Robertsbridge
Robertsbridge is a village (pop. roughly 2,500) in the county of East Sussex, England.
Dating from the 10th century AD it is a quaint place with relatively little to see, but due to its location on the main railway line from London to Hastings and the corresponding main road (A21), it represents a good potential base to discover the picturesque local countryside, sights, towns and villages nearby. These include (in order of proximity); Bodiam Castle, Brightling, Battle, Hastings, Royal Tunbridge Wells and Rye.
Understand
There are a couple of inns and bed-and-breakfasts in the village, offering mid-range homely accommodation.
Robertsbridge hosts a few unique features; The "Bruderhof", a faith community living in a self-sufficient commune at the edge of the village. They wear traditional late-19th-century style work garb and can often be seen on walks around the village and surrounding countryside. They are very friendly and welcoming people, and a number of public footpaths run through their land. They also produce and sell wooden carved toys and furniture.
The famous cricket brand Gray Nicolls (the Nicolls part) was founded in Robertsbridge, and operates from its original location on station road to this day, making (among other things) handmade cricket bats.
The Seven Stars Inn was said to be one of the most haunted pubs in Britain. Unfortunately it can now only be viewed from the high street after going out of business in 2016 and remaining closed since.
Also the Rother Valley Railway finds its most westerly extension at Robertsbridge station. This steam locomotive company will join the existing Kent and East Sussex railway between Tenterden and Bodiam, where the line is awaiting connection to the existing line at Robertsbridge, through the Rother Valley and over the A21 main road. A small collection of steam trains and carriages are kept at Robertsbridge station and operated occasionally on the short track up to the A21. As of 2014, a new steam railway station, dubbed "Robertsbridge Junction Station" is being built alongside the Robertsbridge mainline station. Once complete, tourists will be able to visit famous attractions like Bodiam Castle by steam train from Robertsbridge.
Get in
The nearest major airport is London Gatwick (LGW IATA), roughly an hour and a half away by road or rail. The Port of Dover is at a similar distance, and the Eurotunnel is roughly an hour by road.
By car
The Main Road (A21) running north to south between London (M25) and Hastings runs parallel to the village. It takes roughly an hour and a half to get into central London by car from Robertsbridge, traffic permitting. Hastings is about 20 minutes away in the opposite (southerly) direction.
By train
🌍 Robertsbridge train station is frequented by twice hourly services in both directions. To Hastings via Battle, Crowhurst, West St. Leonards and St. Leonards Warrior Square takes about 30 minutes. To London Charing Cross via Etchingham, Stonegate, Wadhurst, Frant, Tunbridge Wells, High Brooms, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Orpington and London Bridge takes a little more than an hour.
By bus
Rural bus services connect the village directly with other local settlements and the closest towns. However, due to its location on the main railway line, it is advisable to travel by train if your destination is Hastings, Battle or Tunbridge Wells as this is much quicker and more direct. Buses to nearby Bodiam and Hawkhurst, or after changing at Hawkhurst further into Kent to places like Tenterden, Cranbrook and Rye, can be caught from the bus stops on the small high street. (Timetables vary, and are displayed at the bus stops.)
Get around
Robertsbridge is a great place for country walks, offering many public footpaths and bridleways in the immediate surrounding countryside. Walking is the best way to get around the village; its size easily permits this.
See
- 🌍 Bodiam Castle, Bodiam, near Robertsbridge, TN32 5UA, ☏ +44 1580 830196, bodiamcastle@nationaltrust.org.uk. Just a few kilometres away. Its well preserved exterior has been used in many famous films, including Monty Python's search for the Holy Grail.
- Cricket enthusiasts can visit the founding factory of the famous bat maker Gray Nicolls, still in use today. It is located on station road, close to the village centre. Be aware, it is an operating workplace and not a museum, though polite enquiry at the reception is sure to be met with friendliness.
- The small village of Brightling, which was home to eccentric John 'Mad Jack' Fuller (1757-1834) who built numerous follies and landmarks around the village, including an observatory and a pyramid mausoleum for himself in the churchyard, where he now lies entombed. Brightling is only reachable by car, bike or foot.
- Battle abbey in Battle, a nearby small historic town, famed for the location of The 1066 Battle of Hastings, whereby William the Conqueror took control of England and changed the course of history forever.
- Robertsbridge Cistercian abbey, unfortunately little remains of this historic site, though some ruins are still visible and can be easily reached on a walk or short drive from the village on the other (eastern) side of the A21 road. It was founded in 1176 by the Abbot, Robert de St Martin. The village owes its name to this Robert.
- St Mary the Virgin Church, Salehurst is a 13th century (although the site predates this) Church of England, worth viewing if passing by or in combination with the above mentioned Abbey ruins in the neighbouring valley.
Do
Events
Bonfire night, Held annually around the 5th of November, this celebration attracts people from miles around and is by far the biggest event of the year for the village. A large parade is held in carnival atmosphere, usually starting from the station and proceeding towards the recreational ground via the high street. A huge bonfire is lit, complete with Guy Fawkes' effigy, and the night culminates in a great fireworks display that goes well beyond its rural setting in terms of significance and spectacle. The event is free, with a street collection on the evening to help raise money for charity.
Buy
The village only offers local amenities. Two small convenience stores, a local chemist, baker, florist and hair-dresser.
Eat
Apart from its pubs offering hearty traditional meals, Robertsbridge also has a very good Indian Restaurant:
- New Spice, 13 High St.
Sleep
- The George Inn, High Street, TN32 5AW, ☏ +44 1580 880315. Cheapest rooms are £80 for single occupancy. Locally sourced, high standard food and drink.
- The Ostrich Hotel, The Ostrich Hotel Station Road, TN32 5DG, ☏ +44 1580 881737. Located adjacent to the station. Single rate £45 per night, £80 double room including breakfast.
Go next
The surrounding areas worth exploring include the rolling hills and woodland of the "High Weald" and the historical sites and beautiful coastline of 1066 Country:
Slightly further afield, taking the scenic coastal route south west to Brighton:
North to London:
Or eastward towards Dover:
| Routes through Robertsbridge |
| London ← Tonbridge ← | NW SE | → Battle → Hastings |