Living in Henfield

The community spirit in Henfield is among its most distinctive qualities. Residents often describe the area as welcoming and inclusive, with an active calendar of local events and activities that bring people together throughout the year. The Henfield Hall is a focal point for community activities, hosting fitness classes, local theatre productions, and hobby groups ranging from gardening to photography.

A weekly country market, regular WI (Women’s Institute) meetings, and seasonal fairs such as the Henfield Gardens & Arts Festival contribute to the village’s vibrant local life. Outdoor lifestyle is well-served by the nearby South Downs National Park, with popular walking routes, cycling tracks, and the Downs Link offering access to unspoilt countryside from the village centre.

Henfield’s strong local identity, mix of long-term residents and newcomers, and emphasis on community-run initiatives mean there is always something for both individuals and families to get involved with, all set against the backdrop of the village’s historic streets and green open spaces.

Henfield maintains a reputation as a safe and peaceful community, with lower crime rates compared to nearby larger towns and urban areas. Residents and local police describe the area as friendly, with antisocial behaviour and major crime incidents being infrequent. Typical concerns revolve around occasional petty theft or vehicle crime, but these are exceptions rather than the norm.

Neighbourhood policing initiatives in Henfield focus on high-visibility patrols, collaboration with residents through local Neighbourhood Watch schemes, and regular police presence at community events. Community policing teams work proactively to ensure residents feel secure, particularly because of the rural location. Overall, Henfield is regularly listed among the safest villages in West Sussex, contributing to its popularity with families and retirees seeking a tranquil environment.

Parking in Henfield is generally straightforward compared to busier towns. The village provides several free or reasonably charged public car parks close to the High Street and main amenities, and on-street parking is widely available, especially outside peak times. Certain residential zones may require permits; however, restrictions are typically minimal, allowing visitors and residents easy access to local facilities.

Congestion is mostly limited to school drop-off periods or during popular local events, with traffic otherwise moving smoothly throughout the village. Henfield's road access is excellent, sitting close to the A281 and providing quick links to the A23 and M23, which are main routes to Brighton, London, and Gatwick Airport.

Nearby towns and cities and travel times:

• Brighton – approx. 30 minutes via A23 (11 miles)
• Horsham – approx. 25 minutes via A281 (11 miles)
• Burgess Hill – approx. 20 minutes via A2300 (8 miles)
• London – approx. 1 hour 30 minutes via A23/M23 (50 miles)
• Gatwick Airport – approx. 35 minutes via A23/M23 (25 miles)

Henfield features a diverse array of food and drink options that cater to both locals and visitors. The High Street and surrounding roads are lined with independent cafés, bakeries, and tearooms—such as The Artisan Bakehouse and The Post House Café—offering inviting spaces for leisurely breakfasts and lunches.

The village boasts several traditional English pubs, including The White Hart and The Cat & Canary, which provide classic pub fare, locally sourced ales, and regular live music or quiz nights. There is also a choice of restaurants and takeaways representing a mix of cuisines, from Vietnamese to Indian, and quality fish and chips from established local shops.

While Henfield’s nightlife is understated compared to city centres, the village maintains a sociable evening atmosphere through its welcoming pubs, live music nights, and periodic community events such as quiz evenings or summer festivals. For those seeking a broader nightlife scene, Brighton’s clubs, theatres, and bars are just a short drive or bus ride away.

School Quality: Henfield is widely recognized for its excellent primary school provision, with St Peter's CE Primary School enjoying a positive reputation and 'Good' Ofsted reports. Quality secondary schools are easily accessible in nearby towns, giving parents multiple options for older children.

Parks and Green Space: The village offers numerous playgrounds, public parks, and direct access to open countryside, making it ideal for active families. Henfield Common and the South Downs trails provide opportunities for outdoor recreation year-round.

Childcare: Local nurseries and childminding groups are well-regarded, and families benefit from a network of supportive playgroups and after-school clubs within the community.

Safety: Henfield’s low crime rate and proactive community policing ensure parents can feel secure raising children in the area. A neighborly atmosphere reinforces the sense of safety and belonging.

Family Activities: From village fairs to sports clubs, arts workshops, and weekly markets, Henfield’s range of family-friendly events and amenities marks it out as a very supportive environment for children’s development, wellbeing, and social engagement.

Henfield is a pet-friendly village, surrounded by open fields, footpaths, and bridleways that are ideal for dog walking and outdoor adventures. The Downs Link path, accessible from the edge of the village, is particularly popular for long, safe walks with pets. Henfield Common and several green spaces within the village also cater to both informal exercise and sociable dog meet-ups.

There are local veterinary practices in the village and nearby towns, ensuring prompt access to animal healthcare. The High Street and some local cafés welcome dogs, and a number of pubs in Henfield are explicitly pet-friendly, often providing water bowls and treats for visiting canines. Pet supply stores in and around the village offer a range of pet foods, accessories, and grooming services.

Attitudes towards pets in housing and public spaces are generally positive, with many rental properties and homes for sale accommodating pet owners. This, combined with the abundance of outdoor space, makes Henfield a favored choice for animal lovers.

Transport links in Henfield make it a favorable location for commuters and those looking to explore wider West Sussex and beyond. The village is serviced by several bus routes, connecting it directly to Brighton, Burgess Hill, Horsham, and other towns. While Henfield does not have its own railway station, both Hassocks and Burgess Hill stations are accessible within a short drive, offering regular train services to London, Brighton, and Gatwick Airport.

The A23, located around 10 minutes east of Henfield, is a key arterial route providing direct road access to London and Brighton. This accessibility makes Henfield a popular village for those who want countryside living with the convenience of urban employment or leisure opportunities. Brighton city centre is approximately 30 minutes by car, and Gatwick Airport is reachable in around 35 minutes, ensuring international travel is within easy reach.

Typical commute times from Henfield:

• Brighton: 30 minutes by car or 35–45 minutes by bus
• London Victoria: 75–90 minutes (driving to Hassocks/Burgess Hill station and train into London)
• Horsham: 25 minutes by car
• Burgess Hill: 20 minutes by car
• Gatwick Airport: 35 minutes by car

Cycle and walking routes link Henfield to the wider South Downs region, and the Downs Link bridleway provides scenic off-road access for leisure and commuting by bike.

Henfield offers a well-rounded selection of educational options catering to families in the area. The village is particularly noted for its strong primary school provision and convenient access to secondary education in nearby towns.

Primary Schools in Henfield:
St Peter's CE Primary School is the main primary provider in the village, known for its supportive ethos and community involvement. As of the latest Ofsted inspection in October 2021, St Peter's CE Primary was rated 'Good'. There are also several nursery and preschool options locally, ensuring quality early years education for young children.

Secondary Schools Near Henfield:
While Henfield itself does not have a secondary school, older children typically attend schools in surrounding areas. Steyning Grammar School, a renowned mixed comprehensive located approximately six miles away in Steyning, is a popular choice and was rated 'Good' by Ofsted in 2022. Downlands Community School in Hassocks and The Weald School in Billingshurst are other preferred options, both commutable from Henfield and consistently praised for their academic standards and pastoral care.

Independent & Further Education:
For independent education, nearby Hurstpierpoint College offers a co-educational day and boarding option for ages 4–18, situated just a short drive from Henfield. The area is also well-served by sixth forms at Steyning Grammar School and Worthing College, providing diverse choices for those pursuing A Levels or vocational studies.

Universities:
Henfield residents are within easy reach of the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton, both located in Brighton. These respected institutions offer a wide variety of courses and support Henfield’s reputation as a base for academic commuters seeking a village setting.