Discover Buxted: Parkland, Churches and Trails

Buxted combines a remarkable local history with parkland, churches, trails and regional agriculture. Those planning a trip with varied interests can combine nature experiences, historical themes and local traditions here. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage, it is therefore worth first deciding on the preferred mix for the stay: should the trip be shaped primarily by landscapes and trails, by religious art and history, or by events and regional products?

Parkland and Trails around Buxted

Buxted Park is listed as a Grade II* park and garden. The park is also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI, because of its neutral grassland and mixed broadleaved and yew woodland. Forty old, veteran or notable trees have been recorded in Buxted Park. The park's features can be taken into account when planning a trip with a focus on nature and landscapes.

The “Trails by Rail: Buxted” route runs along the Tickerage Stream and through the historic Buxted Park. As a circular route, it also passes through the ancient woodland of Views Wood. This route includes an ancient yew estimated to be 2,000 years old. Those who like to shape a trip around a specific trail idea will find several clearly named landscape features here that can be considered when planning. Sections of the Weald Way and the Vanguard Way also run through the Parish of Buxted, which includes Buxted, High Hurstwood, Five Ashdown and Coopers Green.

Churches, Art and Local History

St Margaret the Queen has a west tower and a four-bay arcade dating from the 13th century. The chancel dates from around 1300. The history of the area extends beyond individual building phases: the historic village of Buxted relocated about a mile to a new site in the early years of the 19th century; only its church remained in a private park. For travellers interested in history, this development offers a special perspective on changes to the settlement landscape.

The Church of St Mary the Virgin also offers several specific points of interest. It was consecrated on 11 June 1887 and has stained-glass works by Charles Eamer Kempe from 1896, 1909, 1920 and 1921. The Walsingham Chapel at St Mary's was the first Walsingham shrine to be restored after the Reformation. Another unusual historical connection leads to Ralph Hogge of Buxted, who made the first iron cannon in 1543.

Farm Shop, Apple Processing and Local Traditions

Oast Farm in Buxted is a family-run fruit farm with a farm shop and café. In 2026, Oast Farm's apple-pressing service includes delivering home-grown apples and collecting your own juice later. Day memberships for fishing at Oast Farm lake are available from the Oast Farm shop and are valid there only. This creates various rural themes for trip planning without requiring them to be combined into a single itinerary.

The local history of food also includes Buxted Chickens, which were widely sold and advertised in the 1960s and 1970s. Traditions of a distinctly different character are central to the Buxted Bonfire Society. Its celebration includes a traditional torchlit procession, a bonfire and fireworks, and passes through the village of Buxted. The celebration takes place on the last Saturday in September. Those interested in culture can also consider the amateur theatre productions by the Buxted Players, which take place in spring and autumn.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Travel Plans

If you primarily want to experience trails, woodland and parkland, the “Trails by Rail: Buxted” route, Views Wood and the sections of the Weald Way and Vanguard Way should be among your first points of reference. Those focusing on history and religious art can include the architectural history of St Margaret the Queen, the Church of St Mary the Virgin and the Walsingham Chapel in their research. For a trip with an interest in regional products, Oast Farm, the farm shop, the café and the apple-pressing service offer other points of interest.

A holiday apartment in Buxted or a holiday cottage in the area can therefore be selected according to the desired travel theme, without linking individual experiences through an unsubstantiated proximity or fixed route. When planning further, focus especially on which combination of nature, culture, history and local events should shape your stay.

More Places for Trip Planning

If you would like to look at other places from the wider selection alongside Buxted, here is a concise overview: Winchelsea, Brightling, Heathfield, Halland, Cross in Hand, Uckfield, Mountfield and Salehurst.

For the wider travel overview: East Sussex.