East Court Grounds
The grounds at East Court drop steeply giving extensive views over the parkland, Ashplats Woods and the surrounding countryside.
East Grinstead Town Council owns and manages three acres of gardens that surround East Court Mansion.
Entrances and approaches
There are two entrances to the East Court Estate, College Lane, East Grinstead, RH19 3LS
- The upper entrance is accessed from the College Lane, leading with a chicane from Estcots Drive
- The lower terrace is accessed from the A264
Features and facilities
- Terraced Gardens
- Ample Seating to enjoy the view
- Garden of Remembrance and War Memorial
- Meridian Line Markers
- Millennium Stone
- Girlguiding Centenary Nature Trail
- Children’s Play Area
- Public Toilets
- Fairy Trail
- Wheelchair accessibility to pathed areas
- Tennis courts run by Estcots Tennis Club
Nearest parking
There are marked bays for users of the playground along the drive for a maximum of 3 hours or if you are here to enjoy the playing fields and woodland then there is ample parking in the lower car park. The main car park is for users of the East Court buildings only. For more information see map.
The East Grinstead Town Council accepts no liability for loss or damage to any personal items.
Food and drink
There are no currently no tearoom on the East Court Estate however, an ice cream van visits East Court and parks near the play area during Spring and Summer.
Picnic areas
There’s nothing quite like a lazy summer picnic and for your comfort picnic tables are available around and in the children’s play area. If you prefer a large open space then the lower playing fields give you all the space you are looking for. With exception of events organised by the Town Council picnicking is not permitted on the terraces or in the garden of remembrance. So that all visitors to East Court are able to enjoy the beautiful gardens and views, we do not permit gazebos or any type of awning.
Barbecues
Barbecues are not allowed unless booked with us as part of an event organised by the Town Council.
Accessibility
There is good access around the terraced garden and children’s play park. For your safety and enjoyment, please remember that East Court is a historic site consisting of paths that have uneven surfaces.
Dogs
East Court welcomes all well behaved dogs. Dogs must be kept on a lead in the following areas.
- The car park– We value your dog’s safety so please put your dog on a lead before letting it out of your car.
- The terraced gardens and the Garden of Remembrance– Please respect the war memorial and our flowerbeds by keeping your dog on a short lead throughout the gardens.
Please note: Dogs are not permitted in the playpark.
Dogs are welcome to be let off the lead for exercise on the playing fields and in the woodland. Please refer to the dog code.
Lower Playing Fields & Open Space
The remainder of the East Court Estate (some 48.9 Hectares) in September 1945 was brought by a local merchant banker and philanthropist, Alfred Wagg, through his Manor Charitable Trust. To provide and maintain, as a memorial to the men, women and children of East Grinstead who lost their lives in the 1939-45 war, a public park with playing fields, recreation grounds, or other recreational or educational facilities for the people of East Grinstead. The playing fields and woodland are owned by East Grinstead Memorial Estate Ltd and managed by Mid Sussex District Council.
Additional facilities
The East Court Estate playing fields and Ashplats Wood are managed by Mid Sussex District Council.