Mayfield: History, Walks and Living Traditions

Mayfield combines traces of history, short walks and living village traditions. Those who want to plan a trip combining culture and activity will find a range of options here: the flat, half-mile-long Mayfield High Street Walk, a longer circular route to Mayfield Furnace, and notable buildings from several centuries. When choosing your holiday apartment or holiday home, the desired combination of local history, walks and events can therefore play an important role.

Historical discoveries in Mayfield

A good starting point for exploring the local history is St Dunstan's Church. Its tower dates from the 13th century, while the rest of the building dates from the 15th century. The Gatehouse of the Old Palace also tells the story of different building phases: a 15th-century archway is incorporated into an extension built by Edward Welby Pugin in 1863–66.

Mayfield High Street is lined with historic buildings, the oldest examples of which date from the early 15th century. A cannon there recalls the local iron industry of the 16th century. The shops on the High Street offer local produce and local crafts. This makes it possible to combine a walk through the village with historical details and small discoveries, without the visit having to consist solely of a succession of attractions.

Walks and Mayfield Furnace

For a short, flat route, the Mayfield High Street Walk is a good option. The route is half a mile long, making it a manageable addition to a stay in which not every day is intended to involve a long walk. Those who want to plan a longer route can choose the two-mile circular walk from Mayfield to Mayfield Furnace and back.

Mayfield Furnace was one of Europe's most important centres for cannon production for thirty years. Today, it is designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is protected by English Heritage. The site therefore combines industrial history with a specific walking route. Jubilee Wood, beside the Mayfield bypass, also has a Woodland Nature Trail and a recreational area. Depending on your preferred daily rhythm, you can therefore combine historical themes with a shorter village walk, the circular route to the Furnace or time spent in the woods.

Traditions and events

Mayfield also shows its character through recurring events. The Mayfield Festival of Music and Arts takes place every two years and includes choral and instrumental concerts as well as other events. The annual Mayfield Mayfair includes traditional Maypole dancing with Morris Men and Mummers.

A special historical tradition is the Bonfire Parade through the village. Up to 20 Bonfire Societies take part, with drums, bands and burning torches. The parade commemorates the burning of martyrs in the 16th century. These events give a trip a cultural focus, provided they coincide with your travel dates.

Mayfield as a starting point for planning your trip

When choosing your holiday apartment or holiday home, your preferred pace of travel may be the deciding factor.

For further destinations in the surrounding area, you can also discover Hartfield, Ninfield, Chiddingly, Newhaven, Denton, Playden, Framfield and Westfield.

For the higher-level travel overview: East Sussex.