Living in Haywards Heath

The social atmosphere in Haywards Heath is underpinned by a genuine sense of community. Residents are engaged in numerous local societies, from amateur dramatics at the Clair Hall to gardening clubs and sporting teams for all ages. Community centres and public spaces host regular events, including the popular Haywards Heath Town Day and Christmas Festival, showcasing the town’s inclusive spirit.

Outdoor and leisure activities are easily accessed, with Victoria Park and Beech Hurst Gardens providing venues for sports, picnics, and children’s play. The town is also surrounded by extensive countryside, footpaths, and cycle trails for those who enjoy the outdoors. Markets, local craft fairs, and charity events further provide opportunities for neighbours to connect, making Haywards Heath a sociable and welcoming place to live.

Haywards Heath is generally regarded as a safe and peaceful town, reflecting its appeal as a residential location for families and retirees. Crime rates in Haywards Heath are typically below national averages, with lower incidences of serious crime compared to larger urban areas. The most commonly reported issues relate to minor antisocial behaviour or occasional property crime.

Local policing in Haywards Heath is visible, with neighbourhood officers regularly engaging with the public and running community safety initiatives. The presence of dedicated community support officers, Neighbourhood Watch schemes, and local CCTV contribute to overall perceptions of safety. Regeneration of certain town centre areas, improved lighting, and regular patrols have further reinforced a sense of security for residents and visitors alike.

Parking in Haywards Heath is generally manageable, with a choice of public car parks, on-street parking, and permit options for residents in central zones. Larger supermarkets and the main shopping precincts offer ample customer parking, while the train station provides both short and long-stay spaces, albeit at busy commuter hours spaces can fill swiftly.

Congestion is moderate, mainly peaking during rush hour and school times, but the town’s road infrastructure is well developed. Haywards Heath connects directly to the A272, running east-west through Sussex, and is just a few miles from the A23—offering quick access north to Gatwick and London, or south to Brighton and the coast.

Travel times by car to nearby towns and cities:
Burgess Hill – approx. 10 minutes via A273 (5 miles)
Brighton – approx. 25 minutes via A23 (14 miles)
Crawley – approx. 25 minutes via A23 (16 miles)
East Grinstead – approx. 30 minutes via B2028 (15 miles)

Haywards Heath features a lively selection of eateries, traditional pubs, and relaxed cafés. The Broadway, the town’s social hub, is home to several beloved pubs, ranging from the classic village-style pub atmosphere to slick gastropubs. Restaurants cover a spectrum from Italian and Indian cuisine to modern British dining, and there is a healthy choice of coffee shops, delis, and independent bakeries scattered throughout the centre.

Takeaway options cater to most tastes, and monthly food markets bring artisanal local produce to the high street. While Haywards Heath does not have a late-night club scene, its pubs often host live music, quiz nights, or comedy events. For a wider nightlife offer, Brighton’s large array of clubs, theatres and bars are a short train ride away. The town’s overall atmosphere is sociable and friendly, offering a comfortable blend of relaxed evenings and occasional livelier nights out.

School Quality: Families in Haywards Heath benefit from high-performing primary and secondary schools, complemented by independent options nearby and further education at Haywards Heath College. Ofsted reports are generally positive, reflecting a dedication to academic and personal development.

Parks and Green Spaces: The town features Victoria Park, Beech Hurst Gardens, and easy access to countryside walks. Many neighbourhoods have play areas and large open green spaces, ideal for recreation.

Childcare: There are several nurseries, childminders, and after-school clubs across Haywards Heath, supporting working parents and early years education.

Safety: Haywards Heath’s reputation for low crime and active policing supports family well-being, with child-friendly amenities and pedestrian-friendly areas enhancing security.

Family Activities: The area hosts sports clubs for children, library activities, toddler groups, and seasonal festivals. Borde Hill Garden and Wakehurst Place offer educational days out, and family entertainment is bolstered by local theatres and community fun days.

Pet owners find Haywards Heath well-suited to their needs, with many homes offering gardens and immediate access to walks in Victoria Park, Ashenground Woods, and the surrounding Sussex countryside. Dog walkers can enjoy scenic routes along the Ouse Valley or the leafy town outskirts, and larger estates like Borde Hill often welcome dogs on leads.

Several veterinary surgeries, pet grooming salons, and specialist pet shops serve the community, while a number of Haywards Heath’s pubs and cafés are dog-friendly. Attitudes towards pets in housing are generally flexible, especially in newer developments and rental properties, but as always it’s important to confirm with landlords or letting agents. Community groups also organise regular dog meet-ups, underscoring the town’s inclusive and pet-loving ethos.

Haywards Heath is incredibly well placed for those needing efficient transport links, offering direct access to rail, road networks, and proximity to international travel options. The town's railway station serves as a major transport hub in Mid Sussex, providing high-speed services into central London, Gatwick Airport, and Brighton.

Regular Thameslink and Southern trains connect Haywards Heath swiftly to

• London Victoria – approx. 45 minutes
• London Bridge – approx. 50 minutes
• Brighton – approx. 15 minutes
• Gatwick Airport – approx. 15 minutes

In addition to rail, the town is close to the A23 and A272, supporting road travel to surrounding Sussex towns and the South Downs. Local bus routes cover villages and nearby towns, while London Gatwick Airport is just 15 miles away for international journeys. Cycle routes and taxi services are readily available, making travel within and beyond Haywards Heath straightforward for commuters, students, and families alike.

Haywards Heath hosts a broad spectrum of educational institutions, making it attractive to families prioritising schooling. The area has a variety of well-regarded primary, secondary, and independent schools, as well as further education opportunities.

Primary Schools in Haywards Heath
Northlands Wood Primary Academy offers a well-rounded curriculum and maintains a strong community focus (Ofsted: Good, last rated 2017). Harlands Primary School is noted for academic achievement and enrichment (Ofsted: Outstanding, last rated 2018). Warden Park Primary Academy, another popular choice, is known for its inclusive ethos (Ofsted: Good, last rated 2019). Bolnore Village Primary School serves the expanding Bolnore area with modern facilities (Ofsted: Good, last rated 2018).

Secondary Schools in Haywards Heath
Warden Park Secondary Academy in nearby Cuckfield is a prominent school for Haywards Heath students (Ofsted: Good, last rated 2018). Oathall Community College, within the town itself, is recognised for its wide curriculum and focus on student wellbeing (Ofsted: Good, last rated 2017).

Independent Schools and Sixth Forms
Great Walstead School lies just east of the town and offers independent education up to age 13. Ardingly College, close by in the neighbouring village, is one of Sussex’s leading independent schools, catering for day and boarding pupils aged 2 to 18. For sixth form study, Warden Park and Oathall both offer post-16 options, or students may access colleges like Haywards Heath College—the town’s own further education campus, now part of the Chichester College Group.

Colleges and Universities
Haywards Heath College offers a variety of A-levels and technical qualifications. While no universities are based directly in the town, the University of Sussex (in Falmer, Brighton) and the University of Brighton are both easily accessible by train, less than 30 minutes away, expanding options for higher education.