Chequer Mead Theatre
SETTING
Indoors
WHERE
East Grinstead
What it’s like
A local theatre with family shows, free arts and crafts sessions, and a Teddy Bear Storytime for the smaller ones.
Family shows and productions are the main event here, but it's the extras that make it worth a proper look. There's a free Kids Arts & Crafts session for the ones who'd rather be gluing things than sitting still, and a Teddy Bear Storytime that's clearly aimed at the toddler crowd who need their entertainment on the shorter, wrigglier side.
You won't get an age range spelled out, but between the storytime and the family shows there's a decent spread on offer, from the very small right up to kids who can sit through a full production. The Apron does coffee and something to eat if you need to refuel before or after, and there's proper event catering for parties too, with vegetarian, vegan and allergy options covered.
Access has clearly had some proper thought put into it. There's a ramp to the entrance, level stalls access, and specific wheelchair spaces you book in advance, plus removable seats if someone wants to transfer out of a chair. They've also set up their own free Digital Access Pass, which is a nice touch if you don't fancy paying for an Access Card elsewhere.
Parking's opposite the venue and it's pay and display, though it goes free after 8pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and it's just a flat pound on Sundays between 9 and 5. If you're coming by train, East Grinstead station is a 10 to 15 minute walk, and buses stop on the High Street a few minutes away.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- Toddlers through to older kids who can sit through a show
- Parking
- Pay & Display opposite, free after 8pm Mon-Sat, £1 flat rate Sundays 9am-5pm
- Food
- In-house bar and coffee shop (The Apron)
- Wheelchairs
- Ramp to entrance, level stalls access to row H
- Getting there by bus or train
- East Grinstead railway station 10-15 minute walk, Southern Rail services
- The free Kids Arts & Crafts sessions and Teddy Bear Storytime run alongside the main theatre programme.
- Wheelchair spaces in the auditorium need booking ahead, not just turning up.
- Sunday parking is a flat £1 rather than free, so keep a coin handy.
- Carer tickets are available where the access need is disability-related.
Plan your visit
What can kids actually do here?
Watch family theatre productions, join the free Kids Arts & Crafts sessions, or come along to Teddy Bear Storytime.
Is there parking nearby?
Pay and display opposite the venue, free after 8pm Monday to Saturday and a flat £1 on Sundays from 9 to 5. There are also disabled spaces in the Chequer Mead and Vicarage car parks.
Is it accessible for wheelchairs?
There's a ramp to the entrance and level access to row H in the stalls. Wheelchair spaces need booking in advance, and there are removable seats for anyone transferring out of a chair.
What's the Chequer Mead Digital Pass?
It's their own free way of telling the venue about your access needs, lasting three years. It works instead of paying for an Access Card if you'd rather not.
Is there anywhere to eat?
The Apron does drinks and food on site, and there's event catering with buffets and canapés for bigger bookings, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
How do we get there without a car?
East Grinstead railway station is a 10 to 15 minute walk on Southern Rail, and buses stop on the High Street just a few minutes away.
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