Living in Lingfield

The sense of community in Lingfield is strong, with numerous local organisations, groups and events contributing to the village’s welcoming atmosphere. Community-driven initiatives include the Lingfield Village Market, held monthly at the community centre, and annual events such as the summer fair and Christmas lights switch-on. Local clubs cover interests ranging from gardening to history and sports, appealing to a range of age groups.

Parks and green spaces are integral to local life. Lingfield Common and Jenners Field provide open space for picnics, dog walks and children’s play. The village’s proximity to the National Trust’s Ashdown Forest, as well as scenic walking and cycling routes in the Surrey countryside, encourages an active outdoor lifestyle. The Lingfield and Dormansland Community Centre offers a base for many social and recreational activities, from drama and dance classes to toddler groups and senior coffee mornings.

With local churches, a lively parish council and an active neighbourhood watch, Lingfield fosters a socially engaged environment where new arrivals and long-term residents alike can feel at home.

Crime rates in Lingfield are generally low when compared to larger towns and urban areas in Surrey. The village’s rural location and community spirit contribute to a sense of safety and wellbeing among residents.

Lingfield is served by Surrey Police, with neighbourhood policing teams engaging in crime prevention initiatives and community outreach. Incidents of serious crime are rare, although residents in rural areas do remain vigilant about issues like opportunistic theft or anti-social behaviour, particularly around busy events such as race days at Lingfield Park.

The centre of the village and residential areas are considered safe for families, walkers, and cyclists, with active Neighbourhood Watch schemes helping to maintain local security. Liaison between police, local councils, and the community is strong, supporting the area’s reputation as a peaceful place to live.

Parking in Lingfield is generally manageable, reflecting its small village character. On-street parking is often available in residential streets and around the village centre, although spaces can become limited during events at Lingfield Park Racecourse or busy weekend periods. Dedicated public car parks serve the main amenities and high street, making local shopping and school runs accessible.

Residents may need permits for certain streets, especially in conservation zones. There are also facilities for parking at Lingfield station for rail commuters. The area is not typically congested and benefits from good road access to the wider road network.

Lingfield sits close to the A22, offering easy car travel towards East Grinstead, Caterham and further to the M25 motorway for London-bound or cross-county travel. There are also straightforward links to country lanes and the B2028 for access to smaller Surrey and West Sussex villages.

Nearby towns and cities:

• East Grinstead – approx. 10 minutes via A22 (4 miles)
• Caterham – approx. 25 minutes via A22 (13 miles)
• Redhill – approx. 30 minutes via A25 and B2028 (14 miles)
• Guildford – approx. 45 minutes via M25 (30 miles)
• London – approx. 60–75 minutes via M25 and A22 (30 miles)

The food and pub scene in Lingfield is centred around traditional village life, with a particular emphasis on cosy pubs, independent cafés, and quality local produce. The village high street features several welcoming pubs such as The Old House and The Star Inn, both known for home-cooked food and real ales. These establishments form a social hub for residents and visitors, especially after events at the racecourse or on weekends.

For dining, Lingfield has a handful of restaurants and takeaways offering everything from gastropub fare to Indian and Italian cuisine. The Curious Pig in the Parlor, just outside the village, is popular with locals and visitors alike, offering wood-fired pizzas and hearty mains in a rustic setting. Several cafés and tearooms cater to daytime visitors and local walkers, with fresh cakes, sandwiches and barista coffees always available.

Nightlife options are limited compared to larger towns, with the social focus more on lively pub gatherings and occasional events at Lingfield Park rather than late-night bars or clubs. For a broader restaurant and entertainment scene, residents often travel to East Grinstead or Oxted, both only a short drive or rail journey.

School quality: Schools in Lingfield have good reputations, with Lingfield College and Lingfield Primary School supporting high standards and positive Ofsted ratings that appeal to families with children of all ages.

Parks and green space: The area benefits from spacious parks, commons, and easy access to nearby countryside, providing lots of opportunities for outdoor play, picnics, and family walks.

Childcare: There are nurseries and preschools within the village and surrounding areas, along with after-school clubs and activities to support working parents.

Safety: Lingfield enjoys low crime rates and a strong community presence, giving parents peace of mind about their children’s wellbeing and independent activities.

Family activities: The village hosts family-friendly events all year round, from seasonal fairs to children’s sessions at the community centre and holiday activities linked to Lingfield Park Racecourse. Local sports clubs, swimming pools (in nearby towns), and plenty of countryside exploration keep younger residents entertained.

Pet-friendly living in Lingfield is enhanced by the abundance of green spaces, footpaths, and countryside access all around the village. Residents frequently walk dogs on Lingfield Common, Jenners Field, or through lanes leading into open farmland and woods.

Several local veterinary practices and pet shops are located in Lingfield and neighbouring East Grinstead, supporting the needs of pet owners. Many of the area’s pubs and cafés are dog-friendly, providing drinking water and welcoming four-legged visitors inside or in outdoor seating areas.

The village’s generally positive attitude towards pets, as well as the availability of spacious homes with gardens, makes Lingfield an excellent choice for animal lovers. The wider area is part of the Surrey countryside’s network of bridleways and public rights of way, perfect for active pets and their owners.

Transport links in Lingfield offer convenience for both commuters and those travelling locally. The village is served by its own railway station on the London to East Grinstead line, making it a popular base for those working in the capital or nearby towns.

Rail: Lingfield station provides direct Southern Railway services to London Victoria, with typical journey times of just under an hour. Trains also connect to East Croydon for links to Gatwick Airport and other London destinations. East Grinstead and Oxted are only minutes away by rail, expanding access to schools, shopping, and further transport options.

Buses: Local bus routes connect Lingfield to surrounding villages, East Grinstead, Oxted, and Redhill. Services are regular but may require planning for rural routes, especially in the evenings or weekends.

Airports: Lingfield is well positioned for air travel. Gatwick Airport is less than 10 miles away (approx. 15–20 minutes by car, or one stop by train from East Grinstead), providing both domestic and international connections.

Commute Times:

• London Victoria – approx. 55 minutes by train
• Gatwick Airport – approx. 15 minutes by train or car
• East Grinstead – approx. 7 minutes by train
• Oxted – approx. 12 minutes by train

For drivers, proximity to the A22 and M25 motorway allows straightforward north-south and east-west travel across Surrey, Kent, and Sussex.

Schools in Lingfield are highly regarded, contributing to the village’s popularity among families. There is a choice of quality primary and secondary education alongside access to independent schools and colleges in nearby settlements.

Primary Schools:

Lingfield Primary School is the main state primary in the village, providing a supportive environment for children aged 4–11. Rated 'Good' by Ofsted in its most recent inspection, the school is known for its strong pastoral care and links to the community.

St Piers School (run by the Young Epilepsy charity) offers specialist provision for children and young people with neurological conditions, also located in Lingfield. Ofsted has rated it 'Good' (last inspection: January 2022).

Secondary Schools:

There is no mainstream secondary school within Lingfield itself. However, Oxted School (Oxted, approximately 7 miles away) is one of Surrey’s largest state secondary schools and is rated 'Good' by Ofsted (June 2022). Another alternative is Sackville School in East Grinstead, a well-regarded comprehensive just across the county border.

Independent Schools and Colleges:

Lingfield College is among the area’s best-known independent schools, offering a co-educational setting for ages 0–18. It has a reputation for academic achievement and all-round development, with excellent facilities on a leafy campus just outside the village centre.

Sixth form provision is available at both Lingfield College and Oxted School, supporting local students to progress into higher education.

Universities:

While Lingfield has no universities within its borders, it is within reasonable commuting distance of several higher education options, including the University of Surrey in Guildford (approx. 35 minutes by car or just over an hour by train), and further institutions in London and the South East.