Just north of Eastbourne lies Hailsham, the largest inland town in East Sussex and a proper historic market town at heart. With its weekly market, restored 1920s cinema, gentle countryside trails and a cluster of family attractions on its doorstep, it makes both a pleasant place to explore and a handy base for the wider area. Here’s your guide.
The town and its history
Hailsham has been a market town for centuries, its charter dating back to medieval times, and it still holds a lively street market every Saturday. Historically it was an important agricultural centre and, for generations, a renowned hub of rope and string making — a heritage that shaped the town. Today it retains a friendly, traditional market-town character while very much moving with the times, with a mix of independent shops and high-street names along the High Street and George Street, the Vicarage Field precinct, and larger supermarkets nearby.
Things to do in Hailsham
Beyond the shops, Hailsham has plenty to offer. The jewel in its crown is the beautifully restored Hailsham Pavilion, a charming 1920s cinema and live-music venue that’s a real community treasure. For fresh air, the town sits right on the Cuckoo Trail, a gentle, accessible walking and cycling route that follows a former railway line between Heathfield and Polegate — perfect for a family stroll or a bike ride. There’s also open green space at the Hailsham Country Park and the ancient Common Pond, plus welcoming pubs, cafés and restaurants, and a traditional Saturday market for local produce and finds.
Local tip: The Cuckoo Trail is one of the best flat, traffic-free cycle routes in the area — you can pick it up in Hailsham and follow it south to Polegate, or north into the Wealden countryside.
Attractions nearby
One of Hailsham’s greatest strengths is its location, with a wealth of attractions within easy reach. Families flock to Knockhatch Adventure Park just outside town, while history and nature lovers have the moated medieval Michelham Priory, the ancient woodland of Abbot’s Wood and the birdwatching haven of Arlington Reservoir all close by. Add the fairytale Herstmonceux Castle and its Observatory Science Centre, and Hailsham makes an excellent springboard for a countryside day out.
Getting there
Hailsham lies around eight miles north of Eastbourne, easily reached by car via the A22 and A295, with regular buses linking it to Eastbourne, Lewes and Brighton. The town doesn’t have its own railway station — the nearest is Polegate, a few miles south, which is on the mainline to Eastbourne, Brighton and London. It’s an easy, relaxed trip out from the coast for a change of scene.
Hailsham: FAQs
How far is Hailsham from Eastbourne?
About eight miles north, roughly a 20-minute drive via the A22, or a regular bus ride. The nearest railway station is Polegate.
What is Hailsham known for?
It’s a historic market town, the largest inland settlement in East Sussex, long famous for its market and its rope- and string-making heritage.
What is there to do in Hailsham?
Highlights include the Saturday market, the restored Hailsham Pavilion cinema, the Cuckoo Trail for walking and cycling, and easy access to nearby attractions like Knockhatch and Michelham Priory.
Does Hailsham have a train station?
No — the nearest is Polegate, a few miles south, which connects to Eastbourne, Brighton and London.
Explore more of the area: family fun at Knockhatch, medieval Michelham Priory, and the neighbouring town of Polegate.