Discover Haywards Heath: History, Trails and Nature

Haywards Heath combines a remarkable local history with a walking trail, a cycle route and diverse natural areas. Anyone planning a trip with cultural discoveries and outdoor activity will find various ways to structure their days here. Families can also choose between a short circuit, a longer tour and historical impressions, without limiting their stay to just one type of experience.

Walking Trails and a Cycle Route for Different Day Plans

A good starting point for a manageable exploration is Haywards Heath Town Walk No. 1. The route is 1.5 miles or 2.4 kilometres long, takes about an hour and starts at Hazelgrove Road Car Park. This makes it possible to include a short circuit in your travel plans if there is still time for buildings, squares or other destinations in addition to the walk.

Anyone who prefers a longer route can consider the public footpath of Haywards Heath Town Walk No. 1 to Ardingly Reservoir. The return journey is approximately six miles or 9.6 kilometres. Another option is a 20-kilometre cycle route that starts in Haywards Heath and follows both paved and unpaved paths. This allows shorter walks and longer excursions to be planned according to the desired length of the day.

Natural Areas Among Woodland, Meadows and Wetlands

Scrase Valley Nature Reserve, which is associated with Haywards Heath and Lindfield, covers 15 acres. Its described landscape includes quiet woodland, grassland, marshland and scrubland areas. Blunts Wood and Paiges Meadow, which is associated with Haywards Heath and Cuckfield, combines woodland, meadows, grassland, hedges, a pond and a wetland. Anyone wishing to include nature observation and open landscapes in their stay can note these two areas as different highlights.

Beech Hurst also adds a historic parkland setting to the character of the town. The local historic park lies on the western edge of Haywards Heath and covers just under six hectares. When looking for accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you would prefer to structure your days around walking trails, natural areas or the town's historic attractions.

Historic Buildings and Squares

The Church of St Wilfrid is a Grade II* listed building. It was built from 1863 to 1865 by G F Bodley in the Decorated style. Muster Green was designated a Conservation Area in 1979 and features traditional flower beds as well as an avenue of impressive trees. During the English Civil War, Muster Green was the scene of a minor battle between Royalists and Roundheads.

Other historic buildings represent different centuries and architectural styles. Peter’s Cottage dates from the late 16th century and is built using timber framing. Oat Hall House was built around 1840 in the Neoclassical style. Sunte House was first built in 1700 as a large L-shaped building and was supplemented by careful extensions in the 18th and 19th centuries. Wickham Farmhouse is classified as a Grade II* building, was first mentioned in 1279 and has an existing structure from the late 16th century with additions from the 17th and 20th centuries.

The arrival of the railway line from London to Brighton transformed Haywards Heath from a small farming village into a thriving market town. The Haywards Heath War Memorial commemorates 167 local soldiers who died in the First World War. The Dolphin Pub was built in the 16th century and adds another old building to the historic points of interest.

Choosing Haywards Heath as a Base for Your Trip

A holiday let or holiday cottage in Haywards Heath can be selected according to your preferred travel rhythm: short walks, an approximately six-mile return route, a 20-kilometre cycle route or cultural and historical explorations each create different priorities. Those travelling with children of different ages can plan the shorter circuit and longer excursions on separate days. For culture enthusiasts, historic buildings and squares take centre stage, while natural areas provide additional variety.

For further travel planning, you can also view the town pages for Shoreham-By-Sea, Kirdford, Thakeham, Billingshurst, Southwick, Albourne, Trotton and Stedham.

For the higher-level travel overview: West Sussex.