Living in Burgess Hill

Community life in Burgess Hill is central to its identity, with active involvement in local groups, charities, and civic projects. The town hosts regular events, such as the Burgess Hill Summer Festival and Christmas Lights Switch-On, drawing residents and visitors together. The Martlets Shopping Centre is a hub for shopping and social gatherings, while St John’s Park provides green space for sports clubs, family picnics, and outdoor markets.

Community centres, including the Burgess Hill Community Centre and Cyprus Hall, offer activities ranging from art classes to children’s playgroups and seniors’ clubs. The area’s proximity to the South Downs and Ditchling Common makes it easy to enjoy walking, cycling, and wildlife watching. Overall, Burgess Hill is known for its strong sense of community, accessible local amenities, and celebration of outdoor living.

Burgess Hill is generally seen as a safe and welcoming place to live. Crime rates in Burgess Hill tend to be lower than in many nearby towns and cities, especially for serious incidents. Anti-social behaviour and property crime are the most reported, while violent crime remains relatively uncommon.

The town benefits from a visible local police presence, with Sussex Police running community policing initiatives and regular engagement sessions. Neighbourhood Watch schemes operate across Burgess Hill, fostering vigilance and communication among residents. Continuing investment in town centre CCTV and open spaces helps maintain public safety and reassures families and older residents alike. As with any town, certain pockets can see higher crime rates, but overall, Burgess Hill enjoys a reputation for being a safe, community-focused area.

Parking in Burgess Hill is considered relatively manageable when compared to larger towns and cities in the region. The town centre features a mix of short and long-stay car parks, as well as on-street parking options for shoppers and visitors. Many residential streets have unrestricted parking, though some areas operate permit schemes to prioritise residents.

During peak times and special events, town centre parking can be busy, but congestion is rarely severe outside of rush hours. Burgess Hill lies close to the A23, a key arterial road linking the town with Brighton and London (via the M23). The A272 offers further routes towards Haywards Heath and Petersfield.

Nearby road travel times:

• Brighton – approx. 25 minutes via A23 (10 miles)
• Haywards Heath – approx. 10 minutes via A273 (5 miles)
• London – approx. 1 hour 15 minutes via M23/A23 (43 miles)
• Crawley – approx. 25 minutes via A23 (14 miles)

This road network ensures that Burgess Hill is accessible for those reliant on car travel, while not suffering from the worst congestion seen in larger urban centres.

Burgess Hill offers a growing selection of pubs, restaurants, and cafes, catering to a variety of tastes and occasions. The town centre and its surroundings feature welcoming pubs such as The Oak Barn and The Acorn, both known for their classic menus and convivial atmosphere. Burgess Hill has a mix of independent eateries and national chains, including Italian, Indian, Chinese, and Mediterranean options. Cafes and coffee shops provide popular spaces for socialising and casual dining, including the Triangle Leisure Centre cafe, Cafe Naz, and Cherry Tree.

For takeaways, a broad range of options is available, from fish and chips to gourmet burgers and Asian specialties. While not renowned for a bustling nightlife, there are several late-bars and a small number of venues hosting live music or events, especially at weekends. Those seeking more late-night activity or a cosmopolitan bar scene will often head to Brighton, which is easily accessible by train or road. The local food and drink scene has a relaxed, sociable feel, with more lively venues scattered nearby in larger towns.

School Quality

Burgess Hill offers a wide choice of well-rated schools across the primary and secondary age range, with Ofsted inspection results reflecting a strong local commitment to education. Options range from secular to faith-based and academy schools, all within easy reach for families.

Parks and Green Space

There are several parks and play areas across the town, including St John’s Park and Worlds End Recreation Ground, providing excellent opportunities for outdoor play, picnics, and sport. The nearby South Downs National Park offers further adventure and exploration for children.

Childcare

Numerous nurseries, preschools, and childminders serve Burgess Hill, giving parents plenty of choice for childcare solutions. After-school clubs and holiday activity providers are also plentiful, supporting busy working families.

Safety

Burgess Hill is considered a safe community, with relatively low crime rates and visible community policing. Neighbourhood Watch and community engagement activities strengthen this further, helping families feel confident as they raise children here.

Family Activities

The town is home to leisure centres, youth groups, and sports clubs, as well as libraries and cultural activities aimed at young families. Regular events and easy access to nearby attractions like Drusillas Park and the Bluebell Railway also add to Burgess Hill’s family-friendly reputation.

Burgess Hill’s setting close to parks, commons, and open farmland makes it especially welcoming to pet owners. St John’s Park, Ditchling Common Country Park, and the extensive network of local footpaths are ideal for dog walkers and feature dedicated off-lead areas. The South Downs National Park, just a short drive away, opens up miles of dog-friendly trails and scenic walks.

Local veterinary practices and pet shops, such as Burgess Hill Vets and Paws & Claws, serve pet owners well. Cafes and pubs often welcome well-behaved dogs and several rental properties are open to pets. The local community is friendly towards animals, and many public events incorporate dog shows or pet-friendly activities, cementing Burgess Hill’s status as a great place for pets and their owners.

Transport links in Burgess Hill are a major reason for its popularity, making it ideal for commuters and those travelling across the region. Burgess Hill railway station sits on the Brighton Main Line, offering quick journeys to London, Brighton, and Gatwick Airport. Regular Southern and Thameslink services ensure good connectivity, with trains to London Victoria taking approximately 50–55 minutes and to Brighton around 15 minutes.

Frequent local and regional bus services connect Burgess Hill to Haywards Heath, Hassocks, Brighton, and Crawley, with stops in the town centre and at key residential areas. The nearby A23 and A272 provide straightforward road links to the south coast, the M23, and the wider West Sussex area. Gatwick Airport is 19 miles away by road, reachable within 25–30 minutes.

Average commute times by train:

• London Victoria – approx. 50–55 minutes
• Brighton – approx. 15 minutes
• Gatwick Airport – approx. 20 minutes
• Haywards Heath – approx. 6 minutes

These transport links enhance Burgess Hill's appeal for those seeking both rural surroundings and easy access to urban centres.

Primary Schools in Burgess Hill

Burgess Hill is well-served with several reputable primary schools. St. Wilfrid's Catholic Primary School is a popular choice, rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2023, offering a nurturing environment with a strong community ethos. Manor Field Primary School delivers a broad curriculum and was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2022. London Meed Primary School boasts modern facilities and was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2023, while Burgess Hill Academy Primary (part of an all-through academy) is known for its inclusive approach and stable performance.

Secondary Schools in Burgess Hill

Burgess Hill Academy serves as the main secondary, rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2023, recognised for pupil wellbeing and academic progress. St. Paul's Catholic College nearby in Burgess Hill is widely respected, holding an 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating as of 2017 and attracting students from the broader Mid Sussex area. Oakmeeds Community College merged into Burgess Hill Academy, bringing a wealth of experience to the town’s secondary provision. Warden Park Secondary Academy in nearby Cuckfield is also a popular option due to its strong Ofsted record.

Sixth Forms, Colleges and Further Education

Burgess Hill Academy offers GCSEs and post-16 qualifications. For a wider range of options, Haywards Heath College (about 3 miles away) provides A-levels, BTECs, and vocational courses. Varndean College and Bhasvic in Brighton are accessible by rail and are sought after for sixth form studies.

Universities Near Burgess Hill

While there are no universities directly in Burgess Hill, University of Sussex and University of Brighton are easily accessed by train, both located approximately 10 miles away in Brighton and Falmer. These universities are recognised nationally for their academic strengths and draw students from Burgess Hill and beyond.