Heathfield
Home to Olympic gold medallist Jayne Torvill, England rugby international Joe Marler, former Doctor Who Tom Baker, guitarist Fred Frith and international badminton player Heather Olver, this small town hides a dark past.
In 1415 discontent was rife throughout the country so Jack Cade decided to take a stand. He roused the men of Kent ‘to correct public abuses and to remove evil counsellors’. An army of 20,000 rallied in Blackheath and fought the King’s men in Sevenoaks. Flush with triumph, the men degenerated into a murderous rob and Cade’s dream with them. He tried again at Rochester, but it was hopeless. In desperation he fled for Heathfield and hid on a local farm. But one fateful day he poked his head out at the top of Cade Street and was captured. He was dead before he reached London. His corpse was dragged through the Capital, decapitated, disembowelled and quartered. Portions were exhibited throughout the country. On the far side of Cade Street stands the Cade Stone, our most famous monument, which reads ‘Near this spot was slain the notorious rebel Jack Cade by Alexander Iden, Sheriff of Kent, AD1450. His body was carried to London and his head fixed upon London Bridge. This is the success of all rebels and this fortune chanceth ever to traitors’.
Heathfield also sports a mansion that dates back to the seventeenth century and contains a memorial named the Gibraltar Tower in commemoration of Lieutenant General George Eliott who was ennobled as Lord Heathfield for his role at the siege of Gibraltar.
On the edge of the parish stands Braylsham Castle, a modern house built in 1993 in imitation of a moated Medieval manor house, complete with working drawbridge.
Heathfield is a lively town with annual events such as the Cuckoo Fair, the Heathfield Show and Le Marché.
Upcoming Events
Recent News
Getting around Heathfield made easy with Cuckmere Buses
Getting around Heathfield made easy with Cuckmere Buses If you live in or around Heathfield, you’ve probably seen the cheerful green and yellow minibuses of Cuckmere Buses out and about. What you might not know is that this long-running service has been part of Sussex life since 1976 — started by local people who simply... Read more
29th October
Volunteers Needed to Keep Heathfield Fitness Classes Running
Volunteers Needed to Keep Heathfield Fitness Classes Running Free outdoor exercise classes in Heathfield could come to a halt unless more locals step forward to train as volunteer instructors. The Our Parks initiative — which has brought Bootcamp, HiiT, and circuit sessions to green spaces across Wealden — was originally funded by East Sussex Public... Read more
23rd October
Heathfield Community College Raises Over £4,000 in Rain-Soaked Sponsored Walk and Run
Heathfield Community College Raises Over £4,000 in Rain-Soaked Sponsored Walk and Run The spirit of Heathfield shone through the drizzle earlier this month as students, teachers, and staff from Heathfield Community College laced up for their annual Sponsored Walk and Run on October 3rd. Despite the rain, the turnout was strong and the mood even... Read more
22nd October
Heathfield Bonfire Night Ignites the Town in Dazzling Style – the full round-up
Heathfield Bonfire Night Ignites the Town in Dazzling Style Thousands gather as the Heathfield and District Bonfire Society delivers a spectacular night of fire, colour, and community spirit. Heathfield and District Bonfire Society promised a night to remember — and they more than delivered. After a year of tireless planning, fundraising, and creativity, the town’s... Read more
15th October
White Feather Funerals Marks Five Years of Service to the Community
White Feather Funerals Marks Five Years of Service to the Community This month marks five years since White Feather Funerals first opened its doors in Heathfield, offering care and support to local families through some of life’s hardest moments. In a message reflecting on the milestone, the team expressed gratitude to the community, saying they... Read more
15th October
Sussex film The Presence of Snowgood wins Best Director award at international festival
Sussex film The Presence of Snowgood wins Best Director award at international festival Heathfield, East Sussex — The locally-made feature film The Presence of Snowgood is continuing its remarkable run of success, with director Leigh Tarrant, Skooch Media, formerly of Heathfield, taking home Best Director (Feature Film) at the MK International Film Festival in Milton... Read more
14th October
Highlights of Saturday’s ‘best yet’Heathfield District Bonfire Society event
Heathfield District Bonfire Society, Saturday 11 October This year’s event on Saturday 11 October was a huge success and many said it was one of the best this year outside Lewes. A huge testament to the hard work of the HDBS and the community in bringing everyone together for the evening. Roz Bassford, a photographer... Read more
14th October
Support to Help Wealden Businesses Grow and Thrive
Support to Help Wealden Businesses Grow and Thrive Small and medium-sized businesses across Wealden can now access expert, one-to-one support through the Ambition to Action programme — a new initiative helping local enterprises build resilience, boost productivity, and plan for sustainable growth. Run by Oxford Innovation and managed by East Sussex County Council, the programme... Read more
8th October
Heathfield Bonfire Night Returns with Flaming Spectacle and Community Spirit
Heathfield Bonfire Night Returns with Flaming Spectacle and Community Spirit The streets of Heathfield are set to glow once again on Saturday 11 October, as the Heathfield & District Bonfire Society leads its much-loved torchlit procession through the town. Expect flames, drums, colour, and the unmistakable smell of bonfire night — all in honour of... Read more
7th October
A267 safety push: Heathfield voices mark tragic anniversary with action
Heathfield voices mark tragic anniversary with action Heathfield, Cross in Hand and surrounding villages are keeping up pressure for safer roads a year on from the Mayfield Flat fatal crash. On 1 October 2025, residents marked the anniversary of the collision at Mayfield Flat, Cross in Hand, where a northbound waste tanker and a southbound... Read more
1st October
Wealden Council Rejects “One East Sussex” Proposal, Citing Risks for Local Communities
Wealden Council Rejects “One East Sussex” Over Fears of Lost Local Connection Wealden District Council’s Cabinet has confirmed it cannot support the proposal for a single “One East Sussex” authority, warning it would be too large, too remote, and financially unsound to serve local residents effectively. The plan, which suggested replacing the county’s existing structure... Read more
25th September
Heathfield Youth Hub Opens New £5m Building with State-of-the-Art Facilities
Heathfield’s young people now have a brand-new £5 million youth centre, complete with sports, arts and learning spaces, following the official opening of the new Heathfield Youth Hub. The modern two-storey building replaces the original 1950s site and was made possible thanks to a Government Youth Investment Fund grant. Designed with input from local young... Read more
25th September
Heathfield Cinema Project Aims to Light Up the High Street
Heathfield Cinema Project Aims to Light Up the High Street Initially there was a mystery about who was behind the project, and there is still no idea where it will be located. Now the picture is a little clearer. A familiar face around Heathfield has stepped forward and revealed plans that could change the heart... Read more
10th September
Dorothy Waterhouse celebrates the centenary of C.Waterhouse Funeral Directors
Dorothy Waterhouse celebrates the centenary of C.Waterhouse Funeral Directors The legacy of Dorothy Waterhouse In a field often dominated by tradition, Dorothy Waterhouse is someone who brought both compassion and quiet strength to her work as a funeral director. With a steady presence and a deep respect for the stories each life leaves behind, she... Read more
3rd September
Community petition over Stagecoach 51 Service heads to County Hall
Community Petition Over Stagecoach 51 Service Heads to County Hall Heathfield, East Sussex – A petition calling for improvements to the Stagecoach 51 bus service will be considered by East Sussex County Council (ESCC) on Monday 8th September at 9am, when the Lead Member for Transport, Cllr Claire Dowling, addresses the matter at County Hall,... Read more
2nd September
Changing face of Heathfield High Street
A new development to arrive on Heathfield High Street A long established antiques shop is now being replaced with a new development by the Vivian Brown Discretional Settlement Trust. The Greenhouse is currently sited as a single story retail unit and will be replaced by a three story, four appartment, residential building with a ground... Read more
28th August
From canvas to cab! Lightning Fibre has re-wrapped its Heathfield primary node cab.
From canvas to cab! Lightning Fibre has re-wrapped its Heathfield primary node cab. Young people who attend Heathfield Youth Hub created some fantastic artworks especially for the Heathfield Agricultural Show this year, and their works have now been featured on the Lightning Fibre Heathfield full fibre broadband primary node cabinet in Station Road. Thanks to Councillor... Read more
25th August
Community Impact Statement for proposed Heathfield Cinema
Community Impact Statement Social media has been buzzing with news that Heathfield may be going to get a cinema. We don’t have any details of who is behind the plan nor where the potential location would be, but The Vault Cinema & Cafe have released this impact statement. The Vault, Heathfield – Cinema and Cafe... Read more
21st August
Heathfield College Sixth Form delivers outstanding results
Heathfield Sixth Form celebrates ‘A’ Level results Through phenomenal hard work, commitment, and exceptional partnership with their teachers, Year 13 have secured fantastic outcomes this year matching some of the best ever results from the College, consolidating the outstanding legacy of outcomes at Heathfield 6th Form. Students are now able to take up places on some... Read more
14th August
Let our local MP Nus Ghani know your thoughts on whether a banking hub is a good idea
The impact of local bank closures and local sentiment Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, is inviting local residents to share their views on access to banking services across the constituency. In Heathfield alone, we have seen the evaporation of banking services with all of the major banks leaving the town over the past ten years.... Read more
7th August
Sussex Six local produce initiative is launched
Sussex Six Campaign is launched in Wealden More than 60 local taste makers in the Wealden food and drink industry came together at Gun Brewery and Taproom in Gun Hill this week to launch the Sussex Six Campaign in Wealden, urging people in the district to eat and buy local produce. Local hospitality encouraged... Read more
23rd July
Enjoy a unique visit to Foxhunt Manor gardens in aid of St Wilfrid’s Hospice – this Saturday
Open Garden at Foxhunt Manor, In aid of St Wilfrids Hospice. 26th of July 11am ~ 4pm A truly magnificent Edwardian garden set in 50 acres. Sunken Italian garden, wildflower walk, walled kitchen garden and orchard, with extensive lawns and flower beds. This Grade II listed house dates from 1898-99 and is part of an... Read more
23rd July
South East Water have announced that they are restricting the use of hosepipes for customers in Kent and Sussex and it is enforceable from 18 July.
South East Water have announced that they are restricting the use of hosepipes for customers in Kent and Sussex. The announcement read:“Demand for water is the highest we have ever seen for this time of year, reaching 680 million litres on 30 June 2025. This is 105 million litres of water a day more than the... Read more
17th July
Ever thought about joining a silver band? No, well think again.
Discover why joining a silver band might be just what you need You may think that a Band is made up of dedicated musicians who have played instruments their whole lives, but at Heathfield Silver Band this couldn’t be further from the truth. Band member Peter’s story Peter is one of two tuba players in... Read more
3rd July
Heathfield Youth Hub nearing completion
Local MP visits construction site for new Heathfield Youth Hub Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, has recently visited the construction site of the Heathfield Youth Hub, which is nearing completion ahead of its opening in September. The project is being built by Morgan Sindall Construction . This welcome new resource for the young people... Read more
3rd July
Heathfield man to cycle 1,000km to Spain in aid of Sarcoma UK.
East Sussex man to cycle 1,000km to Spain for brother with rare bone cancer A 59-year-old business consultant from Heathfield is embarking on an epic 1,000-kilometre cycling challenge to Spain to raise funds for his brother, who is living with a rare form of bone cancer. Harry Crane will tackle the ten-day journey starting on... Read more
26th June
Hospice in the Weald Moonlight Walk – thanks to everyone who made it such a great success!
Moonlight walkers raise funds for Hospice in the Weald The 460 ‘Moonlight Walkers’ who navigated routes through Sevenoaks and Knole Park on 14th June raised an amazing £130,000, including match funding from the Freddie Green and Family Foundation. Whilst the walkers are the stars of the show, Hospice in the Weald wanted to thank a number... Read more
26th June
Opening the Heathfield Cuckoo Line railway tunnel is a huge success
Last weekend saw the Cuckoo Line Gala come to Heathfield Last weekend the Spa valley Railway celebrated 200 years of Train Travel with ‘The Cuckoo Line Gala’ including Rare Access to the Heathfield Tunnel Visitors and volunteers enjoyed the opportunity to step back in time to the 1960s when steam still ruled supreme when they... Read more
19th June
Local MP meets with Ukranian refugees
Local MP meets with Ukranian refugees Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, convened a forum for Ukrainian families living in the constituency to discuss concerns regarding changes to visa provision. There are over 267,000 people living in the UK under the Government’s Ukrainian schemes. Wealden district has been hosting the most arrivals to East Sussex and is amongst... Read more
19th June
Station Approach temporary closure for upgrade to water supply by South East Water
Station Approach on diversion From 19 June there will be a diversion around Station Approach to allow for an upgrade to the water supply. There will be a diversion indicated with signage on Station Road, Hailsham Road, Throbalds Green, Ghyll Road and Waldron Thorns. There will still be access for residents but passing traffic will... Read more
19th June
Heathfield Runners’ raise over £500 at recent Cake Bake – raffle tickets are still on sale
Heathfield Runners were thrilled to raise over £500 at the recent Cake Bake Sale Heathfield Runners are delighted to confirm they raised over £500 at their recent Cake Bake Sale and would like to thank everyone who took part for their generosity. Tickets are still on sale for the raffle ahead of the anniversary 10k... Read more
12th June
How do you choose the right music for a funeral?
Choosing the right music for a funeral can be a challenge Lucy Atabey from White Feather Funerals has shared some thoughts with us on the importance and significance of music at a funeral. Music evokes memories with just an intro or a blast of a chorus and can perfectly reflect the person whose life you... Read more
1st June
Heathfield celebrates another successful agricultural show day
Heathfield Agricultural Show took place on Saturday 24 May The weather wasn’t as kind as in previous years but that didn’t dim the crowds or the enjoyment of what is a unique event in the rural calendar. Local MP, Nus Ghani, was among the guests The local MP Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, was... Read more
29th May
Hospice in the Weald announces development plans
Hospice in the Weald: Planning for the Future Hospice in the Weald is developing plans to improve services and facilities to benefit patients now and in the future. The charity provides free care and support for adults and children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions across East Sussex and Kent. Services resume and areas to be... Read more
22nd May
Local MP hosts Sussex Weald Farmer’s Forum
Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, hosted the Sussex Weald Farmers’ Forum 2025 on Friday 16th May in Five Ashes near Mayfield, bringing together farmers from across the constituency as well as a range of local stakeholders. Nusrat has been inundated with requests for support from local farmers regarding matters including rural crime, animal welfare, access... Read more
22nd May
Young at Heart and Frogheath Landscapes are celebrating their contribution to a Chelsea Silver-Gilt Medal garden
Generations Unite In Planting For Chelsea Flower Show At Young At Heart Young At Heart, an intergenerational community interest company in Heathfield, is celebrating success at Chelsea Flower Show. Frogheath Landscapes, who built Zoe Claymore’s The Wildlife Trusts British Rainforest Garden supports Young At Heart’s Green Fingers Project and director Steve Moody, had just the... Read more
22nd May
Sarah Tate, a well-known local photographer, is turning the page on an exciting new direction for her business.
Sarah Tate, a well-known local photographer, unveils empowering new direction For years, Sarah Tate’s photography studio on Hailsham Road in Heathfield has been a place of joy, tenderness, and transformation. Known and loved for her newborn portraits — those gentle, heartwarming glimpses into new life — Sarah has captured milestones, memories, and moments that matter... Read more
19th May
Radio Teleswitch meter change leaves residents confused with the next steps to take
Energy meter change leaves residents confused with the next steps to take Local residents may want to draw their attention to the incoming news on their energy meter switches. Due to recent changes, it is crucial that everyone checks their energy meters since it could lead to losing heating or facing higher energy bills in... Read more
18th May
Local MP hosts virtual Q&A session on ‘Tackling Rural Crime’
A meeting to discuss ‘Tackling Rural Crime’ Nusrat Ghani, MP for Sussex Weald, hosted a virtual Q&A session titled “Tackling Rural Crime: Keeping Sussex Safe”. This meeting on May 13 provided an opportunity for local residents to raise their concerns and hear updates on the matter following Nusrat’s meetings and drop-in surgery with Sussex Police and Crime... Read more
15th May
East Sussex’s ‘best day out’ the Heathfield Agricultural Show is back
East Sussex’s ‘best day out’ the Heathfield Agricultural Show is back Tomorrow, on the 24th of May 2025, The Heathfield Agricultural Show returns to celebrate another year of countryside craftsmanship, displays, stands and award winning livestock and equine events. On Saturday, there is an incredible lineup of events awaiting visitors, young and old, including The... Read more
14th May
Heathfield Runners – Anniversary Charity Raffle for Macmillan Cancer Support & Cancer Research UK
Celebrating 40 Years of Running Together Heathfield Runners – Anniversary Charity Raffle for Macmillan Cancer Support & Cancer Research UK This June, the Heathfield Runners celebrate 40 years – four decades of miles, friendship, memories and community spirit. As they celebrate this incredible milestone at their 10k event on 15 June 2025, they are also... Read more
8th May
Visit to Heathfield College from Mims Davies MP, Shadow Minister for Women
Visit to College from Mims Davies MP (East Grinsted and Uckfield ) L.Caroline Barlow, Headteacher R.Mims Davies Shadow Cabinet Minister for Women with shared oversight for Equalities and Co-Chair of the APPG for Men and Boys. Students from Heathfield were pleased last week to host a discussion with Mims Davies, visiting college further to meeting... Read more
8th May
Stacey Solomon’s ‘Sort Your Life Out’ is looking for locals to take part
Do you need help transforming your home? I hope you don’t mind us reaching out – we are currently casting the next series of the popular BAFTA-nominated BBC show Sort Your Life Out with Stacey Solomon, and we are looking for families and shared households in the local area to take part. Would you be... Read more
29th April
The Heathfield News announces a partnership with Wealden Talking News
The Heathfield News is delighted to announce a partnership with Wealden Talking News, who are based in Heathfield. THN is pleased to be able to make all of the news and features published available to the WTN free of charge The Wealden Talking News operates out of a studio in Heathfield Talking news started in... Read more
28th April
Hospice in the Weald supporters are both inspired by and running in the London Marathon
Memories of loved ones will keep Hospice runners moving as they take on London Marathon 2025 Cherished memories of loved ones will inspire many runners as they take on the London Marathon on Sunday, we have already featured James from Melina Joy Opticians and Leon from Heathfield who are all running this weekend for different... Read more
24th April
Heathfield Chamber of Commerce hosts meeting about future of the High Street
Around 20 people attended a special meeting of the Heathfield Chamber of Commerce last Friday to discuss the future of the high street. Those present included councillors, representatives from Wealden District Council, a representative for Nusrat Ghani MP and a number of local businesses. The need to keep free parking in the town was a... Read more
20th April
A new community initiative ‘Scrap to the Future’ launches in Heathfield
‘Scrap To The Future’ comes to Heathfield A few months ago, some like-minded individuals gathered to share ideas with a desire to encourage sustainability, reduce waste and provide a way to engage the community. They held a few meetings hoping to set up a Scrapstore to collect and sell unwanted materials that could be used to... Read more
17th April
Over 60s invited to join in VE Day Celebrations with Young at Heart
YOUNG AT HEART TO CELEBRATE VE DAY Young At Heart is an intergenerational community interest company based at Heathfield Park Cricket Club. Designed to combat loneliness and isolation of senior members of the local community, what makes them unique is the social interaction between pre-school and primary aged children with the elderly. Members can attend... Read more
16th April
Wealden Funeral Services share some ideas for alternative funeral celebrations
Funerals can be as personal as you want, reflecting the life of the loved one “When we think of funerals here in Wealden, alternative funerals stand out in our memories. A traditional image might come to mind: a hearse, a church or crematorium, and perhaps a wake at the local pub, but times are changing,... Read more
14th April
New local businesses get a boost at the Heathfield Agricultural Show
Heathfield Show Promotes New Businesses The New Enterprise Zone is back at the Heathfield Agricultural Show The HAS is keen to support new, local businesses and over the last 10 years, the New Enterprise Zone has enabled more than 100 new startups to promote their businesses at the Show by way of a FREE trade... Read more
10th April
