Copthorne is a small village in the Mid Sussex District of West Sussex lying on the borders of West Sussex and Surrey. It gets its name from the Old English word ‘coppede porn’ which means ‘capped or pollarded thorn tree’. Steeped in history, it is rumoured that Copthorne Common was a haunt for smugglers from the south coast who stashed their contraband in the woods, conscious that it was easy to step over the county border and escape any pursuing constabulary. Another piece of history in the surrounding area is
the memorial water trough which is now filled with colourful flowers at Keepers Corner, Burstow. The trough was created in 1903 and funded by William Tebb to commemorate the 400,000 horses killed and wounded during the 1899-1902 Boer War.

Copthorne offers a village atmosphere but is also ideally situated for those who prefer the brighter lights of London and Brighton having road and rail links just a stones throw away. This sociable village has a lively carnival which has been running every year for over half a century, where the streets play host to floats, dancers and colourful characters as well as a selection of stalls and games.

Copthorne offers a range of local shops including a Post Office. Unique to Copthorne is Olivers Coffee and Wine Shop which sells a wide range of beers, spirits and champagnes. You can sample 24 different wines from their tasting machines and also enjoy good food which is served throughout the day and into the evening. Within the village there is a range of local pubs including The Cherry Tree country pub and restaurant, which is over 400 years old. The nearby town of East Grinstead, is approximately 6 miles to the south east and offers a wider range of retail outlets including a Waitrose, Sainsburys, Boots and WH Smiths to name but a few and has a Farmers Market every Thursday from 9.00am-2.00pm selling a wide range of fresh produce.

Copthorne Kinders Day Nursery in Copthorne Road, looks after children from 3 months to 5 years. The nursery also offers an Out of School Club where parents can collect and drop off for Fairway Infant School and Copthorne Junior School. They also run a Holiday Club for 3-11 year olds and a creche. Fairway Infant School situated in the Fairway in Copthorne, caters for children from Reception Class through to Year 2 and Copthorne Primary School caters for children from the age of 3-11 years. Copthorne Preparatory School which is an independent school caters for children from the age of 2-13 years. For secondary education Imberhorne School in East Grinstead is a coeducational school for pupils aged 11-18 years and has an outstanding Ofsted report. For further education the University of Sussex in Brighton offers under-graduate, masters and PHD courses.