Haywards Heath, the administrative centre of mid-Sussex, is situated in the midst of what was a great heath. Remnants remain to the south of the town. The railway was responsible for the growth of the town in the late 19th century. It has wonderful fast links to many parts of the United Kingdom and is only twenty minutes from Gatwick Airport. |
Possibly the most interesting building is the old lunatic asylum built on the ridge to the south of the town. St.
Francis' Hospital, the asylum for the whole county, employed hundreds and was a self-supporting community with its own bakery, brewery and much else besides. It is in the process of being transformed into upmarket housing, now renamed Southdown Park, some of which have already been sold. |
The A272 at present goes straight through the centre of town, a by-pass after many years of broken promises, is now being built!
This will make it easier to see the Sergison Arms, now The Dolphin, a pub which has 17th century origins. Muster Green with its lovely houses, now subject to a conservation order, is also on the A272. Great Haywards dates back some 350 years. The 19th century Priory has been converted to modern usage. The Parish Church of St. Wilfrid is a similar age and can be found opposite Victoria Park. Many of the great gardens of Sussex lie within a few miles of Haywards
Heath, these include Borde Hill, Wakehurst Place, Leonardslee and Sheffield Park. Just north of Haywards Heath on the Balcombe Road, just north of Borde Hill Gardens, lies one of the greatest viaducts in the country.
Built in the 1840s to enable the railway to be brought south, it has 37 arches and spans the River Ouse. Today the Ouse is little more than a ditch but when the viaduct was built the bricks were brought up the river by barge to the site. Well worth a look. |
Plants from around the world can be found in these gardens which lie just outside Haywards Heath. Exotics abound together with woodland walks, a lake, kitchen garden and a playground for kids! It also has a great restaurant.
Outdoor events are held regularly ranging widely from concerts to Shakespeare and are a great evening out. |
