A Guide to Exploring Vineyards from Cuckfield

Best times to visit

Spring and summer are ideal for vineyard tours, and Cuckfield is surrounded by bluebell woods and countryside that come alive in warmer months. Autumn is equally appealing for vineyard harvest events. Winter visitors often base themselves here for a cosy break with spa stays at Ockenden Manor.

The vineyards near Cuckfield

Cuckfield sits in the middle of Sussex wine country: within 15 minutes you can reach Bolney Wine Estate, Ridgeview, and Court Garden. Drive 20-25 minutes and you’ll find Wiston Estate and Bluebell Vineyard. This is classic sparkling territory, though Bolney is also known for pioneering English still reds.

What else is there to do in Cuckfield?

Cuckfield Museum - small but interesting, covering local history.

Holy Trinity Church - a 13th-century parish church with a historic churchyard.

South of England Showground (nearby Ardingly) hosts seasonal fairs and events.

For walks, you’re on the edge of the High Weald and South Downs.

Where to eat and drink in Cuckfield

• Budget: Cuckfield Pantry Café - sandwiches and coffee.
• Create a splash: The Talbot - stylish gastropub with a good wine list.
• Push the boat out: Ockenden Manor - fine dining with Sussex wines, housed in an Elizabethan manor with a spa.

Nearby, Bolney Wine Estate and Ridgeview both have on-site restaurants or tasting rooms serving their wines.

For picnic supplies: Ockenden Farm Shop or larger shops in Haywards Heath.

Where to stay

Ockenden Manor - luxury spa hotel in a historic building, from £250 per night.

The Talbot - boutique rooms above the gastropub, from £120.

Airbnbs and B&Bs in the village and surrounding countryside, from around £90.

FAQs about Cuckfield vineyard weekends

• Can you get to Cuckfield by train?
  Not directly. The nearest station is Haywards Heath (3 miles), then a short taxi ride.
  
• Can you reach vineyards from Cuckfield by public transport?
  Not conveniently. Bolney, Ridgeview, and Court Garden all require a car or taxi.
  
• Which vineyards are near Cuckfield?
  Within 15 minutes: Bolney, Ridgeview, Court Garden. Within 25 minutes: Wiston Estate, Bluebell Vineyard.
  
• Do restaurants in Cuckfield serve local wines?
  Yes - Ockenden Manor has a strong Sussex wine list, and pubs like The Talbot often feature local bottles.
  
• Are there Viator experiences covering Cuckfield or nearby vineyards?
  Yes - Sussex vineyard day tours from Brighton listed on Viator often include Bolney, Ridgeview, or Bluebell.
  
• Is Cuckfield a good base for a vineyard weekend?
  Yes, it’s central, charming, and surrounded by 5-6 vineyards within half an hour.