Places to Visit After Your English Wine & Vineyard Tour

The charming village of Cuckfield perfectly complements an English wine tour at Bolney Wine Estate. This guide will take you through the best places to visit, eat, and stay in Cuckfield, ensuring a memorable day trip in West Sussex. Book your place on one of our vineyard tours first for an immersive wine tasting experience.

Cuckfield is a picturesque village located in the heart of West Sussex, just a short 15-minute drive from Bolney Wine Estate, with roots dating back to the medieval period. Mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, the village likely derives its name from ‘Cucanfeld’ meaning ‘open land of a man called Cucca’.

Granted a market charter in the 13th century, Cuckfield thrived as a local trading centre on the London to Brighton coaching route. Notable landmarks include the Holy Trinity Church from the early 13th century and the 16th-century Cuckfield Park manor house. Despite modern developments, Cuckfield retains its traditional charm, offering visitors a picturesque setting rich in history. It’s also an excellent destination for those exploring Sussex wine country.

Once you’ve enjoyed what Bolney Wine Estate has to offer, continue your day trip to nearby Cuckfield. Much like our beautiful Sussex vineyard, there’s a lot of beautiful countryside to see in this area and plenty to do, too.

Looking for things to do in the English countryside? Cuckfield is a great base for some beautiful rural walks in West Sussex.

Cuckfield Circular Walk
This 6 km walk is ideal for any time of the year. It starts from the centre of Cuckfield and takes you through diverse landscapes, including shaded woodlands and open parklands. The route, shaped like a square, offers relaxing paths and scenic views of Cuckfield Park and the South Downs. It’s a quiet walk where you can appreciate the changing seasons and maybe even visit our vineyard along the way.

Paige’s Wood and Cuckfield Circular
This 12.1 km trail is moderately challenging and perfect for those looking for a bit more adventure. Starting near Haywards Heath, it combines sections of woodland, fields, and small streams. The trail offers splendid bird watching opportunities and serene walking experiences. The paths are well-maintained, making it a pleasant hike with occasional glimpses of the South Downs and surrounding countryside​

Cuckfield and Ansty Circular
Spanning 6.4 miles (approximately 10.3 km), this moderately challenging walk begins at Holy Trinity Church in Cuckfield. The route takes you south to Ansty, offering a mix of forested areas, open fields, and village views. A notable feature is Brewhouse Pond, which provides a serene spot to rest. This trail is popular for hiking and running, with a variety of terrains to keep the walk interesting and engaging​.

Sussex is home to some excellent places to eat, like all the fine local produce you’ll get at a Bolney wine tasting. Here are some of our favourite restaurants and pubs in Cuckfield for after your visit to our Estate.

With all the things to see and do, why not make a long weekend of it in the Sussex countryside? Check out these places to stay in and around Cuckfield.

Experience the art of Sussex winemaking with our vineyard tours and wine tastings at Bolney Wine Estate. These tours provide an opportunity to uncover the hidden gems of Sussex wine, enjoy local delicacies paired with our award-winning English wines, and immerse yourself in the region’s rich heritage. Secure your spot early and prepare for a memorable adventure before exploring more places to visit in West Sussex like Cuckfield.

How to Get to Us

Bolney Wine Estate is conveniently located just an hour’s drive or train journey from London and close to the South Coast. You can reach us via the A23 and A272 from Crawley or Brighton. Follow the signs past Bolney Village to reach us on Foxhole Lane.

If you use what3words, ours are: ///tinted.etchings.puzzled or view our detailed directions.

Discover What’s On at the Estate

If you want to stay informed about things to do in Sussex, sign up to our newsletter. Plus, keep a lookout for seasonal events and activities at Bolney Wine Estate. Our event calendar is filled with exciting happenings that highlight our beautiful English vineyard. From vineyard tours and wine tastings to special chef dining experiences, there’s always something new to enjoy.