Top Things to Do in Cuckfield – A Guide to This Beautiful Sussex Town

Cuckfield is a charming little town (or big village, some might say) just outside Haywards Heath in Sussex, a half-hour drive from Brighton. It dates back to Saxon times and is said to get its name from the Cuckoo, which is the town’s emblem. It was once an important coaching stop and market town between London and Brighton.

Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover the area or a visitor seeking a peaceful escape, Cuckfield offers an abundance of activities that combine history, culture, and countryside, with amazing views across the South Downs.

Things to Do in Cuckfield

We regularly pass through the town to visit family, and more recently, I have visited the town often when I go to Ockenden Manor for a spa day with friends. I love driving through the town, so I decided to spend a day there to see what it has to offer.

Even though it is a very small town, there is plenty to do too! Here are some of the best things to do in Cuckfield whether you have an hour, or are staying nearby and looking for a day out.

1. Wander Around the Historic High Street

This goes without saying really. Any visit to Cuckfield should start on the High Street! This beautiful stretch is home to a delightful collection of local shops, cafes and historical buildings.

I doubt much has changed along the street. It is still dotted with 16th-century coach houses, many now turned into little cafes, independent home decor stores and art galleries.

2. Where to Eat in Cuckfield

No trip to Cuckfield would be complete without sampling some of the local food, and the town is home to a handful of wonderful pubs and restaurants where you can do just that. Whether you fancy a hearty Sunday roast, a classic pub lunch, or something a little more refined, you’re spoiled for choice.

The Talbot is one of the town’s most beloved pubs, offering a cosy atmosphere and a fantastic menu of locally sourced dishes. You’ll find traditional pub fare, but with a modern twist, and one of Jim’s favourite draught beers, Beavertown Neck Oil!

For something a bit more intimate, try the Rose and Crown, a lovely gastropub with a reputation for excellent service and even better food. It has a large beer garden, perfect for a family visit.

Pubs in Cuckfield

Along with the Talbot and Rose and Crown, you will also find The Wheatsheaf Inn, serving traditional English food with a heated decking and marquee area, The White Harte with a cosy bar.

Cafes and Restaurants in Cuckfield

Like all Sussex towns and villages, Cuckfield has some lovely little cafes and restaurants serving local food and is perfect for a quick coffee after a walk around the town.

Tom’s Food has to be one of my favourites, the vintage interiors are in keeping with the town and I treated myself to the French Toast Crumpets with a Sweet Citrus smoothie. I would go to the town just to eat at Tom’s!

If it is a quick coffee you are after, Cuckfield Corner House Cafe and the Cuckfield Pantry both serve a large selection of hot drinks and cakes. Pampa Kitchen is a family-run Argentinian restaurant with Mediterranean influences and a great cocktail list, and if it’s fine dining you are after, head to Ockenden Manor for beautiful views over Cuckfield Park.

3. Where to Shop in Cuckfield

Cuckfield does independent shopping well! A bit like Steyning, it is home to interior design shops, art galleries and vintage stores. I love Willis & Co., a little boutique store selling haberdashery, antique items and artwork, and Artologie which is a treasure trove of vintage paintings and sculptures.

Other notable shops include Neilson Boutique, David Foord-Brown Antiques and Cuckfield Candy Store, a beautifully traditional sweet shop that my kids love.

4. Head Down Church Street

Once you have finished your walk around the High Street, head down to Church Street to get a real glimpse of old Cuckfield. Here you will find Nonsuch Cottage, a timber-framed cottage dating back to the 13th century.

This street would have been filled with timber-framed cottages, but most of them were knocked down in the 19th century to make way for a school. This school was then moved on again in 1992, so the school building is now a community centre with meeting rooms.

5. Visit Holy Trinity Church

For history lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike, the Holy Trinity Church is a must-see. This stunning 13th-century church is a true focal point of Cuckfield, with its towering spire visible from miles around.

Inside, you’ll find beautiful stained glass windows, intricate stone carvings, and even a rare Tudor font. I popped my head in to take a look and got swept up into a busy coffee morning, proving that the Church is still very much the centre of Cuckfield life.

But it’s not just the building that’s impressive. I loved walking around the churchyard filled with ancient gravestones and surrounded by quaint cottages and the Cuckfield Cottage Homes which provided somewhere to live for retired and elderly people of the Parish.

And don’t forget to take in the views of the surrounding Sussex countryside, too! I bought some cake at the coffee morning and sat on a bench in the grounds to take in the impressive views over the South Downs. A view that has probably not changed for hundreds of years.

6. Visit the Cuckfield Museum

Cuckfield may be a small town, but it’s big on history. Did you know that the first discovery of the Iguanodon was found in a pile of rubble by a road in Cuckfield? The discovery was crucial because it led to the realisation that large land-dwelling lizards once roamed the earth. 

The Cuckfield Museum opened in 1981 and is a treasure trove of fascinating local stories, spanning centuries. Whether you’re interested in the area’s Roman roots, the Tudor influence, Dinosaurs, or even the town’s Victorian expansion, there’s something for everyone here.

Housed in The Grade II Listed Queen’s Hall which was built in celebration of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897, the museum is compact but brimming with charm, featuring exhibits on everything from local archaeology to quirky historical figures.

The volunteers are also incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, so don’t be shy to ask questions, they might just share a hidden gem or two about the town’s past!

7. If You Love Dinosaurs…

To celebrate Cuckfield’s very important connection to dinosaurs, a two-metre-long bronze resin dinosaur sculpture by Hannah Stewart was commissioned for the Cuckfield Recreation Playground.

This is a lovely little park, surrounded by countryside and tennis courts, perfect if you are visiting with kids. It’s especially lovely in the evening when the sun sets behind the South Downs, casting a golden glow over the landscape. Talk about the perfect end to a day!

8. Ockenden Manor Hotel & Spa

One of the reasons I visit Cuckfield often is Ockenden Manor! I’m lucky enough to have a friend who is a member of the Spa, so we take full advantage of her guest passes and go around once a month.

The Manor itself is an Elizabethan House dating back to the 16th century in a beautiful countryside setting on the edge of Cuckfield. Many of the rooms retain their original period features, offering a cosy yet stylish atmosphere.

The state-of-the-art award-winning spa is located in a contemporary building that contrasts beautifully with the historic manor. Facilities include an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, and a variety of holistic treatments.

I have visited many Spas in Sussex and Ockenden is definitely a favourite of mine. The facilities are clean and modern and it never gets overly busy, so if it’s relaxation and wellness you are after, this is the place to go!

9 Walk the Sussex Countryside

One of the joys of visiting Cuckfield is the town’s proximity to the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. If you love walking and exploring nature, then grab your walking boots and set out on one of the many trails that wind their way through the area.

You can easily walk from Cuckfield to nearby villages like Lindfield or even head out towards the beautiful Ouse Valley Viaduct, one of the most Instagrammable spots in Sussex!

You will also find plenty of ancient woods to explore including the New England Wood which is situated directly behind the Cuckfield Recreation Ground, Blunts Wood and Paige Wood which lies between Cuckfield and Haywards Heath and Deaks Acres Wood which is to the left of Cuckfield Park.

10. Day Trip to Borde Hill Gardens

Just a stone’s throw from Cuckfield lies the enchanting Borde Hill Gardens, a must for any nature lover. These award-winning gardens are a true botanical delight, with an incredible variety of plants, trees, and flowers.

Each season offers something new, from vibrant spring blossoms to my personal favourite time to visit, autumn, with its beautiful rich hues.

The gardens are divided into ‘rooms,’ each with its own unique theme and atmosphere. There’s a stunning Italian garden, a peaceful rose garden, and even a magical woodland area that’s perfect for families. It’s easy to spend a whole day here, wandering the trails, enjoying the views, and perhaps even stopping for tea in the lovely café.

Borde Hill Gardens also hosts events throughout the year, from summer concerts to Christmas markets and our favourite as a family, the Halloween Whodunnit, a trail with interactive activities for the kids, so be sure to check their calendar before you go!

Cuckfield may be small, but it’s packed with character, history, and natural beauty. Whether you’re wandering its historic streets, exploring the surrounding countryside, or simply relaxing with a pint in a cosy pub, there’s something for everyone.

So, next time you’re looking for a peaceful escape, consider heading to Cuckfield. You might just fall in love with this charming Sussex town!