Wealden is a large rural district,  encompassing a large number of settlements and communities. It has a dispersed and varied settlement pattern with a choice of a number of small market towns, villages and hamlets. Each settlement has its own unique characteristics and functions, depending on its location and historical influences.

Five main towns are identified within Wealden namely Crowborough, Hailsham, Heathfield, Polegate and Uckfield.

Unlike other Districts, Wealden is not dominated by any one of its towns and overall it is a District of many centres.

The close proximity of larger places outside of the District including Brighton and Hove, Eastbourne, Tunbridge Wells and Crawley/ Gatwick means that Wealden's towns have not grown to be significant centres in the South East. These larger settlements outside the District exert a significant influence in terms of providing for jobs, health care, leisure, further education and shopping.

The towns generally serve the local population, with interactions between smaller settlements and towns and between the towns themselves.

The High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the South Downs National Park together cover some 60% of the District, in formal recognition of its landscape quality.

Countryside attractions include the South Downs National Park, Ashdown Forest, High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Pevensey Levels.