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Haywards Heath - West Sussex
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Places of Interest
There is much to enjoy in and around Haywards Heath. Situated on the borders of West and East Sussex it is within easy reach of Kent, Surrey and Hampshire. Located in the middle of an area of great natural beauty, near to the sea, the South Downs and many places of interest, it is an ideal place in which to base oneself for a tour of the south-east.
It is also only 50 minutes on the fast train from all the attractions of London.
Ardingly Reservoir
The reservoir is open to the public during daylight hours. Nature trails extend around the reservoir and alongside the water is a hide from where the birds can be observed.
Constructed in 1978, the site covers about 200 acres and the reservoir capacity is over 5000 megalitres. It is a popular venue for sailing, angling, windsurfing and canoeing.
A popular place, particularly on sunny days, the reservoir is also a sports centre where sailing, canoeing and windsurfing can be both learned and practised.
Ditchling
Nestling at the foot of the South Downs, Ditchling is a pretty village with several old pubs and delightful cottages lining the narrow main street. The village has a unique place in the English Arts and Crafts Movement. It is possibly best known, however, for its famous resident, Dame Vera Lynn. It is rumoured that Roger Moore, the longest playing 007, also lived here at one time.
Wing’s Place
Also known as the Old House or Anne of Cleves House, is one of the best Tudor houses in Sussex. The house which stands opposite the church, was given to her by Henry VIII as part of her ‘pay-off’ when he decided to move on to bride no.5!
Ditchling Beacon, at 813 feet on the South Downs Way, offers some of the finest views in Sussex. Centuries old dew ponds are alongside the road beside the Beacon. This high spot offered one of the best views in southern England of the Eclipse of the Sun on 11th August 1999. Those who were there are unlikely to forget the new age feel with hundreds of people crowding the car park (and the verges for miles!) in order to witness this phenomena of nature.
Awaiting the eclipse at Ditchling Beacon on 11th August 1999
The moon almost eclipsing the sun as viewed from Ditchling Beacon that day
Ditchling Common comprises 188 acres of open countryside with nature trails which take the visitor among the wildlife of the area.
Ditchling Museum
This is housed in the Victorian village school and tells the story of Ditchling from the earliest toolmakers to the community of 20th century craftsmen. A new gallery was added a few years ago devoted to the works of ‘modern’ artists such as Eric Gill and David Jones.
A series of exhibitions are held at the museum throughout the year.
On the outskirts of this picturesque village lies an arts & crafts centre where various local artisans have outlets and products can be viewed in the making.
Jack & Jill Windmills
Set on the South Downs at Clayton, these windmills are two of the most famous landmarks in the area
Bluebell Railway |
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A few miles to the east of Haywards Heath, this train operates between Sheffield Park and Kingscote. This ride is particularly beautiful during the Bluebell season when carpets of the flowers can be seen either side of the line throughout the ride. Special trains are put on when meals are served, especially during the festive season.
Heaven Farm
With parkland, bluebell nature trail, ponds and wallabies together with its farm museum, this makes an enjoyable day out.
Balcombe Viaduct |
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A couple of miles north of Haywards Heath stands one of the wonders of the southern railway system, and arguably the finest viaduct of the Victorian railway system - its 37 graceful arches stretch across the Ouse Valley. It has recently been renovated and restored to its original condition.
Completed in 1841, when the railway was opened in Haywards Heath, the bricks for the Balcombe viaduct were brought from Holland to Newhaven then up the Ouse, which was then navigable, by barge. No photograph could do justice to this magnificent structure. Go and see for yourselves!
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Danny |
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This Elizabethan e-shaped house, built in 1593, in Hurstpierpoint, about eight miles south of Haywards Heath, is where the War Cabinet, including Lloyd George and Winston Churchill, drew up the terms of the 1918 Armistice. In the 18th century a grand classical facade was added.
This house remained in the Campion family for more than 300 years until 1980 when the heir preferred to work with the poor in India and the proceeds of the sale were used to build a medical centre in Madras.
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Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum
A dozen or so miles from Haywards Heath lies this fascinating place. Full of opportunities for those with widely varied interests, it would make an ideal day out with its Motor Museum, renowned wildfowl and fascinating house. Originally a 17th century farmhouse it has been converted into a Palladian style mansion by the architect responsible for the renovations of 10,11 and 12 Downing Street. It boasts fine furniture and paintings together with its Chinese Room.
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The wildfowl are free to roam over the 23 acre parkland setting. There is also a miniature steam railway and children’s amusement section. Ideal for all!
Wilderness Wood
To the east of Haywards Heath, roughly 25 minutes along the A272 (not allowing for tractors of course!) lies this family run working wood where you can roam the woodland trails, picnic at the designated picnic areas and even hire a BBQ stand! An adventure playground area will entertain the smaller children and there is an easy access path for the disabled. For groups there are guided walks and demonstrations. Needless to say, cream teas are also available!
Hickstead
Mecca of English Showjumping is less than ten miles down the A23 from Haywards Heath.
Lewes
About a dozen miles from Haywards Heath lies one of the most interesting of old Sussex towns with its pretty faced houses. The ruined castle can be visited after a stiff climb. Probably the most visited part of Lewes is the High Street, on 5th November, when people come from all over the country to witness one of the most fascinating of Guy Fawkes torch processions. It is at this ‘celebration’ that an effigy of the Pope is burnt each year. In recent years it has become so popular that the police warn people to stay away to prevent the town being completely overrun!
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Sharpthorne
Tanyard Museum is most unusual in that it is devoted to displays of the preparation of leather and the tanning processes throughout the years.
Nutley Windmill
Built in 1675, this is the oldest and smallest working windmill in Sussex and it lies a few short miles to the east of Haywards Heath.
Glynebourne
For the opera lovers of Haywards Heath it is only about twelve miles down the road to the world famous Glynebourne Opera.
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Other Attractions
Slightly further afield, but within an hour’s drive of Haywards Heath, lie many other places of interest in East Sussex, West Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire such as:
Parham, an Elizabethan House near Pulborough, has a four acre walled garden and is surrounded by 875 acres of working agricultural and forestry land. Fallow deer roam the 300 acres of ancient parkland.
Glynde Place - This magnificent Elizabethan manor house has wonderful views from its position high on the Sussex Downs. There is a permanent Civil War Exhibition here - a reminder that the Morley family who lived here provided the Parliamentary party with one of its leaders during the English Civil War.
Petworth House with its wonderful collection of Turner paintings set amongst wonderful scenery.
Bateman’s, the family home of Rudyard Kipling with its rooms set out as they were in Kipling’s day and a fascinating collection of Kipling memorabilia.
Alfriston with its delightful village centre and fascinating 14th century thatched Clergy House which was the first property ever taken on by the National Trust in the late 19th century.
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Eastbourne, home to many of the retired of the south of England, but worth a visit nonetheless! It has magnificent floral displays all along the seafront and a pretty pier. Just up the road from here is Beachy Head, famous for its wonderful views (and the number of suicides!!)
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Brighton (of course!!) with the once seen, never forgotten, renovated Pavillion and The Laines, a labyrinth of antique shops.
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Winkworth Arboretum which is particularly lovely when the azaleas and rhodendra are in bloom.
Standen , a Victorian house designed by Philip Webb, friend of William Morris. The house is a showpiece of the Arts & Crafts Movement decorated throught with Morris carpets, wallpaper and fabrics. It also has lovely gardens..
Uppark, recently restored, with its fascinating restoration exhibition (well worth the journey!).
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Battle and Hastings ‘venue’ of the famous 1066 battle!!
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Portsmouth with its collection of fascinating naval museums and exhibitions, including the Mary Rose exhibition, is little more than an hour’s drive.
Lovely Chichester, the wonderful Cathedral and delightful houses.
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Arundel with the Castle, a must as is the annual flower festival and the WildFowl Trust.
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Kent
Chartwell, the home of Winston Churchill where many of his personal belongings are on display. The gardens here are a delight particularly during the rhodendra season.
Sissinghurst with its world famous gardens which were created by Vita Sackville-West of Bloomsbury set fame.
Hever and its delightful castle where, allegedly, Henry VIII proposed to Anne Boleyn.
14th century moated and ramparted Bodiam Castle.
Scotney Castle Garden, one of the most romantic gardens in the country constructed around a 14th century moated castle ruin.
Delightful Knole, one of the greatest houses in England, a 15th century construct, it is known as a ‘calendar house’ it has 365 rooms, 52 staircases and 7 courtyards! It also has a wonderful collection of historical portraits by the greatest of portrait painters, Reynolds, Gainsborough and Van Dyck. It has associations with Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, various Archbishops of Canterbury and, in a more modern vein, the Bloomsbury Set members,Vita Sackville-West and Virginia Woolf, whose novel, Orlando, is set at the house.
Leeds Castle is also within about an hour’s drive - one of the most romantic castles in the country with its fairy tale moat - the castle is used as a venue for many outdoor entertainments from ballet to rock concerts.
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