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, Tunbridge Wells and Rye.
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.
The nearest major airport is London Gatwick (IATA: LGW), 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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
The village only offers local amenities. Two small convenience stores, a local chemist, baker, florist and hair-dresser.
Apart from its pubs offering hearty traditional meals, Robertsbridge also has a very good Indian Restaurant:
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:
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