The incredibly weird town known as 'UK's strangest place' (2024)

East Grinstead is located east of Crawley in West Sussex (Image: Getty)

East Grinstead, on the face of it, looks like many other UK towns.

Located in West Sussex, east of Crawley and south of London, the commuter town is popular among those who make the trip into the capital every day for work.

But the town also has a reputation for very different reasons.

East Grinstead is a "hotbed" for religious zeal, home to Scientology, Opus Dei, Mormons and druids and pagans.

A group of Scientologists have their headquarters in the town. Saint Hill Manor, an isolated country house on the edge of the town, was acquired by the church’s founder L. Ron Hubbard in 1959.

READ MORE: Scientologists planning ‘biggest gathering ever’ at religion’s UK mansion

East Grinstead is home to the UK Church of Scientology (Image: Getty)

It has been reported that Hollywood star Tom Cruise – perhaps the most well-known advocate for the Church of Scientology – has stayed at the house in the past.

John Travolta of Grease and Pulp Fiction fame was also spotted there. He even tried to book a table at a KFC restaurant, it has been claimed.

It is believed that as many as 1,000 members of the church live there and run local businesses alongside.

Supporters of Opus Dei are also living in the town. Opus Dei is an off-shoot of the Catholic Church.

They are known for a controversial practice – mortification of the flesh.

Saint Hill Manor pictured in 1968 (Image: Getty)

Tom Cruise reportedly visited the Church of Scientology in East Grinstead (Image: Getty)

In East Grinstead, the Opus Dei members reportedly gather Wickenden Manor.

It is not clear why various groups set up their headquarters in East Grinstead. Some believe it is because of ley lines, where a supposed straight line connects ancient sites around the world.

The Greenwich Meridian Line passes through the town, leading many to believe the East Grinstead holds spiritual significance.

If you want to visit East Grinstead from London, you can take a train from London Victoria or London Bridge.

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