Sometimes London life gets a little much, and there’s only one solution. An escape. The Thameslink network has some wonderful options, from coastal trips to Brighton, to historic city trips to Peterborough, Cambridge or St Albans.
Keen to explore some lesser-known spots, I boarded a Thameslink train from London St Pancras, and in under an hour I arrived in the bustling West Sussex town of Haywards Heath.
You might know it as a place you pass through en route to Brighton or Gatwick, but don’t be fooled, this town is far more than a stopover!
With a thriving high street full of independent cafés, shops and restaurants, and some of the southeast’s most beautiful gardens close by, Haywards Heath is well worth a dedicated visit.
In this guide, I’ll share the perfect itinerary for a day out, and show you exactly why this underrated town deserves a spot on your weekend escape list.
Arriving in Haywards Heath
Haywards Heath is easy to reach from London, with regular trains running along the routes from Bedford and Cambridge towards Brighton. You can board at seven stations within the London area. As a quick guide, the journey time from London St Pancras is approximately 60 minutes.
From Haywards Heath Station, take a right and within minutes you’ll be amongst the town’s bustling cafes and restaurants, quirky shops and pretty parks.
Discovering Haywards Heath
Haywards Heath feels like a town of three parts. Around the train station, you’ll find the essentials, including a large Waitrose, a cheerful flower stall, and other handy amenities. Head five minutes to the right and you’ll reach The Broadway, home to a tempting selection of restaurants and cosy cafes. Then, take a left at The Star pub, and you’ll wander past Victoria Park before arriving on South Road, where another collection of shops and cafes awaits. The distances are short, making it an easy stroll from the station.
Brunch in Haywards Heath
I’d recommend arriving in the morning and starting with a hearty brunch. Gravlax Café describes itself as ‘The Broadway’s neighbourhood bistro’, and it certainly has that welcoming vibe. It’s a spacious cafe, with rustic interiors, featuring natural fabrics, pampas grasses and wood panelling. It has a large outdoor seating area at the front, ideal for sunny days. There’s a tempting range of cakes and pastries on display, but I skipped past them in favour of something more filling.
Gravlax serves a range of brunch classics, including fancy fry-ups, gourmet eggs, pancake stacks and healthy acai bowls. The coffee is strong, and comes complete with art. I ordered the mushroom and spinach Florentine, which came on fluffy English muffins, topped with a rich hollandaise. It provided the perfect fuel for a morning exploring Haywards Heath.
Shopping in Haywards Heath
I discovered plenty of gems on the various shopping streets. A favourite was Grape & Grain – a store specialising in wines, beers and spirits. Think, the most upmarket off license you could stumble upon, complete with a spectacular illuminated olive tree, delicious delicatessen and artisan foods! What’s not to love? I could see the pride for local produce here, with shelves stocked full of English sparkling wines and craft beers from nearby breweries.
Heading along South Street, I stumbled upon another beautiful spot, Hart Country Stores. Very inviting, it combines a bustling café with a gift shop, shelves stocked with delicious produce and gorgeous items. It’s the kind of place you pop by for a flat white, and end up buying a birthday card, a pot of local jam, a pair of candlesticks, and a colourful print you couldn’t keep your eyes off! My top tip? Order a decadent chocolate brownie. From honeycomb to chocolate orange, there’s a flavour you’ll be drawn to, and they’re so delicious.
Visit Borde Hill Gardens
While the buzzy town offers a lot, it’s time for a contrast. Borde Hill Gardens is located a mile and a half from the train station, and is one of the finest examples of an English country garden. Set within a 2,300-acre estate (that’s been in the Stephenson Clarke family for over 130 years) Borde Hill has welcomed visitors for more than five decades. At its heart stands a grand 16th-century manor house, which provides a stunning backdrop as you explore.
This isn’t just a garden; it’s a collection of immersive ‘garden rooms’, each brimming with character, colour and seasonal beauty.
With a map in one hand and my camera in the other, I spent a wonderful few hours discovering everything from hidden sculptures to an adventure playground, second-hand book cabin, cafés and woodland.
The Rose Garden
The Jay Robin’s Rose Garden is one of the highlights at Borde Hill. The house’s former orchard evolved into herbaceous borders by 1965. In 1995, RHS gold medallist Robin Williams was commissioned to design a rose garden from a bygone age and extend Borde Hill's year-round flowering interest.
It’s absolutely spectacular! I was particularly lucky to see it in bloom on my visit. The colours, the scents, the variety – it was a real feast for the senses!
It’s home to over 750 fragrant David Austin English roses and has a beautiful pathway lined with vibrant sprays of purple lavender. I took so many photos here, especially as in the centre is a copper fountain of Aphrodite, set against the backdrop of the house’s historic chimneys.
The Italian Garden
Another favourite discovery was this spot, which showcases classical Mediterranean design. It’s difficult to believe this was once the estate’s tennis court! The main feature is the rectangular lily pond, where you’ll see bronze sculpture Pelicans (a beautiful work by Simon Gudgeon). It cast the most magical reflections in the water.
Surrounding the pool are terracotta pots, filled with colourful geraniums and agapanthus. It’s one of the most tranquil spots in Borde Hill, with endless views across the South Park area. It’s like a slice of Italy in the heart of the Sussex countryside!
The Round Dell
I felt like an intrepid explorer as I wandered the jungle-like landscape of the Round Dell. It’s one of those places that has the power to make you feel small, with its range of supersized plants. The gigantic gunnera leaves made me feel like I’d been shrunk to miniature size! The bamboo forest wasn’t quite big enough to get lost in, but had an impact all the same. There’s also a striking water feature, to add to the tropical, rainforest feel.
Sculptures at Borde Hill Gardens
You may be visiting Borde Hill for the plants, but I loved the way sculptures were interspersed throughout the grounds. They sit so naturally amongst colourful plants and woodland areas – a true blend of art and nature.
Many of the current sculptures are by renowned artist Simon Gudgeon, as part of a partnership with Sculpture by the Lakes in Dorset. Fruit Platter, is located on one of the paths on the perimeter of the gardens, and features giant pears, apples, plums and cherries, with a verdant backdrop of rolling hills. Another favourite was Luna, a graceful sculpture inspired by an ibis, perched elegantly on the lawn near the historic manor house.
Green spaces in Haywards Heath
After spending several hours soaking up the beauty of Borde Hill, I wondered if there were any charming green spaces closer to the heart of Haywards Heath. Just a short stroll from the restaurants on The Broadway, I came across Beech Hurst Gardens. This picturesque spot features a miniature railway, playground, tennis courts and a bowling green, making it ideal for families.
I paused for a treat at Ground, a cosy café overlooking the park, where I tucked into a delicious mango cheesecake Danish. While Beech Hurst can’t quite rival the scale of Borde Hill, it does offer a welcome burst of greenery close to the centre of town.
Drinks in Haywards Heath
This cool town proudly boasts not one, but two independent craft beer spots: The Tap and Bar 42. Both offer expertly curated selections, with a strong focus on beers from Sussex and across the south of England. Alongside the brews, you’ll also find a tempting range of wines and spirits. Each venue has its own unique vibe, making them great places to sample something new or catch up with friends over a local pint. Opening hours vary, so it’s worth checking before you plan a visit.
Dinner in Haywards Heath
If you’re looking to squeeze in an early dinner before catching your train home, there are some great options nearby. Bife Argentine Grill and The Safari Pizza Co. come highly recommended. I was also drawn to the stylish Elite Bar & Kitchen, an upmarket Turkish restaurant with sleek Art Deco interiors and a sophisticated feel.
Haywards Heath is an underrated gem in the south of England. It’s such a convenient train journey, and somewhere that is worth making time for a proper visit.
From the stunning landscaped beauty of Borde Hill Gardens, to the lively high street packed with independent cafés, shops, and craft beer spots, there’s a surprising amount to discover. Haywards Heath offers a little bit of everything, without the crowds.
About the author
Chloe Gunning-Sherifi - Award-winning content creator and travel blogger.
With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind the award-winning travel blog Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and feasting in Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. She’s hugely passionate about sharing places closer to home too, using the train network to explore destinations around the UK.