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Visitors

If you’re travelling to our venue for an event or show, we’re easy to find and conveniently situated in the heart of the South East, accessible by car, bus or rail. Located just 36 miles from London and 20 miles from Brighton, with direct access from the M23 and M25 motorways, we’re also on the doorstep of London Gatwick Airport.

South of England Event Centre
South of England Showground
Selsfield Road
Ardingly
West Sussex
RH17 6TL

How to find us

By Road

The main entrance to the South of England Event Centre is on the B2028 Selsfield Road close to the centre of Ardingly village. For Sat Nav use RH17 6TL.

From the M25, exit at junction 7 and follow the M23 towards Brighton. Leave at junction 10 and take the A264 towards East Grinstead. After approximately two miles turn right onto the B2028. After passing through the villages of Turners Hill and Selsfield Common you will arrive at the South of England Event Centre on your right.

Journey times:

25 minutes from Crawley
40 minutes from Brighton
40 minutes from Tunbridge Wells
45 minutes from Croydon
55 minutes from Guildford
90 minutes from London

By Bus

There is a bus stop situated close to the main entrance to the Showground with a very limited bus service on the 272 Metrobus route.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is Haywards Heath which is on the main line between London Victoria and Brighton. Journey times are 45 minutes from London Victoria and 20 minutes from Brighton followed by a 10-minute journey by bus to the Event Centre. Visit National Rail Enquiries (T: 03457 48 49 50) or Trainline to find timetables and book tickets.

Facilities

We have parking for 6,000 cars onsite including a lorry and coach park.

Disabled toilets are located within the Norfolk Pavilion.

Places to Stay

As well as our own Rank Lodge with basic on-site accommodation for 60 people, there are plenty of places to stay in the area, including preferential rates for event visitors at the Birch Hotel in Haywards Heath. Click here for more information.

If you would like to speak to one of our representatives about hiring one of our spaces contact us on:

01444 892048

See the space for yourself

MAKE AN ENQUIRY

A big Thank You to all the staff at The South of England Event Centre. They have been absolutely fantastic. Their help and support has been incredible right up to and including on the day. Nothing has been too much trouble and they couldn't do enough / more to help. Whatever your event, consider their facilities - great location, great venues, great service and you'll be sure to have a great day.

VMS Markets & Events

We are immensely grateful to have worked with you on our festival this year. It is so rare to meet people who are so dedicated and enthusiastic about their work. You have both been so incredibly kind, generous and supportive in helping us with our festival. You are both a true credit to your profession and we honestly feel so lucky to have gotten to know you and work with you both.

Jolly Good Festival

Thank you so much for all the hard work your team put into our Fiesta last Friday. It went really well, and our clients / staff had a fantastic time. The support and help provided throughout was very much appreciated and helped the event to run so smoothly. The catering team also did a fantastic job and food selection/drinks options were perfect.

Southdown Fiesta

Warners Shows organise events with all major showgrounds across England. It was a pleasure to work, from start to finish, with such a professional and helpful team on site as we launched our new event on the South of England Showground. From point of sale through to ground staff. Looking forward to returning in 2024.

Campervan Campout
Sally Dodds, Head of Events, Warners Group

The Event Centre staff went out of their way to help deliver the best possible experience. Nothing was too much to ask for and all our requests were met with a very positive response throughout. We would not hesitate to recommend the South of England Event Centre to other prospective clients.

Murray Stinton
Production Manager, AA Roadshow

Events

Mick's Car Boot Sale

Event start: 28/07/2024 8:00 am

Most Sunday's at the Showground.
Winter months undercover where possible. Sellers can arrive from 6am - open to the public from 8am

South East UK Mega 2024

Event start: 29/07/2024

Come and join South East UK Mega in 2024 for a fun week of activities and events in the South East of England.

Young Driver Experience

Event start: 06/08/2024 9:00 am

If you’re aged 10 to 17, have your first taste of proper driving in a Vauxhall Corsa with Young Driver Experience, go bling with a drive in a gleaming Bentley, take a cool classic car for a spin, or even get behind the wheel of an actual fire engine!

Ardingly Summerfest

Event start: 10/08/2024

Xplosive Events Summerfest brings together the best attractions, arena demonstrations, airshows, musical tributes and entertainment for an unforgettable family day out!

Truckfest South East

Event start: 17/08/2024 9:00 am

A great day out and a fantastic family experience. Be amazed by Monster Trucks and Arena Stunt Shows. Meet Celebrities and Children’s Characters. Enjoy Exhilirating rides and see some incredible Trucks. Come and be part of it

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South of England Event Centre

The South of England Event Centre is a wholly owned subsidiary of the South of England Agricultural Society, a charity that funds and supports agricultural education and countryside learning.