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Haywards Heath was once known as the brightest and prettiest of Sussex residential districts and was the most populous town on the main train line once it left Surrey. Thus quotes the 1911 Guide. Nearly a century on, efforts have been made to retain some of this charm despite the great growth in housing development. As a result, a somewhat gentle, if not slow, approach has been made to modernising the town. However this could all change as the District Council is now planning a revitalisation for the town, which will involve additions to the Town Centre with new shops and accommodation and possibly a Town Square. The town is still surrounded by beautiful countryside, with the South Downs acting as a dramatic backdrop. The view of the Downs from Haywards Heath is held in high esteem and one that must be protected at all costs.

Haywards Heath was once a popular Market town, home to one of the biggest livestock markets in the South East, It now strives for an identity above and beyond being just a commuter town. Clearly the fast main line to Gatwick, Crawley, Croydon and London attracts many of its residents who wish to live in the country with easy access to their work place. Certainly the rejection of the railway line by Cuckfield, the main town on the London to Brighton coach run, in 1840, was instrumental in the birth and prosperity of Haywards Heath.

One could say that Haywards Heath has always been a Commuter Town. The big Victorian and Edwardian houses were built by businessmen who wished to have a country home far from the dirt and smoke of London or the hustle and bustle of Brighton. Little has changed, except now there are many more houses to the acre than there were in those far gone days. Unfortunately many of the lovely old houses have either been demolished or have been turned into flats or businesses. A concentrated effort by the Town Council and the local Society has been made to retain what little history the town has and many of these older buildings now reside in Conservation Areas. There are also 49 listed buildings ranging from the 15th Century to 1930’s These include old farmhouses, public houses and a tomb in St.Wilfrid’s Churchyard! A full register of all the Listed Buildings can be obtained from the Town Hall.

Haywards Heath is well placed in Mid Sussex with its immediate access to many of the lovely Sussex villages such as Balcombe, Cuckfield, Lindfield, Staplefield and Slaugham, each having their own old world country public houses, full of rustic charm and warm Sussex hospitality. Only slightly less further away are even more villages, nestling in the folds of the South Downs, all of which are well worth a visit. These and numerous other places of interest are within a short drive from the town, including the famous Bluebell Railway, Wakehurst Place - “Kew in the Country” and home to the Millennium Seed Bank, Ardingly Reservoir, Borde Hill and Nymans Gardens and the South of England Showground, where a variety of events from animals to antiques, take place throughout the year. The South of England Agricultural Show held every June draws people from all over the country. Haywards Heath is therefore an ideal base for the visitor who wishes to explore this lovely part of England.

Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication and the statements contained herein are believed to be correct, the publishers and promoters cannot accept responsibility for any inaccuracies. Reproduction of any part of this publication in any format, without permission, is strictly forbidden. This Guide to Haywards Heath Town is written by the Town Clerk for the Council and it is hoped that it will prove useful to local residents, visitors and to those who might be contemplating moving to the Town. Thanks are expressed to the advertisers whose participation has made it possible to produce this Guide. It is hoped that you will support them, thereby helping to promote the Town. Acknowledgments to: The Town Clerk Carole M. Preston, Photographs - Carole M Preston