Hellingly hospital (East sussex mental asylum)

Looking at the sad decay in these photographs takes me back to what only seemed like yesterday...I worked at Hellingly Hospital on Guestling ward, Hartfield ward, Keymer and Kingston ward most of the time, between 1979 and 1983, frequenting the staff social club to wind down in the evenings and occasional lunchtimes.

These are some memories that seem like yesterday...

14 hour shifts were not unusual, with 3 people on shift on anafternoon, to care for 20 or so patients....Trundling off with the oversized ward key (that fitted every ward door) in our pockets, to the staff canteen for a bowl of chips with salad cream in our breaks.

Purchasing tickets at the centre, and riding the hospital bus into Hailsham for provisions amongst tired, collegues; sending out for a curry or a chinese and paying the taxi driver on thier return ('Jayline' cars I recall) after the end of a weary shift; inpromptu parties in each other's rooms which seemed to go on until dawn; the freedom to walk the grounds on a fresh summers day, with the gardens in full bloom, and the patients busy in the greenhouses preparing the poinstia's which were abandunt each winter throughout the many wards, are all fond memories I have.

It was a community for staff and patients alike. I was one of the staff who 'lived in' for a while. Without the experience of Hellingly, I would not be the person I am today.

Yes, the notion of such an institution today, is outdated, barbaric and socially wrong, though when I see the isolation and vulnerability of people in the community where services are set to be cut, it saddens me.

I wonder what we would have done differently...

Here is my website for hellingly photos streetlifeview.foliopic.com
jason

hi to all any one interested in some hellingly pictures please drop by my website
jason

me and about 20 mates went to hellingly last night, there was only a few building left and they wernt that amzing. we didnt see any security but we got caught by the police. they just asked us to leave. i think the admin building is still there and the church. not sure what the other buildings were. we found a very cool dentist chair which was pretty creepy have fun there but becarefull off the floor, its very rotton x

I went into hellingly and found the visit ground shaking - I'm not going back to put it quickly! (Don't laugh but...) My partner and I are aware of spooks there, the place is riddled with folk who are confused, worried, sad, angry and dangerous. As I'm sure your all aware there's a church at the side of the site - DO NOT go anywhere near it, we decided to without really thinking and I've been physically pushed away - that evening I took a shower to come out and find bruises on my back - in the clear and definite form of hand prints. We've taken loads of photos and can see VERY VERY clear outlines of various spooks - I've found a few spooks on the published photos here.
Secondly We tried to get in using every single point of access - the place is near as dammit demolished, there's nothing really left bar the main building (which is beautiful) and the church. Security is there and boy are they looking for folk like us trying to get it! we were watched like hawks! I hint for anyone coming in still - the CCTV, dilapidated as it looks still works - very well, we've been in and seen red lights of 99% of them indicating they're active - the office site also has a full 2 screens of cameras - watch it.
Finally the area you may be around is an active NHS Mental Unit - The people in the area are nutters who have been put away and serving sentences of various lengths. The Coffee Shop is for patient and staff use only - it's a rehabilitation unit - stay well clear off this area - the patients are being chemically subdued.
I'm not hoaxing or trying to deter, I'm just saying be careful and watch what you do. I've found all the information from a friend of mine who's mother is a NHS District Manager and who still has control over the general site. Take Care and I look forward to seeing more photos of this beautiful, historic and trouble place

Went yesterday this place is about as isolated as a Mcdonalds in a retail park, there were tons of things round the grounds and not to mention the houses they are building, it's not even that much out of the way it's right next to a village... very disappointing.

My parents were nurses at Hellingly from 1926 to 1942 I was born in 1930 and we lived in a hospital house in New Rd. I would like to contact anyone who can remember those times. Both my parents sang in the hospital choir and my Father ran the Hospital Dance Band,his name was Joe Key. I can remember as a child going to the cinema and variety concerts held in the Hospital Theatre. The Superintendant in those years was Dr. Reid. The gardens and farmlands were often worked by patients with shell shocked conditions from the 1st. w.w. and they wore special blue clothing to set them apart from the other patients. Pat Dean nee. Key

Hey Frank , you seem like a nice boy. Take a train to Polegate . Then take the ghost train right to our door . Or you could follow The Cuckoo Trail ( where the railway was ) if you hired a bike in Polegate.

Hey guys I'm really interested in getting up there but I'm a college student in southampton and I finding it difficult to get up there. Can anyone tell me a relatively easy way of getting there?
thanks

i got in a couple of weeks ago and took loads of pics. didnt even see security. stayed pretty out the way though and didnt go near the water tower as it is nearer security adn didnt want to get caught

Hi ,
came back from hellingly yet again , took loads of photos, demolition is going on , talks about the tower being blown up in a few weeks ...if there is anyone who wants to come along and see this beautiful building and some of the best Graffiti . more than happy to show you a way in if anyone fancys it ....grittjas@aol.com
peace

me e mail is annavr6@hotmail.co.uk if anyone wants to conact me about going

i am going this weekend if anyone wants to come. went down on weds night and found a way to get in. and no one batted an eyelid either

Hi
have been to Hellingly this morning and evening, there is ways to get in , had to dodge the workman as i took photographs tower still standing my next quest ....time is running short.... demolition is under way ... and yes you can still get in just off grove hill park in the car park your nose will lead the way good luck

I want to visit Hellingly in the next few weeks. Have been reading all the advise posted, but I have never been on an exploration - so if there is anyone out there with more advice or is familiar with it and wants to come along, please post back

Checked it out. It's still standing. Just The building itself is pretty generic but as soon as you hit that theatre. Wow. Even the graffiti is worth scouting out for. Easy enough to get into tbh, went around the back. Plenty of holes to climb through just be fricking careful if you do decide to go. don't go if you intend to prat about. that'll seriously be the end of you, it's seriously dilapidated and one wrong footing is so easy to do. Just be mindful of everything and take your time. Peace. x

Hi!

I shot my final collection here last year, absolutely love the place there is something addictive about it! seriously recommend doing a reckie first for a fashion shoot as it is such a vast space and getting garments in and around is a nightmare so it is good to have a plan so you dont loose day light and warmth. Also do not go alone or without at least one guy, bumped into a load of pikees in there and wouldn't have liked it if it had just been a bunch of us girls and the security guard is weird. He actually broke down a door to let us in, i dont know the security guards name but i did a bit of ringing around through the hospital itself and managed to get through to someone, this was last year and unfortunately i have broken my phone and lost the number since then. But it is possible to get in in a safe way, you just have to do a bit of digging, and as far as i know it is still standing (just about) but i doubt it will be for long.

it is a stunning place but there are parts where the floor is literally coming away and this is on higher levels as well as ground so be really careful, but couldnt recommend doing it more. good luck!

hi i dont suppose anyone knows the number or name of the security company so i can call them, or even if this place is still there as i would loveee to do a fashion shoot coming up there?! thanks x

I don't suppose you could provide the name of the Security Co., could you? Thanks.

Hey,

I got in there a few years ago now to take pics. My friends and tried to sneak in time after time with no luck...we kept getting caught until finally i just thought Hey! why not call the security company! That's what i did, i signed a waver and i got a guided tour from someone that knew where was safe and where really wasn't (huge holes in the floors...be careful if you sneak in) amazing amazing place. It was a few years back so maybe they are more strict now but worth a try.

Have fun, stay safe!

iTS STILL THERE BUT NOT FOR LONG GO SOON B4 IT COMES DOWN

Hi all, heard news that this place had already been demolished? can anyone confirm that it is still actually standing? and if so is it impossible to get into these days?

does anyone know any websites where i can get more information about this place? or photos that were taken when it was still in use? thanks

Is is possible to visit this site legitimately to take photo's, save being followed by security guard and dogs? if so does anyone know who I'd contact to get permission?

Hi all, i am hoping to visit Hellingly, can anyone give me advise

I want to go in there for photos for my uni project. I know its unsafe or what ever...but even just one room would be awesome. This is the only place closest to me. I need like photos of close-up eroding walls or whatever. If anyone have a any photos they can donate to me for my project it will great. I am in a first year textiles degree

hiya has anyone been there in thee night time recently? coz me and a few mates were thinking this could be the perfect place for ghost hunting if any one could help us find a way in without getting caught feel free too email me on amber-louise16@hotmail.co.uk thank you

Just airing on the side of caution guys, I can understand why some folk see the appeal of Hellingly Asylum, for the Architecture, history etc,but there are some kids who may be reading this and many others like it, please bare in mind if these individuals follow the masses, they're the ones likely to either be seriously injured or worse case scenario killed in these buildings! Yes I am a Dog handler with a security firm working on a similar site to Hellingly, no hiding the fact, and I have had to go into a building with my dog to trace these kids to get them out, and yup I have found a blood trail leading from a huge hole in the floor were it had given way under their weight! not a pretty sight to be honest guys, imagine finding bloodspattered walls and floor and trying to find them in a derelict unlit, unsafe building that in places could drop at any god given second? With the recent storms we have had countrywide it's made derelict buildings like this even more un safe, not saying don't go to Hellingly, it's your life and your mind, but I would hate to be the guy there wether security or building cotractor who finds someone either seriously wounded or having to tell the Police they Have a body on site!!! It's going to happen sooner or later, thats fact, I just hope it isn't a young lad or girl who thought it would be clever to follow the trend and go see for themselves!

Hey people !

I contacted Flubbera87 about getting some help, and he emailed me a map with the entrance, best route, locations of security huts and routes of their patrols.

I can say that it worked for me a TREAT ! THANK YOU soo much !, got in no fuss or hassle !, all i can say is that i had to forward him my place of work. (as i dont think he will hand it out if you just ask him to ), he called the number to check if i work there (which he asked my permission first to check), I didnt mind as i can understand that he doesnt want security to get hold of the map.

Yeah pretty rubs that it's sounding a lot harder to get in now that, i assume, work has started. As someone asked earlier, if anyone knows about anything similar in the sussex area could you pop me an email at monstersexist at gmail.com by chance?

cheers

xpt

Guys, word of warning ! please no longer discuss on here on ways to get into the old girl as i have heard that the guards nose on this site now. ! !

If you would like anu help PM me on afdawson@tiscali.co.uk and i will try to help.

Thanks for reading !

Well I tried to get into see the ole girl for myself last night to see her for myself and say a final goobye to this marvellous piece of architecture, finally managing to fumble my way across the field at the back only to be greeted by reinforced fencing and the sound of the security approaching, I wasn't going to hang around to be caught and interogated and I certainly wasn't going top wait around to see what was making the mad barking sounds that were accompanying the oncoming guards. Needless to say I was out of breath when I finally got to a safe distance and away from the dog handlers!!
Although I did manage to drive past the security on the main driveway for a closer look at the front of the main enterance, on the way back down I did see the owner of the mad barking sounds from earlier, I was glad I didn't hang around to find out as I saw the ugliest and biggest German shepherd standing with it's handler at the security hut!!!!! You can imagine the thoughts going through my head at the sight of it, Don't fancy it's teeth in my ass. I'll be sorry to see this grand old lady bought to the ground, but at least there are guys who have manged to get photo's of her in the past, for those of you planning to go up there to look for yourselfs, I wouldn't, unless you really fancy meeting the security and the dogs that patrol alongside them.

My GF and I managed to sneak in there Sunday lunchtime.
It was our first visit and it took us a couple of hours to work out how to get close, then get in!
We ended up parking in a small car park called ‘Parkwood’ we then headed along a wooded path and then into the car park in the main complex.
This seemed to be still operational and there were people outside the buildings….some looked like patients!
We just kept walking, bold as brass past the building, past a small football field, then bolted over a fence…kept low and edged closer to the main building.
This is obviously not the way to get in as we could have been spotted several times but we could not find the other route. At this point we were very close to the fence, concealed in the under growth looking for a gap in the fence.
We decided to go for it and just walk on the path until we saw a gap…if we got spotted then so be it!
Then we spotted the burnt out car a few hundred yards on our left in field. This gave me some idea where to go now and I heard there was a gap nearby. We spotted a bit of the fence that had been bent, it was also next to a tree, this where the gap was as the fence stopped.
Nice!...round the fence then into the building…someone had kindly put a cushion on the floor to help our landing!...cheers whomever that was….we were IN!!!.....question is where do we go now!!...we carefully wondered round until we stumbled into the theatre area…that was cool…so much to see…really need to go back now with someone who knows the place. After an hour and a half we had to leave it was getting late and we had not torches etc. We got out no problems..no guards, police etc…they must have been watching Chelsea V Liverpool!

Well, what can i say ? took a couple of hours to get there parked in villiage and walked up to the old girl. From what I saw it looked very impressive !, but thats where it stops.
Security (guy in volkswagen estate) then collered me outside the fenced area and started to give me abuse about people like "us" thinking that we can do what we want ect ect. (he was being quite agressive and threw open his door as to try to scare me back, but failed) Told me to f off. So walked back down the road and turned right by the main road at which point the other guy ( In a black Vauxhall corsa followed me ) I decided to turn back around to try another way but as i passed to main road to the place a police car came screaming up behind me.
Anyway fact is i got stopped they searched me and had a look at my photos that i had taken (while the 2 security guards stood there) and told me i had to delete the pics, but the good ol cops said that they had a look and there were no photos on there and said i had allready deleted them ???? (huh)
TBH if anybody is going back up there soon could you PM me on afdawson@tiscali.co.uk as id like to get into the place and it is a long ways to travel.

Cheers for all you info btw.

I have just got back from there and managed to gain entry to the building on the left had side up the driveway. I parked just past the building on the left hand side. There were quite a few other cars in the area so i think that the area is staffd dury the day on on of the oter nearby buildings. Got some good shots. When i came out, i got nabbed by a couple of security guys who asked me to leave (and delete my pictures... yeah right!!!). I drove off then later parked up in new road at the rear (just south) of the area and the security car slowed down as it passed me. I think they know my face and car, so will porbabl leave it a few days before i giv it another go.

I first went to Hellingly abot 8 years ago when i first started photography. I have my 35mm Pentax SLR, but now i have goe digital i have wanted to return for some time and after reading this blog i realised i'd better do it sooner rather than later. Th first time i went i g some crackin shots, i foun myself in a small corridor and found a white ice skating boot without a scratch on it, just sitting on top of a pile of debris, very surreal. I also found pieces of jigsaw puzzle pieces scattered all over the floor in another room, almost as if a patient was halfway through completing it and was then sent elsewhere, never being able to return top finish it.

Reply to Mr A Crowley... Another great place to visit is the Steyning cement works off the A27 between Brighton and Shoreham, i got some great shots there a few years ago, but went back last week and it looks like they are refurbing it. There were contractors on the gate who didnt like the idea of me coming in when i asked them (i thought what do i have to lose!).

re comments below about the police being called. You could say i have a little knowledge on the subject and can say that it would be unlikely that the police would attend at this point in time. The reason being is that tresspass is a civil matter, not a criminal one (that is unless damage was being caused) and many officers from various areas are being kept busy with the labour party conference in brighton at the moment and i dont think that photographers wandering around wasteland would be high on their priority list.

Hi,

I am so gutted I have only just found out about this place and its to be knocked down!!

Can anyone recommend any other plaves in Sussex?

Cheers

Hellingly has been sold for housing development, and plans have been confirmed to start building...
theres been enough warning on here to grab your chance to see it, YOU DONT HAVE LONG!

Flubbera87 :

The best way to get in is the back, park your car within the village, and follow the dirt track which heads towards the asylum, you can find this on www.bingmaps.com or google maps etc... at the end of the dirt track there is a path follow the path up till you reach a fence, pass through the tight gap and head up along the path, your know when your close when you bump into a burnt out vauxhall frontera, carry on up the path and when you reach the fence go right and follow it along till you find a gap... by this time the shere size of hellingly is apparent. and you can the choose which way you'd like to get in ... just make sure you can remember the route back once your in =]

ocassionally you may bump into people who know the place like myself so probs better to tag along with them, if its ur first visit

dont go there during the day though its pointless, doesn't have its atmosphere then

head up as its starting to get dark, keeep your tourches low till your in the building

See you there !

There are No mentally ill people on the site of hellingly just making that quite clear, there could be ghost 's or spirits if you beleive that type of stuff... and there probably is deffo in the rooms where the restraining beds are !

Great pictures & enjoyed reading everyones comments, for anyone that is interested I found a website that has video footage of inside Hellingly, posted a month ago.
www.vimeo.com

elo people my name is andrew i have been in hellingly lods of time but the construction has started on the building and i will be gone in 3 weeks time so they are keeping there security up 2 ship shape if u do go up there do not go up at day time cause there is so many people up there night is the best but even then there is people there there are new cctv that goes straight to the police and they walk around with police dogs all they time i know this cause i went up there 2 days ago and got stopped the guy that stopped us was well all right but they are really on the look out cause of halloween they said they where going to have somthing like 50 units there on that night cause of what happened there last year if u would like to know any thing else add me on msn scobbydoo5@hotmail.com and i will tell u more cause i know my way round that place in pitch black without a tourch cause we have run off to scare are mates lol

just add me if u wanna know more thanks for reading

Can i just clarify what is the best way to get in at the moment ?, If anybody knows it would help alot . Im hoping to get there around 5is sat afternoon. Ive only got one friend comming as the other chickend out ?..(Maybe because of the experience we had a few weeks ago else where)

Its going to be my first time going to this place as it is a little way for me to go, so would like to be able to get in ?

Help me please !

CHEERS

me and a few friends whent alomg to hellingly asylum on monday evening. we drove along the drive and instantly got spotted by security who followed us in their car. we were able to get into one building by treking through the park wood but this was a bit difficult due to the holly bushes. the building we found had a big skip outside and a load of broken tv's and fridges. not sure what this building was used for but found a common room and upstairs there seemed to be some bedrooms. as it was getting dark we didn't stay long but my friend took some photo's. would love to explore again before it gets knocked down and would really like to see some of the other buildings but not sure how to access these other than going along The Drive.

p.s the site is still used to house and treat forensic patients and so the are is busy during working hours.

Hey Slaughts.

Me and a couple of friends may be joining you as we are hoping to be there sometime this weekend. Not sure when as traveling from Hampshire. Cant wait.

May see you there !

Would love to do a paranormal investigation at Hellingly asylum but from what I have read here, it doesn't look like that will happen. Does anyone know who I might be able to contact, hopefully before the demolition begins, as to wether we can get permission do do a vigil? Please, please someone must know

Havn't got long left guys! Latest from "CAMHS" (Child and adultlesent mental health service of East Sussex) this is the company that use to run hellingly... the building is soon going to be knocked down, and either be sold on by CAMHS to housing development, or become the new headquaters for CAMHS....

Do not miss out on your last chance, we will be there friday, saturday and/maybe sunday night ( 11- 3am), feel free to join us explore the water tower, the basement tunnels, the great hall and much more...DONT forget a tourch though

those that plan on going then or before, the BACK route through the woods is the best way to get in...

Thanks Joe, Chris, Ell ...

a couple of days ago me and a couple of people trecked it all the way through the woods and across the field as when i first came to see the asylum me and a friend got follwed by the security guard and dog in our car and were told to get permission ,on second attempt(the back way) we managed to get in no problem !the fencing around it was open at the back and we just slipped in through a window, we came across some other people taking photos wich defently scared us until we realsied they wernt security!or anyone els what an amazing place for photograpghy! would have liekd to stay longer but was getting dark so left,but defently going to try and go back and search teh whole place as its too big for only a couple of hours exploring!

hellooo peeps i went to the hellingly aslym yesterday and there was one security bloke there with no dogs! he wudnt let us in the building because of our saftey. but he sed you can but as soon as u cross the fence he wud call the ol bill. he did say he wud go in and take pitures for us but tht aint the same. so we found a way in thu the wood but the bloke herd us and put the fence back up and he drove towards the hospital too look for us but we wasnt in there thn we ran out. he also sed its getting knocked down 2day shame realy.
took some gr8 pictures frm the out side tho but freaky loads of orbs and one on of the pictures had 666 across it strange it was all in lights. take a look urself link to the picture - www.facebook.com
would of liked to go inside.

Hey guys

Just thought i'd let you know - some comments from here have made front page of the Sussex Express on an article on people trespassing the place. Seems they picked the last comment left (as many lazy journalists do!)

I was in there for over 3 hours within the last week - the only other person I saw was another photographer.

No visible sign of any security guards. And I made 2 trips up the drive and back in a car + 1 on foot before going in (at around midday during the week.

If you are observant it is very easy to get in without disturbing any of the fences.

I sincerely hope the demolition doesn't go ahead in September as I would really like the opportunity to go back - so for me, fingers crossed they postpone it till October.

@thesoph - the derelict buildings obviously do not still house patients, but you do have Ashen hill secure unit (and maybe others) practically on the same site.

whats all this stuff about patients escaping and how it still houses patients? seriously please explain i dont understand.

i went twice last year and the place is completly deralict, was amazing though. i was so scared walking through, it was the middle of the night and we had one torch between 5 people, shining the torch down one corridor and then the others being pitch black, we all had a feeling we were being watched. we went into the childrens nursery and theres kids drawings all over the walls, we heard a massive rumble and we all ran out.

Sadly Hellingly is getting demolished in September, you will find it very hard to get in now. They DO have 24 hours gaurds (with dogs), the gaurds are freindly enough if you do decide to go and get cought. We got cought at 2am in the morning in the pissing rain.

I have been there 6 or 7 times, only up until the beggining of August it was easy to get in.

FYI the gaurd office is the area with the big blue fence, if you do go DON'T explore the smaller hospital as it is on lock down, you may get away with getting into the bigger hospital if you don't mind a trek through some woods (and a marsh) to get there.

i am planning to go there this week. does anybody know how to get there? i am from london. i have got a train ticket to polegate, but where to go from polegate?
cheers

Hellingly Hospital is being knocked down and replaced by 400 homes in the very near future so I thought I would let you know incase any of you wanted to go and visit it before this happens!

i camped in the grounds the past two nights, it easier to get in the back way through a gap in the metal fence and following the path through a forest till you reach a burnt out car then cross a field until you reach another fence. There was some security and they do patrol all around the site as a few time i had to hide when they drove past the windows. Me and a few mates were in there for hours and its massive, also we saw a security man in the building and just ran off. If you have a walkie talkie you can listen in to the security, also its sooo much easier getting in the back.

Been followed by a plain black van wiith a vent on the roof. probably an attempt at a subtle security dog unit? Also found these minutes from the local council, clicky dated march 09. of interest is paragraph 26.09 :

The Council noted the draft Minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting of 23rd
February. including the dangerous situation of the former Golden Martlett pub and that
Cllr Hughes had drawn attention, at the previous Council meeting, to the danger of the
Hellingly hospital site since the security guards had been withdrawn. The Council also
noted that these matters were being dealt with by the Planning and Environment Committee.

Does anyone have extra info on the state of the security contract?

Oop, just checked out google maps.... we were in the little building to the left of the main one XD That was big enough to get lost in, but deffo going back to explore the main area. Need up to date info about security tho, post if ya been there recently guys!

I was there last night... didnt see anyone else or any security.... was about 9.30-11.00pm

Also, is it split up into lots of buildings, we explored the one right by the road, on the other side of the fence, and didnt see/hear anyone, or security. Also, we couldnt find half the stuff in the pictures, including the huge main hall lol... I have no idea how we missed it unless its in another seperate building.

Also, that place is insane! got lost so easily, and when we were heading for the window we came in through, i thought it was not only on the left side of the corridor (it was on the right) but also that we were heading for it in the opposite direction we were actually going.. that place spins you out, its all those diagonal corridors.

Also, be on the lookout for a hole in the wall that leads you out of a wardrobe... or into narnia!

has anyone got a floor plan for it?

I went there last night! was amazing atmoshere heard a few spooky unexplainable noises but nothing major!..was such a beautiful place, but be warned the security were watching us in there and as soon as we came out we got caught and a few of us did get arrested as they called the police. So be warned the place is beautiful and very amazing but wasnt nice when we got caught we were in there a good few hours!
Police even told us that it will guarded 24hours a day now and they are getting a unit there to hold dogs. But if they do that thats another matter. But a marvellous site!
i have also seen the bowl with the bone, think it was definately put there by some pranksters...but sadly the room where that was has been badly damaged now by a recent fire,
The graffiti is just superb up there really amazing artwork.

I first went here with my mum, brother and my step dad and i was about 13, so it was about 5 years ago possibly longer. i was naive? when i first went as i believed that it was in still working order. It was not difficult to get in the first time which is good because i am small. i just rember walking around in such oar of the place it was amazing, i have been there a couple of times since, but refused to go in one day as had a bad feeling about the place and since then never been back. i think it is because i had a recurring dream of old floor boards falling away. When we went we took things we found like a souviners, we had a jug which is in my mums bedroom. we also found loads of docuemnts that we looked at, so interesting. my brother has recently been in there and found a bone in a bowl which was full of red liquid, which he said was blood, they have a photo to prove it. im guessing pranksters? also he was sick all of that night when he got home not sure why. just thought that i would share my experinece with you all Wish i could go back but my feet wont go there

next week were of well excited been there once before been there 1 before but got a bit freaked by a painting on the wall of a mentall patient scary stuff!!

Would suggest caution when going to site as private land and security dogs about. Also remember it still houses mentally ill patients who roam the grounds. The buildings are beautiful but derelict and dangerous. If you are injured it willbe your own fault and if on your own, could lie injured for weeks without being found!

I was planning to go to Hellingly asylum with a few friends to get some good photo snaps for my portfolio, but I was wondering does anyone know when it is going to get knocked down? And is it easy to avoid security? Thanks

Does anyone know how to get into the tower?

I went there today for the first time and it looks amazing! (Even though we only went in one building ) Some of it has certainly changed since these photos were taken on here. It looks so surreal!

i went to hellingly hostpital first time about a month ago now and we found away in but only had a quick look as it was getting dark we returned another day and explored for 6 hours and manged to aqwire a body bag ,a dinner suit and some very fire damaged clothes and paper work which my friend quite happly dragged all the way home . it was so beautifull it was defentley worth it .unfortantly next time we went to go back we got half way there and crashed our car luckly we all lived to tell the tale but we killed the car so we cant go back for some time .but so glad i went it was trully amazing.

me an a few mates made trip up to see the sights was just getting foggy and dark looked very inpresive only found one way in though was about to go in but some mates got freacked must do it in day light as well.

any tips or any other place to visit in area??

Tried to access Hellingly Hospital but got stopped by security with dogs. Not best pleased as it looks like a great place to explore. I will have to try again some other time. Any tips about getting access much appreciated.

Also, If anyone has suggestions of derelict places to visit in the East Sussex area I would be very grateful. Already done the Mill in Hailsham.

Went there yesterday for the first time, absolutely brilliant i suggest everyone takes the time to experience this building.
no security whatsoever and a few groups of people walking round, someone had in fact sawn down the front steel fence so it was very very easy to get in.
I got a bit freaked out in places but overall, what an awesome place!

10 of us made the mission of visiting this place we managed to explore the upper rooms, the hall, tunnels and tower and all i can say isDON'T MISS OUT GRAB YOUR CHANCE TO SEE IT BEFORE ITS RE-DEVELOPED.
But take into account the structure of the building, it has weak floors visable from the holes everywhere and roofs which are collapsing in so my advice would be see it but stay safe & sensible & enjoy it's amazing creppy atmosphere.

"Cake awaits" was a pretty good one. I also quite liked "Frea K" and "MY ROOM". Although I agree in principle with the Urbex 'don't damage anything' motto, without prior visits from those with saw and axe, you would not be able to access much of the building, as the wards were gradually sealed off while the hospital was being wound down. If you stop off at Hailsham library on your next visit they have a special file of newspaper clippings of Hellingly which is really fascinating. I'd be quick, as the land has been acquired for re-development. But like Netherne Asylum they intend to keep as many of the buildings as possible (which is probably how they obtained planning permission).

Aquemini, you need to find the base of the tower in order to access the tunnels. Some tunnels are easily navigable, however, some are full of large pipes and various plumbing and can be difficult to get through. Make sure there are plenty of batteries for your torch - if you get too far and run out, you might not make it back. Really.

Hellingly is a special, timeless place. There's no real sense of past or future, and all that remains is the lawless now. You can't really blame the vandals and souveneir hunters; at Hellingly destruction is a form of creation. And the territorial pissings you refer to is even more strongly felt here. I guess whoever goes there needs to satisfy their obsession by leaving something behind or taking something away. I certainly did.

On a side note, I'd be keen to know if anyone explored The Albion Hotel on the Eastbourne seafront circa 1992 before it was renovated. The last time I was there, my friend and I were on the forth or fith floor when a hammering sound started from somewhere below. In our panic we got horribly, wonderfully, lost down these devastated corridors and unlikely staircases. Maybe twenty minutes later we found the entrance/exit, and five council workers with hammers and plywood come to seal up the building. So I get to say I was the last person to explore The Albion. I doubt I will get to say the same about Hellingly.

Was also there on Friday 22nd, same day as Cazpoo - didn't see you either - great snaps you've taken

Went in around the back; not one security guard and fence conveniently already broken. Found it harder to get out of the place.

Its a shame some of the best spectacles happen to be the Graffiti.

I'd be interested to know about the underground tunnels you can access from Hellingly, anyone have snaps or details on these?

has anyone seen or had ay scary unexplainable experiences here?

Went there on Friday 22nd, spent five hours there and never saw a sole, had a fantastic time. Have a look at my pics www.flickr.com

iv taken about sixty pics of the hospital went up in the tower aswell which is a bit dangerous now , if any1 wants to see the pictures thier all on facebook add me im andy maplesden london network .. nicole did u find out much info about the low budget horror??

I live almost on top of the Hospital and go there everyday, its the most magnificent place with astounding architecture. Sadly it has been purchased by a developer and is due to all be flatened soon to make way for 600 houses, it's criminal and how the hell they got permission is beyond me. Access is very easy, there are signs up warning of security etc but in 3 years I have only ever spotted one guard and he didn't even look twice at me. Yes it is guarded by fences but they are in a very bad state of repair and constantly falling down in bad weather and not repaired for weeks on end. I admit it is a little concerning when one of the patients escape but hey it keeps life exciting I guess and if you live life worrying about what might happen then you wont ever do anything. If anyone is thinking about paying a visit then my advice is do it now before it all gets lost in history, the security guards cant do anything apart from ask you to leave if they do bother to patrol, and even if the police were called all your going to get is a slap on the wrist for trespassing I guess. I have loads of pictures of the outside of the site but admit I never have been in myself, does anyone know who owns the hi resolution images on this site of the interior as I would be interested in having copies myself.

i would not go up there tomorrow or for a week or so will be loads of police as some1 has escaped.... its all over the news!

Does anyone know if you can still access, I was planning to go to take photos tomorrow

they have put up a new fence @ the front of the biulding. it is spiked with 3 prongs.

i went to the asylum today and what an amazing place. it was very easy to get in and no security guards were around. a few guys were filming a low budget horror film and a some other explorers were spotted as well. well worth a visit!!!!!

i went to hellingly hospital today found a way in but did eventually get in by security as we were workin on the outskirts needed access to the grounds,i got in looked around and got out before security got thier they were not around all day either so its pretty easy,check out my pics on my facebook add me if ya like andy maplesden london network

Hey been hellingly a few times now its awesome! me and 4 mates went last night and was by far the scariest time we have been there! the first thing that freaked us out was we was looking out one of the windows then when we got are heads back in there we saw 2 white doves and they was flapping around hitting the celling walls and comeing towards us!!!!! then the 2nd thing that by far we was freaked out by was... we was walking towads the main hall we was in a line me and someone else was at the back and the others was abit ahead they went to go into the hall when they startid shouting and running we didont know what the hell was happening so we ran like hell! but then we thought sod it we will go back and have a look so we all went back and saw it! it was the devil sign on the floor with candles at all the points! didnot expect that!!!!! click this link to check it out! after we saw it we decided to leave!!!

comment back what you think!click this link to check it out!

i have been twice this week, on both times i parked in a layby and followed a nature walk around the whole site untill i was right round the back of the main building, then i just climbed through a gap in the fence and through a downstairs window, saw no security, and alos found sevral other groups walking around

hope this helps

We went in yesterday but it was really tricky to get in, managed to get in under a fence in the end but ended up getting attacked by lots of holly bushes.
Didn't see any security but we only managed to get into one building, the nearest to the main security gate, and in there a lot of the floors had fallen through so we didn't manage to get to see much at all. What looked like the main building had another metal fence around it, and a walk around the whole perimeter of the fence offered no obvious openings so we turned back. Disappointing!

I went to the hospital today as I wanted to show my grilfreind how big the place is. Could not believe that the whole place was fenced off. I remember the place when it was open as my mum used to work there, so I have been in the wards when they where open. Used to spend alot of time at the social club there, also i think I used to go to a cresh there. Does anybody know what it is going to be made into. Can you still access any of the grounds, I used to love playing in them as a child. Also used to love the tennis courts.

Visited the site yesterday. Access was straightforward since the fence right at the front of the admin block had been pushed competely over and we were able to walk straight in. We were there for a couple of hours and managed to explore some of the site downstairs to the left of the ballroom and then spent quite a while longer looking around the upstairs wards and classrooms. However the ever present threat of being caught by security (whom we could see gearing up for the next patrol from the upstairs windows) was a little unnerving. Added to the generally oppressive nature of the place, we decided to vacate before we'd had time to explore the downstairs corridors in more detail. We emerged into daylight to find that the fence had been put back up (security are very clearly still active within the grounds especially at the front of the site) and had to lift the fence and crawl underneath in order to get out!!

I guess we got lucky yesterday with access. Been up to the site a few times before and sometimes the fences are all up and there is no obvious way in from the front.

Given the huge amount of genuine interest in this site from urban explorers and photographers, I can't see why the developers, Charles Church, don't grant official access to those wanting to tour and document a fantastic building with true historical worth before it is completely destroyed by vandals and the elements (or the wrecking ball!). It is quickly disintegrating now an it can only be a matter of time before all of it's character is lost forever.

I'm planning a photo trip to Hellingly in the near future, it'd be my first time so if anyone else is going in the next couple of weeks (would help if you've been before), let me know and maybe we can sort a meet-up. If anyone has any information on gaining access/best times to go etc I'd be grateful bluemidget42@hotmail.com
Cheers

I am keen to learn more about this asylum if anybody ihas any interresting information about it i am fascinated with the history behind ir and would be greatfull, email me at harry-1990@live.co.uk

Went there yesterday very blustry day .. rather scary actually hearing doors slam behind you the best time to go if you can is during the week. The first time we went was on a sunday, got some beautifull photos the weather was stunning and hot but yesterday was by far more interesting, we managed to explor a lot more than we did on our first visit. I am very unsure about the security - the two times we have been there we haven't seen any but the new building which is on the far north side of the building has a lot of cars outside it and id say thats what you have to look out for

me n some friends have been there twice in the last week, havent seen any security, just a few fellow photographers and explorers. but i guess its just down to luck. sunday seems to be the best day though?

OMG be careful they have really stepped up security recently!

They got all sorts of stuff up there saw some with riot gear on the other day

Didn't think the NHS was that tough

Great pic's on ere though

For anybody planning to visit soon security has been non-existense recently. The fence round the outside has been broken and we managed to walk straight in without any problems - even the doors into the building are unlocked

Watch the floors - we climbed up inside the water tower and part of the wooden staircase collapsed......

omg i went there like ages ago now with loadz of other people but it was still well scary my mates mum used to work there an apparently ther was some right nut jobs who were the!!!!!

its so good there so if u aint been u gotta go there!!!

Hi guys first visit to this site can't beleieve what a sorry state Hellingly is now in having worked there between 1981-1989 on a ward called southview villa, which i think is still open although not sure what it's function in my time it was a ward for 18 male patients with learning disabilities, I do beleive these patients were at one time on the wards in the main building. I have lots of found memories working and living at Hellingly both in Tennyson House nice and handy for the social club and then the big move to the female nusres home were we occupied the whole of the top floor. And playing the grand piano in the main with no one but myself. I remember with a mate steve spending the afternoon in the hall raising up the silver screen which was on a roll laid accross the front part of the stage lowering the pullys and hoisting the screen to the top of the ceiling there was no real reason why as there was no projection equipment. Then to our horror we could not lower it, there was lots of questions at the time but we denied it. but it was really funny at the time Ps I still have my origional male pass key.

go onto google maps and search hellingly, change the terrain to one that just shows the road markings.
look at hellingly village compared to were the actual site and look at driving down new road by crossing straight over the two way crossing then take the first right. this leads to the back entrance of the building, go round the gate or over and carry on up the path until you see the building, there is no security that side when we went in as they stay around the front. from here you can go where ever you want. we weven went around the front and did not get confronted. go in the morning and its nto freaky, also you will end up staying all day and not worry at all

Any information about sec u rity would be greatly appreciated: alexanderroycarr@hotmail.com

i'd love to get in for my A2 photography project on discord, it would be perfect.

Hi, i went to hellignly yesterday, with loadsa people, jamie fitzsimmons, rosie phipps, james clark, baz hunt, sam locks, sarah holland. we got there at about half 11 and stayed until around 4pm. it was a well good day, and surprisingly the only time that we were scared was when we first entered as it was all of our first time. Most of us were doign this trip as a photography project and we all got some great shots. we firstly got lost a bit because of the lengthy corridoors and the persisitance to make sure we covered as much ground as possible.
sdoem parts are dark but what i foudn most interestign was how well the place was kept considering this place is pretty much open to anyone and yet there was not a lot of new rubbish and was interestignt to see all of the old technology left or broken up but still in its semi right place.
the winding corridoors got confuising as they all seemed tro lead to the what looked liek the same place.

we alos went to the the side buildign that sits just down the road, this part was pitch black because most of the boards on the groudn floor where still fixed on. but upstairs the windows ahve been pulled out. watch out for the missing floor boards as a lot of them have fallen through and we foudn we had to jump between solid parts.

we were also fixated in seeing the great hall, so we went back to explore and determinly find it. eventaully we did and foudn the burnt out floors, the stage was covered with brilliant graffiti. sam locks also decided to drop a boudler of conrete that he found from the top of the main hall, accessible by a scarily steep flight of wooden stairs. he dropped it and it still didnt break the floor!

overall it was a great experience and we are definetly thinking of doign an all nighter in the great hall, or even just coem back fro another visit. we did nto have any toruble with guards and police but i would suggest beign prepared to hide because it is easy to get for them as well.

The last security check is around 7:30pm and the best place to get in is right at the front of the admin building.There's a new-ish building called woodside right near it but the staff leave around the same time as security. the fences are down and you can walk round to a sort of archway and from there on there's loads of broken windows to climb through. After that the whole place is your playground!!

hi guys im in a paranormal team called tpi in staffordshire, looking to investigate an asylum. Do you know who owns hellingly asylum . could you please mail me as much info about getting access ect. would really apreciate it.

regards
nicky

Hi guys,

Me and my friend have been there once to scout out the grounds (as is normal practice for his shoots) and whilst there we parked in the lay-by for the dog walkers.

We must have been there towards the mid/end of Nov and we followed the path of the dog walkers, who seemed all to relaxed and friendly towards two 20 year olds casually walking around the muddy paths (the only ones without the proper shoes). Whilst walking along me and my friend found the sec urity very lax and half way down the fence even stopped! Alas on closer inspection it turned out this part was still in use/refurbished.

Never the less we carried on walking the outskirts of this part of the grounds all the way down to the river at the bottom by the field and decided this was the wrong approach to the hospital.

Unfortunately after this scout there were a few complications and uncertainty if the project was even going to stop and not be finished. Anyway, all that has now been sorted and we're heading back in due course but im now hunting around trying to dig up as much recent information on a ent rance and any sec urity we should be worried about.

I would be really grateful for any of this information that you might have asap, so if you do can you please email me at closerthangod@hotmail.co.uk.

Any advice or other relevant information is also greatly appreciated!

Thanks guys!

we're trying to get into hellingly hosp, was driving around for about four hours trying to find it. can anyone describe what it looks like from the outside please? we went past a place with two huge stone eagles and big black gates and thought that might've been it but it wasnt. then we got to a run down old pub by a railway type bridge where we heard footsteps and chains.

if you can help can you e-mail me - clean.young.mess@hotmail.co.uk
thankyouu.

I have been visiting the grounds of hellingly since 1995, i first went in the hospital in 1999, i still go down there to this day, It was in far better condition back then some parts were still pretty mint, i wish i had taken pictures back then, sad the state it is in now but it is still great fun to visit now, im thinking of visiting various other asylums around the country fairly soon.