Living in Crowborough

The sense of community in Crowborough is a defining feature of the town, with many residents participating in local clubs, societies, and volunteering opportunities. There is a strong emphasis on neighbourly support, aided by active community centres, such as Crowborough Community Centre, which hosts classes, arts, fitness, and social events throughout the year. The town’s weekly farmers’ market is a popular gathering spot, showcasing local produce and crafts, while annual events such as the Carnival and Bonfire Night bring the community together for celebrations and charity fundraising.

Those drawn to the outdoors appreciate the easy access to Ashdown Forest, open green spaces like Goldsmiths Recreation Ground, and a variety of walking and cycling routes. Sports clubs—including cricket, rugby, and football—cater for all ages, while playgrounds and nature reserves provide children with plenty of safe outdoor activities. Crowborough is a place where both newcomers and long-term residents are warmly received, creating a welcoming and cohesive atmosphere.

Crime rates in Crowborough are generally below the national average, contributing to a strong sense of safety among residents. The town is well-regarded for its community spirit and low incidence of serious crime, with most reported issues being minor theft or antisocial behaviour, which are closely monitored by local policing teams.

Crowborough and the surrounding areas benefit from active neighbourhood watch schemes, and the local police frequently engage with residents through community meetings and safety forums. Recent years have seen continued investment in street lighting and CCTV in key areas to further maintain safety levels, especially in the town centre and near schools. Areas close to Ashdown Forest and the outskirts enjoy a particularly peaceful reputation, favoured by families and retirees.

Parking in Crowborough is generally manageable, with a mix of on-street parking near the high street and designated public car parks close to popular amenities and shops. Resident permit schemes exist in some residential streets, particularly those close to the train station and schools, ensuring spaces for locals. Visitors will find ample short-stay parking available for shopping or accessing local services.

The town centre rarely experiences severe congestion, although school drop-off times and occasional events can lead to temporary localised delays. Crowborough’s road access is defined by its position on the A26, providing swift links to Tunbridge Wells (approx. 20 minutes, 7 miles), East Grinstead (approx. 25 minutes via A26/A22, 15 miles), Uckfield (approx. 15 minutes, 8 miles), and Lewes (approx. 35 minutes via A26, 20 miles). These roads connect quickly to major trunk roads such as the A22 and the M23, giving access to wider Sussex and Surrey, plus routes towards London (approx. 70 minutes via A26/M23, 45 miles).

Crowborough offers residents and visitors a good choice of food and drink options. The town is home to a range of traditional pubs such as The Crowborough Cross and The White Hart on the Green, both offering classic menus and cosy atmospheres. For dining, there are several independent cafés and family-run restaurants including Italian, Indian, Thai, and modern British cuisine. Takeaways and coffee shops dot the high street, catering for casual meals and social coffee mornings.

Although Crowborough is not known for a particularly lively nightlife, there are community clubs and a handful of bars where people gather in the evenings. Occasional live music nights, quiz evenings, and special events take place at local pubs and clubs. For broader nightlife, nearby Tunbridge Wells offers theatres, cinemas, cocktail bars, and late-night venues within easy reach by car or taxi, making the town ideal for those seeking a more relaxed social scene while keeping entertainment options accessible.

School Quality: Crowborough’s schools are highly regarded, offering strong academic results and a nurturing environment from primary through to secondary and sixth form, making the area particularly attractive to families.

Parks and Green Space: Families have access to an impressive array of parks, including Goldsmiths Recreation Ground, and woodland walks in Ashdown Forest, supporting healthy lifestyles and recreation for all ages.

Childcare: The town has several nurseries, pre-schools, and playgroups secured by good Ofsted records, providing trusted early years care. Childminders and after-school clubs further support working parents.

Safety: Low crime rates and a strong sense of community give families peace of mind, with excellent links to local police and neighbourhood watch schemes.

Family Activities: Regular community events, sports facilities, playgrounds, and local festivals ensure children and their families have plenty of engaging activities year-round, making Crowborough a truly family-friendly place to settle.

Crowborough is very accommodating for pet owners, largely due to its semi-rural location and proximity to the Ashdown Forest—a haven for dog walkers and outdoor-loving pets. Goldsmiths Recreation Ground and other town parks provide ample space for daily walks, while several country paths and bridleways mean easy access to longer countryside rambles.

The town hosts a selection of local veterinary clinics and pet supply stores, supporting all pet care needs. Many cafés and pubs in the area are dog-friendly, and housing policies in the town are generally open to pets, especially in properties with gardens or those on the outskirts. Community initiatives such as dog-walking groups and pet fairs contribute to a supportive environment for pet owners. Residents appreciate the welcoming attitude towards animals, further enhancing the quality of pet-friendly living in Crowborough.

Crowborough benefits from a variety of transport links that make it a popular choice for commuters to London, Tunbridge Wells, and the South Coast. The town’s railway station, situated on the Uckfield Line, provides direct services to London Bridge in around 1 hour and 10 minutes, making it feasible for daily commuters. Southern operates regular trains throughout the day.

Bus routes connect Crowborough with nearby towns including Tunbridge Wells, Uckfield, and East Grinstead, with regular services making local travel straightforward. Local roads provide access to the A26, linking with main routes to Lewes, Brighton, and Maidstone. Gatwick Airport is the nearest major airport, reachable in approximately 45 minutes by car, providing global connectivity.

Key commuter times from Crowborough:

• London Bridge – approx. 70 minutes by train
• Tunbridge Wells – approx. 20 minutes by car or bus
• Gatwick Airport – approx. 45 minutes by car
• Brighton – approx. 50 minutes by car via A26/A27

The town is also served by cycle routes and local taxi services, supporting residents with or without their own vehicles.

Schools in Crowborough are often sought after by families looking for a high standard of education within a supportive, community-focused environment. The town and its surrounds are home to several primary and secondary schools, as well as access to further education options.

Primary Schools:

Whitehill Infant School is highly regarded locally and provides a nurturing learning environment for younger children. Ashdown Primary School (last rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2018) serves both the infant and junior age ranges and is one of the largest primaries in the area, known for its strong academic and extra-curricular programmes. Sir Henry Fermor Primary School is a popular choice and has a legacy within the community, also rated 'Good' by Ofsted as of 2021.

Secondary Schools:

Beacon Academy is the main secondary in Crowborough, formed from the merger of the former high and community college. It provides comprehensive education for ages 11–18 and regularly earns positive reviews for its academic results, pastoral care, and range of enrichment opportunities. Ofsted rated it ‘Good’ in its 2021 inspection. Students also have options in nearby towns like Uckfield and Tunbridge Wells, broadening the choice.

Colleges and Sixth Forms:

Beacon Academy offers a respected sixth form, with A-level and vocational qualifications. For further education, Sussex Downs College and East Sussex College in Lewes and Eastbourne are reachable by public transport and car, offering a wider range of courses.

Universities:

There is no university campus directly in Crowborough, but the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton can be accessed within an hour’s drive or train journey, making them viable options for local undergraduates or mature students.