with fireplaces and traditional beams [5].
• The Heathfield Tavern (Station Rd, Heathfield TN21 8DR) [6]: Modern British menu, warm atmosphere [7].
• Runt in Tun (Heathfield TN21 0DJ) [8]: Country pub with a garden, ideal in summer [9].
• Cuculo Cheese & Wine (69 High St, Heathfield TN21 8HU) [10]: Both in town centre, relaxed and great for lunch [11].

Local Schools in Heathfield

Primary

• All Saints’ & St Richard’s C of E (School Hill, Old Heathfield, Heathfield TN21 9AE) [12]: Small, well-regarded, based in Old Heathfield. [13]

Secondary

• Heathfield Community College (Cade Street, Heathfield TN21 8RJ) [14]: Covers a wide area. Also includes a sixth form [15].

Independent and Specialist

• Skippers Hill (Mayfield): Independent prep school [16].
• Mountfield Heath (Robertsbridge): Specialises in autism support [17].

Funeral Support for Heathfield Families

There are local services available, but some families in Heathfield choose to travel to Welham Jones in Tunbridge Wells. It’s not far, just a 20–25 minute drive or a 40-minute ride on the 51 bus.

Why travel?

• Peace and privacy: Some prefer arranging things away from their home town.
• Space and calm: Our Crescent Road branch offers a quiet, welcoming environment.
• Shared values: Heathfield and Tunbridge Wells have similar communities. We understand the traditions and expectations here.

Funeral packages & prices Pre-paid plans Care after death Memorial tributes Obituaries Repatriation

Directions to Welham Jones from Heathfield

Driving from Heathfield to Welham Jones, Tunbridge Wells

Start your journey in Heathfield by heading north on Hailsham Road (B2203) towards Lavender Heath Gardens. Stay on the B2203 for approximately half a mile.

Next, turn right onto the A265 and continue for a short distance, about 0.2 miles, before turning left onto Newick Lane. Follow Newick Lane for roughly 3.2 miles as it gently winds through the countryside.

As you continue along, the road becomes Knowle Hill. Stay on this stretch for about 0.3 miles, then take a left onto Stone Cross. Drive just 0.1 miles to reach the roundabout.

At the roundabout, go straight ahead to join the Mayfield Bypass (A267). Continue following the A267 for 8.1 miles, passing through scenic Sussex and into Kent.

Once you reach Forest Road, turn right and drive for about 1.4 miles. Forest Road soon becomes Bayhall Road, continue straight for another 0.5 miles.

Bayhall Road leads onto Calverley Road (A264). Stay on this road for 0.2 miles, then approach the roundabout. Take the first exit onto Crescent Road (A264).

Just 190 feet along Crescent Road, you’ll see Welham Jones Funerals & Memorials on the right-hand side. The address is 39 Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LZ.

By bus

Route 51 takes you to Tunbridge Wells rail station. Then a 10-minute walk or short taxi ride.

Our branch address is: 39 Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2LZ Phone: 01892 300330 Email: tunbridgewells@welhamjones.co.uk Open Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm. Weekends by appointment.

Final Thoughts

Heathfield is a town that doesn’t rush. It’s built on old routes, iron, trade, and the steady rhythm of local life. If you’re looking for a place with strong roots, useful links, and a community that still looks out for each other, you’ll find it here.

And if you ever need support, whether planning ahead or arranging a funeral, know that Welham Jones is only a short journey away, ready to help when it matters most.

References

[1] “Visit South East England,” https://www.visitsoutheastengland.com/places-to-visit/heathfield-p277051

[2] “29A bus route info,” https://www.buses.co.uk/services/BH/29A

[3] “Things to do in Heathfield, East Sussex,” https://explorediscover.uk/england/south-east/east-sussex/heathfield/

[4] The Star Inn (Church St, Old Heathfield, Heathfield TN21 9AH), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/LyUZ9MjB6MdWKj4J8

[5] The Star Inn website https://www.starinnoldheathfield.co.uk/

[6] The Heathfield Tavern (Station Rd, Heathfield TN21 8DR), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/uKBTVqU6HwqB3Wt36

[7] The Heathfield Tavern website, https://theheathfieldtavern.co.uk/

[8] The Runt In Tun (Heathfield TN21 0DJ), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/JJvbbfgEcXNgA5VV8

[9] The Runt In Tun website, https://www.runtintun.co.uk/

[10] Cuculo Cheese & Wine (69 High St, Heathfield TN21 8HU), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/gbqNrWg1DX1bCPvWA

[11] Cuculo Cheese & Wine website https://www.cuculo.co.uk/

[12] All Saints and St Richard’s Church of England Primary School (School Hill, Old Heathfield, Heathfield TN21 9AE), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/Us6B8VpLK4yFmH5G8

[13] All Saints and St Richard’s Church of England Primary School website https://www.assr.e-sussex.sch.uk/

[14] Heathfield Community College (Cade Street, Heathfield TN21 8RJ), Google Maps, https://maps.app.goo.gl/r6GtrX1AbBcDDWMPA

[15] Heathfield Community College website https://www.heathfieldcc.co.uk/

[16] Skippers Hill (Mayfield) website, https://www.skippershill.com/

[17] Mountfield Heath (Robertsbridge) website, https://www.mountfieldheathschool.co.uk/