Cross in Hand can be explored through its architectural history, church architecture and varied leisure opportunities. The windmill and manor house offer two distinct historical perspectives; the church, woodland and tennis add further points of interest. When planning your stay, you can decide whether architecture and local history, a church service, nature or sport best match your interests.
Windmill, Manor House and Parish History
Cross in Hand Windmill (New Mill) is a Grade II* listed post mill. Its mill type and listing clearly characterise it as a historic building. Holy Cross Priory offers a different architectural perspective: the large, U-shaped manor house is in the Tudor Gothic style, was designed by Matthew Digby Wyatt and was built between 1865 and 1870. The windmill is notable for its type and listing, while the Priory stands out for its distinctive form, style and named designer.
The institutional history of Holy Cross Priory can also be placed in context: in 2014, the parish community moved from Heathfield into the building in Cross in Hand. This was well after its construction between 1865 and 1870, adding a later connection to parish history to the architectural perspective.
Church Architecture and Services
St Bartholomew’s Church offers a third point of interest. The church has a single nave and windows with plate and bar tracery. Alongside the post mill and the large manor house, these are further clearly identifiable features of the area’s architectural history.
The church’s facilities are also relevant when planning a visit: it has a ramp, a hearing loop, parking and large-print materials. Services at St Bartholomew’s Church are held on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. If you would like to plan your visit around a service, check the service schedule before travelling.
Woodland and Tennis: Different Leisure Options
Darch’s Wood is a 40-acre woodland managed for the benefit and enjoyment of the Cross-in-Hand community. Within the woodland, The Glade runs from the pond to one side of the ghyll. This named route adds a specific connection between features of the woodland to the description of its size.
Cross In Hand Tennis Club offers a different kind of leisure activity: it has five clay courts, and non-members can also play on a pay-and-play basis. These details help define what is on offer: the number and surface of the courts describe the facilities, while pay-and-play concerns access for non-members. If you would like to play tennis, this is a clearly defined alternative to the area’s historical and natural attractions.
Community Activities at the Village Hall
Cross in Hand Village Hall adds a rentable event space to the area’s architecture and natural attractions. It can be hired for club meetings, fitness and dance classes, band rehearsals and performances, art exhibitions and commercial sales. The range combines group activities with classes and events, offering a different way to experience the area than visiting historic buildings. If you are interested in a particular type of activity, you can compare it with these available uses.
Discover more destinations: Newick, East Dean, Catsfield, Ticehurst, Staplecross, Lewes, Winchelsea Beach, Salehurst
For the wider travel guide: East Sussex.
