Newick lies on the A272 in the Low Weald of East Sussex. The Village Green is considered the centre of the village; the parish church of St Mary, historic landscape features and public paths give it other distinctive points of interest. There is also the Newick Bonfire, held annually on the Village Green since 1953—with the exception of 2020. When planning your trip, it is worth considering whether you want to plan your stay around local history, the landscape, walking routes or the event date.
The Village Green and village character
At the eastern end of Newick is an open space made up of several areas, which is considered the centre of the village. A pump erected for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee stands on the Village Green. Its location and role as the village centre help place the Green within the village setting; the pump adds a specific historical connection to the open space. Here, a memorial stands amid the green spaces that form the heart of Newick.
Landscape history at Newick Park
At Newick Park, the focus is on landscape areas dating from different periods: the parkland dates from the early 18th century, and the pleasure grounds from the late 18th century. The Dell, a wooded valley, lies immediately west of the house at Newick Park. The dates distinguish the two landscape areas chronologically; The Dell adds a named valley to the description. Those interested in how landscapes develop will find a different way into local history here than through buildings or celebrations.
Public paths through open countryside
Newick has public footpaths and bridleways that can be used for walks through open countryside. Newick Rootz maintains and improves the public footpaths and bridleways in the village. The paths themselves and their local upkeep are therefore both part of the village’s character. For travellers who enjoy spending time outdoors, this is a distinct point of interest alongside the history of the Village Green and the architecture of St Mary.
St Mary and local history
The parish church of St Mary comprises a nave partly dating from the 11th century, a chancel, a 14th-century timber-framed porch and a 15th-century tower. Its architectural elements span several centuries, although the entire nave does not date from the 11th century. This distinction makes the church’s layers of history tangible. St Mary also provides a space for private prayer. If you are planning a visit for this purpose, check the current visiting arrangements in advance.
Newick’s economic history also offers different points of interest: the village has a historic connection to the manufacture of high-quality ladies’ gloves. Newick later developed into a centre for soft-fruit growing. Craftsmanship and fruit-growing thus add two more aspects of local history to the architectural and landscape themes.
Newick Bonfire: tradition and event date
The Newick Bonfire Society holds traditional celebrations in Sussex to commemorate the failure of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot. The Newick Bonfire has been held annually on the Village Green since 1953; 2020 was the exception. The society’s description for 2026 mentions Bonfire Prayers, torchlit processions with fire banners, a rolling tar barrel and burning crosses. These elements may vary from year to year. If the event is the reason for your trip, check the dates for the year you wish to visit.
If you are more interested in architecture, landscape history or walking routes, these interests can help guide your choice of where to stay.
Discover more destinations: Brede, Eastbourne, Battle, Horam, Mayfield, Playden, Nutley, Ditchling.
For the main travel overview: East Sussex.
