Discover Mayfield

Mayfield combines historic buildings with the history of the local iron industry. There are also routes of varying lengths and events with distinctive traditions. If you are planning a stay, these themes may influence your choice of destination and the best time to visit.

Church architecture and history on the High Street

St Dunstan’s Church reflects two building phases: its tower dates from the 13th century, while the rest of the structure dates from the 15th century. The Gatehouse of the Old Palace also brings together different periods. Its 15th-century archway is incorporated into an extension built by Edward Welby Pugin between 1863 and 1866. These two buildings offer different points of interest if you are interested in medieval architecture and later additions.

Historic buildings line Mayfield High Street; the oldest date from the early 15th century. A cannon on the street recalls the local iron industry of the 16th century. The shops on the High Street offer local produce and crafts. The street thus brings together local history and today’s range of local products, without conflating the two: the buildings provide a historical context, while the cannon points to the area’s former industry.

This industrial history leads to Mayfield Furnace. For thirty years, it was one of Europe’s most important centres for cannon production. Today, Mayfield Furnace is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is protected by English Heritage. If industrial history is a particular interest on your trip, the Furnace’s name connects local memories of the cannon with the wider context of production.

Local walks and nature

For a shorter walk, the Mayfield High Street Walk is half a mile long and flat. The two-mile circular walk from Mayfield to Mayfield Furnace and back is four times as long and leads to a different historical point of interest. This route has uneven and muddy sections; conditions may change. Check them before setting out. Comparing the distances can help you choose between the two routes based on the planned length of your outing, without assuming a walking time.

Jubilee Wood, beside the Mayfield bypass, offers another way to experience nature. It has a Woodland Nature Trail and a recreation area, and the site continues to develop as a community nature space. Alongside walks directly connected to local and industrial history, a woodland nature trail and recreation area offer different options to consider when planning your trip.

Events and when to visit

The Mayfield Festival of Music and Arts takes place every two years. It includes choral and instrumental concerts, as well as other events. The annual Mayfield Mayfair features traditional maypole dancing with Morris Men and Mummers. If you would like to visit Mayfield for one of these events, check the dates in advance; the festival’s biennial schedule is particularly important when planning your timing.

Another 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. It is also worth checking the date of this event in advance when planning your trip. Along with the festival and Mayfair, the parade shows that Mayfield’s events have a wide range of historical and cultural connections.

Discover more destinations: Lewes, Staplecross, Ditchling, Hastings, Sedlescombe, Halland, Rye, Brede

For the broader travel overview: East Sussex.