A first time visitor’s guide to Eridge Rocks in East Sussex. Including information on the history, climbing, walking and parking.
Eridge Rocks overview
Eridge Rocks is a nature reserve run by the Sussex Wildlife Trust near the village of Eridge Green, East Sussex.
It is a popular spot with locals for woodland strolls and walking dogs. For outside visitors, it will primarily be of interest for the series of large sandstone rocks rising from the forest floor.
The rocks are thought to have been formed in the last glacial period of the Ice Age, 20,000 to 50,000 years ago. Struck flints found in the rock shelters under the large boulders suggest hunter-gatherers stayed there in the Mesolithic period, 6,000 to 11,000 years ago.
Why visit Eridge Rocks?
No-one would call Eridge Rocks an absolute must-see, but the reserve is a lovely spot to explore if you’re around Tunbridge Wells or the High Weald.
The weathering on the rocks makes them full of character – half the fun is making out animal faces in the protruding boulders. There’s also a wealth of colour, especially when the brown-orange fallen needles from the trees cover the woodland floor in autumn, contrasting with the mosses on the rocks.
The reserve is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its lower plant life. More than 200 species of mosses, lichens and liverworts live here. That may not be especially exciting for most people, but it does add plenty of colour.
For more information on the biodiversity, visit the Sussex Wildlife Trust website.
Climbing at Eridge Rocks
Climbing is permitted at Eridge Rocks, but only on certain faces. Signage maps within the reserve clearly state which rocks are allowed to be climbed.
There’s a strict no-chalk policy, and climbers are asked not to remove mosses and other greenery from the rock faces.
Eridge Rocks walks
There are several walking trails throughout the Eridge Rocks Nature Reserve, but the main one of interest follows the rocks for about 800 metres. At a leisurely pace, it’s a 30 to 40 minute return walk from the car park.
Eridge Rocks opening hours and admission price
The Eridge Rocks Nature Reserve is theoretically open 24 hours a day, although there’s no good reason to be visiting outside of daylight hours.
There is no entrance fee, but visitors can text “WILD23 £3” to 70070 if they wish to donate towards the costs of maintaining the reserve.
Eridge Rocks parking
There is a small car park at Eridge Rocks, with space for around 10 cars if everyone parks considerately. There is no parking fee.
Be warned, however, that a sign in the car park states that break-ins have taken place there. Do not leave any valuables in your car.
Getting to Eridge Rocks
Eridge Rocks is easiest to get to by car. Drive along the A26, then turn down Warren Farm Lane next to the Eridge Green Church.
If you don’t have your own wheels, there is a bus stop outside Eridge Green Church. The number 29 bus service from Tunbridge Wells stops there, and it’s a five minute walk away from the Eridge Rocks car park.
Accessibility at Eridge Rocks
The trails at Eridge Rocks are natural – which means uneven and often quite muddy. Unfortunately, they are not suitable for wheelchair users.
Attractions near Eridge Rocks
While in the area, you can also visit the Winnie the Pooh sites, such as the Heffalump Trap and Pooh Sticks Bridge, in Ashdown Forest.
Other relatively close options include Hever Castle and Sir Winston Churchill’s former home, Chartwell.
Elsewhere in Sussex, you can try Norman Conquest history at Battle Abbey, beach time at Camber Sands and medieval architecture at Bodiam Castle.
