Ringmer appeals to travellers with a range of interests: an extensive public footpath network opens up access to the open downland in the neighbouring parishes of Lewes and Glynde; St Mary the Virgin displays several clearly distinct building phases. The Ringmer Community Orchard brings historic fruit varieties together with community care, while the East Sussex Gliding Club near Ringmer offers gliding lessons. When choosing where to stay, it may be important whether you want to focus on the landscape, architecture, gardening or a guided flying activity.
Public footpaths and downland
Ringmer’s footpath network is extensive and well used. Its public nature and access to the downland give walking two distinct points of reference: the local network of paths on the one hand, and open countryside in the neighbouring parishes of Lewes and Glynde on the other. If you prefer to have a named landscape destination in mind for a walk, you can include this regional connection in your plans. Check local access conditions before setting out.
Building phases at St Mary the Virgin
Several building phases can be distinguished at the parish church of St Mary the Virgin. The chancel, the nave apart from the westernmost bay, and the south porch date from the 15th century. The north and south chapels date from the early 16th century. The dating therefore applies to specific parts of the building: it does not assign a date to the entire nave, since its westernmost bay is expressly excluded. A bay is a section of the nave; this makes the local description clear even without specialist vocabulary. For those interested in architecture, the appeal lies in the juxtaposition of the parts and their different dates, not in a simplified date for the whole church.
Community Orchard: fruit varieties and involvement
The Ringmer Community Orchard is a member-run orchard with historic varieties of apples, pears and plums, including rare Sussex varieties. So it is about more than fruit in general: it also celebrates regional varietal diversity. The orchard is also a community project: anyone with time to help care for the garden can become a member, and all experience levels are welcome. For those interested, this offers a different way to engage with the place than a short walk: taking part requires a commitment to its care. If you would like to visit the orchard, check the contact details in advance.
Gliding near Ringmer
Gliding is also associated with Ringmer: the East Sussex Gliding Club has flown from Kitson’s Field near Ringmer since 1974 and offers gliding lessons there. This adds a guided activity to the self-directed interests of landscape and architecture. The location is specific: the field is near Ringmer, and lessons are offered there.
Different focuses for your trip
The activities differ in how you take part: the footpath network is public, orchard membership requires time for maintenance, and the club offers gliding lessons. This lets you weigh up walking, participation and lessons as different travel interests before deciding to choose Ringmer as a destination.
Discover more destinations: Chiddingly, Salehurst, Iden, Icklesham, Beckley, Etchingham, Robertsbridge, Crowborough
For the main travel overview: East Sussex.
