Tours and Tastings
On request · May–Oct 2026 · 1h
£15Vineyard tours
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Beacon Down
Beacon Down
A family-owned vineyard and winery in the High Weald near Heathfield in East Sussex, with an on-site cafe and shop, and owner-led vineyard tours that end in a tasting.
Paul and Al Pippard planted Beacon Down from bare fields in May 2015. Paul took the Diploma in Wine Production at Plumpton College while they were still living in Camberwell in South London. They then sold their flat and moved to Sussex after finding a site just outside the village of Cross-in-Hand. The land had been used for sheep grazing and hay. The owners grow and tend the vines, make the wine and lead the tours themselves, and in 2025 they built a winery that brings all of the production onto the site.
Cellar door tastings
Tastings come at the end of an owner-led tour of the vineyard, booked for set dates, with a picnic to follow if pre-booked. The site describes no walk-in tasting. The cafe and shop can be visited without booking for a glass of the estate's wine.
Amenities
Ratings & awards
Not yet rated2 awards
Address
Beacon Down Vineyard, Browns Lane, Cross in Hand, Heathfield, TN21 0QJGetting there
The entrance is a farm gate about 300 yards along Browns Lane, on the left coming from Firgrove Road. The nearest bus stop is a ten-minute walk along Firgrove Road, served by the 29A between Brighton, Lewes and Uckfield and the 51 between Tunbridge Wells and Eastbourne.
Nearest station: Buxted · 4.1 mi
Nearest major station: Polegate · 9.9 mi
Opening hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday09:00–18:00
Wednesday09:00–18:00
Thursday09:00–18:00
Friday09:00–18:00
Saturday09:00–18:00
Sunday10:00–17:00
Shop and cafe hours; wine tastings are on booked vineyard tour dates.
Winery opening hours often vary, so it is always worth checking ahead if you are planning a visit.
Common questions
Can I turn up at Beacon Down without booking?
No. Visits to Beacon Down are by appointment. Bookings can be made online.
What can I expect from a visit to Beacon Down?
Tastings come at the end of an owner-led tour of the vineyard, booked for set dates, with a picnic to follow if pre-booked. The site describes no walk-in tasting. The cafe and shop can be visited without booking for a glass of the estate's wine.
When is Beacon Down open?
Tuesday to Saturday, 9am–6pm, all year. Sunday, 10am–5pm, all year. Shop and cafe hours; wine tastings are on booked vineyard tour dates.
Can I book a visit to Beacon Down online?
Yes, through Beacon Down's website.
What is the nearest station to Beacon Down?
Buxted, 4.1 miles in a straight line. The nearest major station is Polegate, 9.9 miles.
How do I get to Beacon Down?
The entrance is a farm gate about 300 yards along Browns Lane, on the left coming from Firgrove Road. The nearest bus stop is a ten-minute walk along Firgrove Road, served by the 29A between Brighton, Lewes and Uckfield and the 51 between Tunbridge Wells and Eastbourne.
Where is Beacon Down?
Beacon Down Vineyard, Browns Lane, Cross in Hand, Heathfield, TN21 0QJ, East Sussex.
Is there parking at Beacon Down?
Yes. There is parking at Beacon Down.
Can I bring my dog to Beacon Down?
Yes. Beacon Down is dog friendly.
Can I bring children to Beacon Down?
Yes. Beacon Down is child friendly.
Can I eat at Beacon Down?
Yes. Vineyard cafe serves café.
Has Beacon Down won awards?
Yes. Beacon Down holds 2 results from competitions we follow, including silver for Blanc De Blancs Brut 2018 at the International Wine & Spirit Competition 2026.
What wine does Beacon Down make?
Sparkling and still wine, from Chardonnay.
