Haywards Heath Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Haywards Heath with this comprehensive tour guide featuring places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and safety tips.


Introduction to Haywards Heath

Located in West Sussex, Haywards Heath is a bustling market town with a rich history and culture. The town is surrounded by picturesque countryside and provides visitors with ample opportunities to explore and discover its unique offerings. From natural attractions to culturally significant landmarks, Haywards Heath has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Haywards Heath

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Borde Hill Garden: A magnificent garden with stunning views of the countryside. The garden features a variety of plants, flowers, and trees, as well as a Victorian walled garden, woodland walks, and a café.
  • St Wilfrid’s Church: A 19th-century Anglican church with a rich history and stunning architectural design.
  • Haywards Heath Museum: A small museum located in the town center that exhibits the history and culture of Haywards Heath and its surrounding areas.
  • Ouse Valley Viaduct: A historic railway viaduct offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Natural Attractions of Haywards Heath: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Ashdown Forest: A tranquil forest with walking trails, cycling routes, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It is also the setting for A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh stories.
  • Ditchling Beacon: The third-highest point in the South Downs, offering panoramic views of the South Coast, the Downs, and the Weald.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Haywards Heath

Haywards Heath and its surrounding areas offer an extensive network of hiking and biking trails, providing visitors with opportunities to explore the stunning landscape of West Sussex. Some recommended routes include:

  • The South Downs Way: A 101-mile-long trail that runs from Winchester to Eastbourne, offering breathtaking views of the South Downs landscape.
  • The Forest Way: A 10-mile-long trail that runs from East Grinstead to Groombridge, offering scenic views of the countryside.

Best Things to Do in Haywards Heath: Activities and Tours

  • Balcombe Viaduct: Take a stroll along this historic railway viaduct, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Franklands Village: A charming village with picturesque cottages, gardens, and historic buildings.
  • Nature Reserves: Haywards Heath and its surrounding areas are home to several nature reserves, offering opportunities for birdwatching and nature walks.
  • Rock Climbing: The nearby East Grinstead Sports Club provides rock climbing facilities for enthusiasts.
  • Golfing: Haywards Heath Golf Club offers visitors an impressive 18-hole course.

Week-Long Itinerary for Haywards Heath

Day 1: Visit Borde Hill Garden and St Wilfrid’s Church Day 2: Explore the Haywards Heath Museum Day 3: Take a scenic walk in Ashdown Forest Day 4: Cycle the Forest Way Day 5: Take a tour of the Ouse Valley Viaduct Day 6: Play a round of golf Day 7: Visit Ditchling Beacon

Food and Drink Scene of Haywards Heath

Must-Try Dishes

  • Sussex Pond Pudding: A traditional English steamed pudding with a sweet filling of lemon and brown sugar, served with custard.
  • Chichester Pasty: A savory pasty filled with beef, onions, and potatoes, and cooked in a pastry crust.
  • West Sussex Lamb: An iconic dish made with locally-reared lamb, served with roasted potatoes, carrots, and a mint sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Harveys Sussex Best Bitter: A locally brewed beer with a distinctive fruity aroma and a rich, earthy flavor.
  • Chilgrove Gin: A premium gin made from locally-sourced botanicals, including watercress and mint.
  • Ridgeview Sparkling Wine: A locally produced sparkling wine made from chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier grapes, with a crisp and refreshing flavor.

Where to Stay in Haywards Heath: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Birch Hotel: A family-run hotel located in the heart of Haywards Heath, offering comfortable rooms and a welcoming atmosphere.
  • The Wheatsheaf Inn: A picturesque country inn located in the charming village of Cuckfield, offering comfortable rooms and delicious meals.
  • Gravetye Manor: A historic manor house set in 1000 acres of magnificent gardens and woodland, offering luxury accommodations and fine dining.

What to Buy in Haywards Heath: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Sussex Trug Basket: A handcrafted basket made from locally-sourced materials.
  • Bluebell Perfume: A fragrant perfume made from locally grown bluebells.
  • Sussex Cheese: A range of locally produced cheeses, including Sussex Slipcote and Sussex Charmer.

Local Culture and Customs of Haywards Heath

Haywards Heath has a rich cultural heritage, with many traditions and customs that are still observed today. Some notable customs include:

  • May Day Celebrations: A traditional celebration that takes place on the first Monday in May, featuring dancing, music, and a crowning of the May Queen.
  • Festival of Arts: A biennial festival that showcases the work of local artists and performers.

Best Time to Visit Haywards Heath

The best time to visit Haywards Heath is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the countryside is in full bloom.

Do’s and Don’ts of Haywards Heath

Do:

  • Do explore the town’s rich cultural heritage and natural attractions.
  • Do try the traditional local dishes and beverages.
  • Do take advantage of the extensive network of hiking and biking trails.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or damage the natural attractions and cultural landmarks.
  • Don’t forget to respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Don’t forget to wear appropriate clothing and footwear when exploring the outdoors.

Safety and Health

Safety in Haywards Heath

Haywards Heath is generally a safe town, with low levels of crime. However, visitors should take the usual precautions, such as not leaving valuables unattended and avoiding walking alone at night.

Health in Haywards Heath

Haywards Heath has several medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. Visitors should take the usual precautions, such as wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated when exploring the outdoors.

Getting to Haywards Heath: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Haywards Heath

The nearest airports to Haywards Heath include Gatwick Airport and London Heathrow Airport.

Bus Stations Near Haywards Heath

Haywards Heath is served by several bus stations, including the Haywards Heath Bus Station and the Victoria Bus Station.

Other Options

Other transportation options include trains, taxis, and rental cars.

How to Get Around in Haywards Heath

Haywards Heath is a small town, and most attractions are within walking distance. However, visitors can also use buses, taxis, or rental cars to get around.

Where to Go Next from Haywards Heath: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Brighton: A vibrant seaside city with a rich cultural heritage, including the Royal Pavilion and the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery.
  • Tunbridge Wells: A historic spa town with picturesque parks, gardens, and a variety of cultural landmarks.
  • London: The capital city of England with an endless array of attractions, including museums, galleries, theaters, and historical landmarks.

Conclusion

Haywards Heath is a charming town with a rich cultural heritage and natural attractions. Whether you’re interested in history and culture, outdoor adventures, or simply relaxing in a scenic setting, Haywards Heath has something to offer. Use this comprehensive tour guide to plan your trip to Haywards Heath and make the most of your visit to this unique part of West Sussex.

Balcombe Viaduct brick piers Balcombe Viaduct brick piers