Uckfield, Market town in Wealden, East Sussex, England.
Uckfield is a market town in Wealden, East Sussex, located at the southern edge of the High Weald natural region. The River Uck flows through the lower section, creating a clear geographic feature, while the town center contains shops, a cinema, and local services.
The settlement was first documented in 1220 as Uckefeld and grew at a point where the river crossing served pilgrims traveling between Canterbury and Chichester. This location on a major pilgrimage route shaped its early growth and importance.
The medieval bridge structure from the 15th century remains a focal point where people gather, reflecting the town's historical role as a meeting place for travelers. Local residents and visitors still use the areas around it as a natural hub for walking and community activity.
The town is walkable and has shops, cafes, and services spread through the center, making it easy to get around on foot. Daytime visits work best for browsing shops and using local facilities, as many places close in the evening.
The name Uckfield combines the Old English personal name Ucca with feld, meaning open land, revealing its origins as territory belonging to an early settler. Few visitors realize this linguistic clue holds the key to understanding how the town got its identity.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.