Sedlescombe: History, walks and golf

Sedlescombe combines late medieval roots with a distinctive historic centre, open countryside views and a range of sporting activities. If you choose Sedlescombe as a destination, different interests may guide your plans: architectural history, the extensive network of footpaths, and golf and racket sports. When planning your stay, you can first consider which features of the area matter for your trip.

Village history in the centre

The central part of the village was designated a Conservation Area by Rother District Council in 2004. The Green is one of the defining features of the area, and an unusual sight among Wealden villages. The designation applies to the central part of the village, while The Green stands out as a defining feature of the village.

Sedlescombe has late medieval origins. There are eight 15th-century buildings on The Street. The Church of St John the Baptist has a Perpendicular Gothic nave, a north aisle and a 15th-century west tower. This distinguishes the village’s origins from the specific buildings and architectural features dating from the 15th century.

The historic character of the village includes masonry and vertical clay-tile cladding as elements of Sussex vernacular architecture. There is also a pump house on The Green, built in 1900 to protect the village pump. Here, regional architectural features meet a dated village structure with a clearly stated purpose.

Countryside and walks

Sedlescombe lies in a valley above a river and offers views over open countryside. The village has an extensive network of footpaths. The valley setting and views describe the landscape; the footpath network is a separate feature if you want to focus your travel plans on walking routes.

A specific path in Red Barn Field Park connects the Village Hall with Brede Lane. Riverside Recreation Ground is another named place: it borders the River Brede and has tennis courts. For orientation, there is a clear distinction: Red Barn Field Park is described by a path between two endpoints, while Riverside Recreation Ground is described by its location by the river and its tennis courts.

Golf and racket sports

Sedlescombe Golf & Country Club has two golf course formats. Great Wood is the club’s 18-hole course and has a par of 71; there is also a nine-hole par-3 course. For the nine-hole course, advance booking is required during the 2026 season. Arrange your tee time by phone with the Pro Shop. Check the booking rule for your planned date of play, as it may change. The number of holes and the booking requirement are separate points to consider when choosing.

The club also has two padel courts, which can be booked. As availability may change, check whether bookings are available for your date. The tennis courts at Riverside Recreation Ground are a different racket-sport option from the club’s padel courts. This lets you distinguish between the sports while also taking the respective booking and location details into account when planning.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Polegate, Brede, Saint Leonards-On-Sea, Denton, Earnley, Ewhurst Green, Newick, Horam

For the main travel overview: East Sussex.