Living in Forest Row

Community spirit is central to life in Forest Row, where residents take pride in their village’s distinctive identity. The social landscape is friendly and inclusive, with local organisations, creative groups, and sustainability projects giving residents plenty of opportunities to connect.

The Forest Row Community Centre acts as a hub for classes, clubs, and events. Regular farmers’ markets, craft fairs, and cultural workshops draw visitors from surrounding areas and strengthen local bonds. The annual Forest Row Festival showcases music, art, and performances by local talent.

Outdoor living is greatly valued. The proximity to Ashdown Forest opens up miles of trails for walking, cycling, and horse riding. There are also several play parks, community gardens, and green open spaces, supporting a healthy lifestyle and outdoor gatherings throughout the year.

Forest Row is generally perceived as a safe village within East Sussex, benefitting from low crime rates that are typical of rural communities in the area. Residents report a strong sense of security, and the local policing presence contributes to the peaceful atmosphere. Anti-social behaviour and serious crimes are rare, while community watch programmes help maintain vigilance and prevent petty incidents.

Community-led safety initiatives and partnerships between local councils and the police help to address concerns promptly and support the well-being of residents. The proximity to larger towns means that emergency services are readily accessible, and recent local efforts have focused on enhancing lighting in public areas and supporting neighbourhood watch groups. Regeneration projects have also contributed to the overall positive perception of safety.

Parking in Forest Row is typically straightforward, with a range of options for residents and visitors. Most properties offer off-street or driveway parking, while the village centre provides free on-street spaces and several small car parks. Some parts of the village operate resident permit schemes, particularly close to the high street or near local schools.

The A22 main road passes just to the east of Forest Row, giving excellent north-south accessibility. Traffic congestion is generally light, though the village can see increased traffic during school drop-off times and weekends when visitors come to enjoy Ashdown Forest.

Nearby towns and cities are easily reached by road:

• East Grinstead – approx. 10 minutes via A22 (4 miles)
• Crawley – approx. 25 minutes via A22 (15 miles)
• Brighton – approx. 50 minutes via A23/A27 (27 miles)
• Royal Tunbridge Wells – approx. 30 minutes via A264 (15 miles)
• London – approx. 1 hour 20 minutes via M23/A22 (37 miles)

Forest Row has a lively food scene with a strong focus on organic and locally sourced produce, reflecting the area’s eco-conscious ethos. The village offers a selection of independent cafés and vegetarian-friendly restaurants. Popular options include Java & Jazz for coffee and casual dining, and The Seasons for organic meals. The Chequers Inn and The Swan serve traditional pub fare and local ales in a welcoming setting.

For those looking for a relaxed evening, the village’s pubs often host quiz nights and live music. Nightlife is low-key, with most socialising taking place in cosy pubs or community-run events rather than large clubs or bars. The village’s assortment of independent takeaways and delicatessens make it easy for residents and visitors to enjoy high-quality food without leaving the area.

School Quality: Forest Row offers access to well-regarded primary schools and is close to highly rated secondary options. The presence of alternative education, such as Steiner schools, is a draw for families seeking a holistic approach.

Parks and Green Space: With Ashdown Forest on its doorstep, families can enjoy vast expanses of woodland, picnic spots, and nature trails. Local parks and play areas are well cared for and accessible.

Childcare: The village is served by several nurseries and pre-schools, as well as after-school clubs that support working parents.

Safety: Forest Row is considered a very safe place to raise children, with close-knit communities helping to look out for families and a low incidence of crime.

Family Activities: Families benefit from a year-round calendar of community events, accessible sports clubs, and creative workshops, as well as outdoor adventures in the wider Ashdown Forest area.

Forest Row is highly regarded as a pet-friendly destination, particularly for dog owners who benefit from immediate access to Ashdown Forest’s wide-open spaces. This landscape provides some of the best dog-walking and outdoor activity routes in East Sussex. There are several local pet shops in the village for supplies, as well as veterinary clinics nearby in East Grinstead and Hartfield.

Cafés and pubs are generally welcoming to dogs and other pets, especially at outdoor seating areas. Local homes, often with gardens or direct access to countryside, are well suited for pets. The general attitude toward pets is positive, with frequent community events for animal lovers and easy access to horse riding paths as well.

Forest Row benefits from a strategic position near major transport links, making it attractive to commuters and those seeking countryside living with urban connections. The nearest mainline train station is East Grinstead, just a short drive away, providing frequent services to London Victoria. Bus services connect Forest Row to surrounding towns such as East Grinstead, Tunbridge Wells, and Crawley. Gatwick Airport is within easy reach, offering both domestic and international flights.

Key commute times by public transport and car include:

• London Victoria – Approx. 1 hour by rail (via East Grinstead)
• Gatwick Airport – About 30 minutes by car
• Brighton – Around 50 minutes by car
• East Grinstead – 10 minutes by bus or car
• Royal Tunbridge Wells – 30 minutes by car

National Express coaches and local buses provide extra travel options, and the A22 runs close to the village, connecting easily to London and the south coast.

Forest Row is noted for its distinctive educational choices, particularly those inspired by alternative and holistic philosophies. The area’s commitment to education is reflected in both its state-funded and independent schools, some of which are well known nationally for their progressive approaches.

Primary Schools:

The primary state school in the area is Forest Row Church of England Primary School, which was last rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2019 and is known for its caring environment and community links. Michael Hall School, located just outside the village in Kidbrooke Park, is the oldest Steiner Waldorf school in England and offers an integrated, creative curriculum. Ashurst Wood Primary School in the nearby village also provides high-quality education, with a strong community reputation.

Secondary Schools:

Most secondary education is accessed in surrounding towns due to the village's rural nature. Sackville School in East Grinstead is a large, comprehensive school with an Ofsted rating of 'Good' (2019). Imberhorne School, also in East Grinstead, is another popular choice, boasting specialist status in technology and good exam outcomes.

Colleges & Sixth Forms:

Students can attend East Sussex College in Lewes or East Grinstead, which provides both A-levels and vocational courses. Collyer's College in Horsham offers a respected sixth form that attracts students from a wider area including Forest Row.

Universities:

While there are no universities in Forest Row itself, the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton are both accessible in under an hour’s drive, offering a wide array of higher education opportunities to local residents.