Buxted: Local History, Parkland and Culture

Buxted may appeal to you for a range of travel interests: church architecture and local history sit alongside parkland, paths, agriculture and seasonal culture. If you are considering the village as a destination for a hotel stay, these themes can help you shape your trip around your interests. Highlights range from historic buildings and nature to farm activities and events.

Churches and Local History

St Margaret the Queen has a west tower and a four-bay arcade dating from the 13th century; its chancel dates from around 1300. Four-bay describes an arcade with four bays. The two dates give you a closer look at the different construction details recorded for the church.

In the early years of the 19th century, the historic village of Buxted moved about a mile to a new site; only its church remained in a private park. Ralph Hogge is also associated with the village’s history: in 1543, he made the first iron cannon.

Parkland and Nature

Buxted Park is designated as a Grade II* park and garden. It is also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its neutral grassland and mixed deciduous and yew woodland. Forty old trees in the park have been recorded as veteran or notable. This brings both the landscape and its habitats, as well as its documented old trees, into focus.

Weald Way and Vanguard Way in the Parish of Buxted

The “Trails by Rail: Buxted” route follows Tickerage Stream and passes through historic Buxted Park; as a circular walk, it goes through the old woodland of Views Wood. An ancient yew along the route is estimated to be 2,000 years old. The route thus links the stream, park and woodland as distinct landscape features.

Sections of the Weald Way and Vanguard Way run through the Parish of Buxted, which includes High Hurstwood, Five Ashdown and Coopers Green as well as Buxted. Check current path conditions before setting out.

Agriculture and Activities

Oast Farm is a family-run fruit-growing farm in Buxted, with a farm shop and café. In 2026, its apple-pressing service involves dropping off home-grown apples and collecting your own juice at a later date. Since collection takes place later, factor this time gap into your plans; check that the service is available before travelling.

Day memberships for fishing at Oast Farm lake are available from the Oast Farm shop and are valid only for this lake. Check current access conditions before visiting. Buxted Chickens, widely sold and advertised in the 1960s and 1970s, are also part of the local food history.

Culture and Event Dates

The Buxted Players stage amateur theatre productions in spring and autumn. The Buxted Bonfire Society celebration takes place on the last Saturday in September, passing through the village of Buxted and featuring a traditional torch procession, a bonfire and fireworks. While the theatre productions are spread across two seasons, the celebration takes place on a single September weekend. The date and programme may change; check current event dates before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Brightling, Peasmarsh, Ditchling, Halland, Hurst Green, Fairlight, Ringmer, Saint Leonards-On-Sea

For the wider travel overview: East Sussex.