Ewhurst Green: Building History and Walks

Ewhurst Green offers points of interest for travellers interested in historic buildings and countryside paths. St James the Great combines a long building history with its location in the High Weald AONB. Court Lodge and other named buildings also tell of different periods of construction and use. Walks add views across the Rother Valley and a route towards Bodiam Castle. When planning your trip, you can weigh up whether church architecture, historic houses or time on a walking route should take priority.

St James the Great and its building history

St James the Great is a Grade I listed place of worship in the High Weald AONB. Its parts do not all date from the same period: the south arcade and the base of the tower date from the 12th century, while most of the rest of the building dates from the 14th century. Those interested in medieval architecture can therefore see different building phases in a single structure, rather than assuming it was all built at the same time.

Ewhurst Green offers impressive views across the Rother Valley, with Bodiam Castle visible to the north. St James the Great is also on the Kent and Sussex Border Path. The church is normally open daily from about 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Check opening times before travelling if you are planning a visit.

Historic houses and their changing uses

Court Lodge is the surviving remainder of a larger house originally called Ewhurst Place. Its 18th-century features include painted brickwork, surviving sash windows, Venetian shutters and a small porch with Doric columns. These details give the building a different architectural character from the medieval parts of St James the Great: here, the focus is particularly on the façade and individual architectural features.

The designation of the Old School House also identifies it as a protected building: it is Grade II listed and has an 18th-century exterior. The Old Chapel and Chapel Cottage, meanwhile, were originally a single 18th-century house. It was later converted into a chapel and subsequently converted back into two homes. Today, the buildings are homes, not a public chapel. Comparing these building histories shows how traces of the past can be read both in façades and in changes of use.

Walks and views

From Bodiam Castle, the Sussex Border Path continues for another 1.5 miles along the River Rother to Ewhurst Green. This distance refers to that section of the route. On a walk starting in Ewhurst Green, Bodiam Castle is a highlight; along the way, the path crosses the Kent & East Sussex Railway. The walk therefore takes in both the riverside route and a notable destination, as well as the railway crossing.

Parking is available near the church in Ewhurst Green for the walk described. Check local parking options in advance if you are travelling by car. Views across the Rother Valley and north towards Bodiam Castle complement the historic sights with a perspective on the landscape. This offers a change between buildings and views of the surrounding area, without requiring both interests to take up the same part of your trip.

A look inside the Lighthouse Bakery School

The Lighthouse Bakery School in Ewhurst Green is designed for a wide range of participants, from professional bakers to complete beginners. Family days are also planned, and can be tailored for children. If you would like to include a course or family day in your trip, check in advance whether and when these events are taking place. This makes clear the difference between the concept described and a specific event during your stay.

When choosing where to stay, you can consider your interests together: St James the Great and the historic houses represent different building phases and uses; the Border Path and walk to Bodiam Castle turn your attention to the landscape and route. Find hotels in Ewhurst Green to suit your travel plans.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Ringmer, Polegate, Robertsbridge, Fairlight, Maresfield, Pevensey, East Dean, Chiddingly

For the main travel overview: East Sussex.