Haywards Heath Balcombe Staplefield Bolney Cuckfield West Sussex UK

Haywards Heath Tourist Information

Haywards Heath today is the administrative centre for the Mid-Sussex district. A thriving fully equipped town with a charming shopping centre around the Orchards Shopping Centre, Haywards Heath also boasts a Leisure Centre and a central conservation area Munster Green surrounded by Edwardian and Victorian houses and pretty gardens. Haywards Heath's development as a major town and commercial centre began with the introduction of the direct railway link from Haywards Heath to London. The town's excellent transport links today, particularly rail, make it a popular home for commuters and a superb base for tourist visitors. The Sussex Countryside of the High Weald, Ashdown Forest and the South Downs are all within easy reach and Haywards Heath is a mere 12 miles from Brighton and 45 minutes by fast train to central London. Gatwick Airport is just a 15 minute drive away and likewise the Port of Newhaven is within an easy drive.

There are a huge 48 listed buildings within Haywards Heath including the 16th century Dolphin Public House. A hub for farmers markets too, Haywards Heath holds two farmers markets per month on the second and fourth Thursdays. Find them within the Orchard Shopping Centre. Favourite street in Haywards Heath town centre is The Broadway, lined with blooming flower baskets and trees as well as restaurants which go alfresco style in summer. Main shopping street South Road includes a mix of independent shops and well known high street names. Two town parks are centrally placed - Victoria Park and Beech Hurst Gardens, both of which are often the site for local events and concerts and boast attractions such as pitch and putt and plenty of picnic space. The Olympos Leisure Centre on Pasture Hill Road contains a superb range of sports facilities inclusive of competition swimming pool, teaching pool, badminton hall, three studios, a health club and squash courts. Main entertainment and theatre centre Clair Hall offers a good mix of music, concerts, comedy and drama.

The Mid-Sussex Haywards Heath District incorporates a selection of stunning villages including Bolney, Cuckfield, Lindfield, Staplefield and Slaugham. These quintessentially English villages contain a choice of character country pubs and are full of charm. Both Haywards Heath and surrounding villages afford easy access to a host of attractions including some of the best of Sussex Gardens such as Nymans Gardens at Handcross, Borde Hill Garden and nearby Wakefield Place Gardens. Vineyards are in the area as well as top Sussex attractions such as the classic Bluebell Railway and Capability Brown's Landscaped Gardens at Sheffield Park.

Other major attractions around Haywards Heath include the South of England Centre to the north at Ardingley. Here is held the popular annual summer South of England Agricultural Show and a host of other shows and events throughout the year.

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Haywards Heath Villages

Villages situated to the north of Haywards Heath including Staplefield, Balcombe and Ardingley sit within the stunning landscape of the Sussex High Weald AONB. These and other villages to the east and south of Haywards Heath including Bolney, Ansty and Lindfield are full of old world charm and character. Discover historic inns and country pubs, ancient churches, footpaths and trails, reservoirs and mill ponds, tearooms and specialist independent shops as well as agricultural shows and a long tradition of Sussex cricket in these stunning Mid-Sussex villages. All afford easy access to the many great Mid-Sussex Gardens in the area including Nymans Gardens, Wakehurst Place Gardens at Ardingly, Borde Hill Gardens and High Beeches.

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Cuckfield & Balcombe Villages

Cuckfield village south west of Haywards Heath has a long history. Its very name has a Saxon ending - field. The Elizabethan mansion Cuckfield Park sits within the village alongside other listed buildings such as the Parish Church. Visit the Cuckfield Museum and browse the village's webguide (link right) to find out more.

Balcombe village to the north west of Haywards Heath is beautifully set in the wooded landscape of the High Weald. The village contains 55 listed buildings including St Mary Church with its 15th century tower. A hotspot for walkers, a selection of footpaths branch out from the village which boasts a lake, millpond and reservoir. Tearooms and a pub are situated in the village centre.

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Staplefield & Ardingly Villages

Pretty Staplefield village north west of Cuckfield has a delightful central village common on which cricket has been played for over 150 years.

Or choose Ardingly as your base to the north of Haywards Heath. Set within a stunning wooded landscape, Ardingly is perfectly placed for exploring the High Weald and is home to one of the great Mid Sussex Gardens, Wakehurst Place as well as a popular Reservoir for watersports and the South of England Showground, home to the annual South of England Agricultural Show. St Peter's Church within the village dates from around 1330 and Ardingly contains three historic inns including the 17th century Oak Inn and Gardeners Arms.

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Ansty, Bolney & Lindfield Villages

More character coaching inns are at Ansty just 4 miles from Haywards Heath and not to be missed is Bolney's St Mary Magdalene church, parts of which date from around 1100.

To the south of Haywards Heath the Parishes of Lindfield and Scayne's Hill contain a wealth of ancient history. Placenames within these parishes were first documented in the Saxon charter of 765AD. A major Roman road runs on the western boundary of the parish from London heading down to Hassocks and on to Brighton. Find out more via the Lindfield History Project's weblink right. They also offer guided walks.

Lindfield's historic High Street contains a selection of fine independent shops with a naturally formed pond situated at the end of the street. Lindfield Common is a popular spot for festivals, bonfires, fairs and village activities whilst King Edward Hall in the village plays host to exhibitions and also events.

Both the High Weald Landscape Trail and the Sussex Border Path are easily accessed from Lindfield which also sits on raised ground above the reaches of the River Ouse and Ouse Valley.

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South of England Show & Centre Ardingly

The South of England Centre at Ardingly near Haywards Heath is a mecca for agricultural shows, particularly the big South of England Shows in high summer and autumn. The centre covers a mammoth 150 acres and boasts extensive facilities including conference and banqueting facilities in the Norfolk Pavilion. The South of England Agricultural Society hold many events here at the centre including the flagship South of England Show in mid-July annually.

Attracting huge crowds the July show includes a wealth of attractions and events such as Regional Food & Wine Pavilions and cookery demonstrations, Motorcycle stunt shows, Flower Displays, Prize Winning British Livestock displays and parades and World Class Showjumping and Equestrian Events. Children's attractions include games, rides and animal handling. The event is a top family day out in the South East.

The Showground is kept busy all year round with a huge number of other events and shows ranging from Festive Food & Drink Fayres to Spring Garden and Leisure Shows, Bike Shows, Dog Shows and Antique Fairs. Browse the South of England Showground and Agricultural Society's webguides right for details.

The South of England Centre, Ardingly, West Sussex, RH17 6TL. Tel. 01444 892700.

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