Premier Inn East Grinstead

East Grinstead is well known for its historic High Street, which features one of the longest runs of 14th-century timber-framed buildings in England. It’s also associated with the Bluebell Railway, a beautifully preserved heritage steam railway that draws visitors from all over. The town has links to World War II through the Queen Victoria Hospital and the pioneering work of Sir Archibald McIndoe, whose patients became known as the Guinea Pig Club. East Grinstead is also close to Ashdown Forest, made famous by A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh stories.

East Grinstead is located in West Sussex, right on the border with Surrey. Its location makes it really convenient for visitors coming from London, Surrey or the southern coast. You’ll find it about halfway between London and the South Downs, making it a great spot for exploring the countryside while still being close to major towns and transport links.

Yes, East Grinstead is a lovely place to explore, especially if you're into history, walking or the countryside. The historic High Street is perfect for a wander, with independent shops, cafes and beautiful old buildings. The Bluebell Railway is a big draw – especially if you like vintage train rides through pretty countryside. It’s also a great base for exploring nearby places like Ashdown Forest, Standen House and Garden (National Trust), and Wakehurst – home to the country estate of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

East Grinstead is a medium-sized market town. It’s bigger than a village and has all the essentials you’d expect, like shops, restaurants and train connections. The town serves as a hub for surrounding villages, which gives it a lively feel while still being easy to get around.

There’s plenty to do in and around East Grinstead. You can stroll the historic High Street, enjoy a vintage train journey on the Bluebell Railway or learn about local heritage at East Grinstead Museum. Outdoor lovers can explore Ashdown Forest or Standen House and Garden, a beautifully preserved Arts and Crafts property. There’s also Kingscote Estate nearby if you fancy a vineyard tour. Families might enjoy nearby nature reserves and themed trails in the forest, and there’s lots of walking and cycling routes close by too.

Yes, East Grinstead has its own train station, located a short walk from the town centre. It’s the southern end of the line from London Victoria, with regular services that make it easy to get to and from the capital in just under an hour. The station is also right next to the Bluebell Railway if you’re planning a vintage day out.

East Grinstead has a great variety of shops. Along the historic High Street, you’ll find independent boutiques, gift shops, bookshops and cosy cafes. There’s also a modern shopping area near Queens Walk with well-known brands. It’s not a huge shopping destination, but it’s ideal for browsing or picking up local goods.

Yes, East Grinstead is very walkable. The town centre is compact, and it’s easy to explore on foot – especially the High Street and surrounding shopping streets. There’s also lots of walking trails that start from the town and lead out into nearby countryside, including parts of the Worth Way and Forest Way for longer strolls or bike rides. 

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.