Haywards Heath Area Attractions Bluebell Railway Sheffield Park Priests House

The Bluebell Railway

Both Haywards Heath and East Grinstead serve as perfect bases from which to access one of Britain's best treasured heritage steam railways - The Bluebell Railway. The Bluebell line, currently from Sheffield Park Station through stops at Horsted Keynes, Kingscote and with extension plans to East Grinstead, was the first preserved standard gauge passenger railway to open in Britain in 1960.

The line from Sheffield Park to Kingscote Station is currently 10 miles long, with a return trip usually lasting around 90 minutes. The opening of this part of the old Lewes to East Grinstead line (part of the wider London Brighton & South Coast Railway) was an inspiration for many other heritage railways across Britain which followed the Bluebell's example. Sit within heritage Victorian Metropolitan Railway coaches or 1920s Southern Railway-liveried SECR and LBSCR coaches and enjoy the stunning journey through the heart of the Sussex High Weald countryside. The route crosses bridges over the River Ouse, through a tunnel at Sharpthorne Village to Kingscote Station. Extensions are currently underway to push the line to East Grinstead. For details on attractions and facilities at each station stop see the Bluebell's webguide.

For adults and children alike, the Bluebell Railway is one of Sussex's top and most popular attractions. Ample parking and a railway museum, cafe restaurant, real ale bar and heritage rail shop are situated at Sheffield Park Station which is located just a mile from the National Trust's Sheffield Park Garden designed by master landscaper 'Capability' Brown. Line tickets offer unlimited travel on the day of your visit and combined Bluebell Railway and Sheffield Park Entrance tickets are also available. The Bluebell Railway caters outstandingly well for children with a full programme of children's activities through the summer months including magic shows and find the teddy bears. Special events are also numerous and include Mothers Day Cream Teas, Vintage Transport Weekends, Wizard Weekends, Victorian Picnics and Bluebell Family Fun Weekends. Heritage trains run all year round along the Bluebell line (check the Bluebell Railway's webguide right for a detailed timetable). Santa Specials during the Christmas period are a favourite, with every child visited by Santa on the train and all receiving a present. Children's entertainers are also on-board and you can have your photo taken with Santa at Kingscote Station. Santa Specials run from early December through to Christmas Eve.

The Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park Station, East Sussex, TN22 3QL. Tel for general enquiries. 01825 720800 or for Timetable information tel. 01825 720825 (24 hours). A regular bus service runs from East Grinstead to Kingscote Station. See details via the Bluebell Railway's webguide.

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Sheffield Park 'Capability' Brown Landscaped Gardens

Located just 1 mile from Sheffield Park Station on the Bluebell Railway Line is the spectacular Sheffield Park Garden owned by the National Trust. Many choose to walk from the station to the park.

The hand of genius landscape gardener 'Capability' Brown is visible around many a stately home in Britain. He is credited as England's greatest landscape gardener, and from the 1750s spawning the very unique style called 'English Landscape Garden. Serpentine shaped lakes, a distinct feature of his style, are here at Sheffield Park Garden designed by 'Capability' Brown in the 18th century.

Around the four original lakes sit waterfalls and cascades, all year round colour including seasonal bluebells, rhododendrons and the special National Collection of Ghent azaleas. Sheffield Park also includes an overlaying of 20th century planting undertaken by owner Arthur G. Soames in the early 20th century. 'Capability' Brown also designed the gardens surrounding Petworth House in West Sussex.

Sheffield Park Garden, Sheffield Park, East Sussex TN22 3QX. Tel. 01825 790231. Sheffield Park is open for most of the year (albeit at weekends only during Jan, Feb & March. See the National Trust webguide for specific opening times).

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The Priests House near Haywards Heath

Five miles north of Haywards Heath on the edge of Ashdown Forest sits the historic 15th century timber-framed Priest House cared for by Sussex Past. Originally built as an estate office for the Priory of St.Pancras based in Lewes, the Manor House was leased to John Browne from 1524 who used it as a family home. Seized by Henry VIII, the house was given to Thomas Cromwell and later formed part of Anne of Cleves' settlement. When Anne died the Browne family first paid rent then bought the house back.

The Brownes unfortunately had to sell-up in 1695 after which the Priest House suffered considerable neglect right up until the early 20th century when it was bought and restored by a local West Hoathly man John Godwin King. The house today is open to the public and surrounded by a stunning cottage garden. A house of this age surviving within its original site is rare, albeit with some alterations like the Horsham stone roof replacing a former thatched roof. A visit is not to be missed, with a variety of 17th and 18th century furniture, ironwork and domestic tools displayed inside.

The Priest House, North Lane, West Hoathly, West Sussex RH19 4PP. Tel. 01342 810479.

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