Vines Cross: Trails, Landscape and Local History

Vines Cross between trails, landscape and local history

Vines Cross combines rural trails, unusual local details and a layered history. The name is said to date back to 1595 and to be connected with John Vyne, the “Vintner” from Hellingly. Today, the place is an interesting starting point for anyone wanting to combine walking, cycling and historical discoveries.

The Cuckoo Trail is particularly practical for planning your days and can be reached from Vines Cross within a short walk. In the area around Vines Cross Farm, the trail can be used for cycling or walking. Another circular route called Maynard’s Green, Sicklehatch, Vines Cross leads into Nettlesworth Wood. Anyone looking for a holiday apartment or holiday cottage can therefore first consider whether the focus should be on active days in the countryside or on a mix of landscape and culture.

The High Weald and views of the South Downs

Vines Cross makes an impression not only through individual destinations, but also through its landscape. From higher ground near Vines Cross, there is a view southwards towards the distant South Downs. A public footpath near Vines Cross reaches an elevation of around 97 metres above sea level.

Vines Cross Farm lies on the edge of Vines Cross in the High Weald, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Footpaths from the farm pass directly in front of the accommodation. This places a tangible rural character alongside the local paths and the Cuckoo Trail. When choosing your accommodation, it is worth considering the surroundings you want carefully: a location focused on trails and landscape involves different priorities from a trip centred on historical sites.

Local history between the library and industrial heritage

The Brewers Arms, the local pub, is located in the centre and at the crossroads of Vines Cross. Also noteworthy is the library, housed in a renovated telephone kiosk. It operates on the “Take a book, bring a book” principle. The Vines Cross Community Association and the History Group continue to meet and plan activities. This shows that the local community is expressed not only through historical remnants, but also through present-day facilities and groups.

North of Vines Cross in the High Weald lies the Heathfield Furnace Monument. It includes a blast furnace dating from the 17th to 18th century, slag heaps, a dam, dry ponds, a water system and the probable site of a boring mill. Earthworks and archaeological remains survive underground. The Heathfield furnace was built in the wider Vines Cross area around 1693 by the Fuller family and was used to manufacture guns until 1793. For a trip with an interest in industrial history, this is a distinct thematic focus.

The former chapel of St James is also part of the history of the place. It was an unaltered iron chapel from the late 19th or early 20th century, with brightly painted corrugated-metal walls, house-style windows and a free-standing open timber bell frame. St James was closed in 2003 and later removed. The garage in the centre and at the crossroads was formerly a smithy and is located next to Forge Cottage.

More ideas for planning your trip

A wine-tasting tour is offered by Hidden Spring Vineyard on Vines Cross Road in Horam. If you would like to broaden your choice of locations, you will also find pages about Newick, Buxted, Alciston, Chiddingly, Hastings, Peasmarsh, Crowborough and Crowhurst.

For the overarching travel overview: East Sussex.