Built-up area in Mid Sussex, West Sussex, England
| Coordinates: | 51, -0.093 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | TQ 33 23 |
| Population: | 33,845 |
| Dialling code: | 01444 |
Haywards Heath is a market town in Mid Sussex, West Sussex, England, sitting on a ridge between the Weald and the South Downs. It grew rapidly in the mid‑19th century after the arrival of the railway on the Brighton Main Line and remains a popular commuter base with frequent services to London and Brighton, while offering easy access to surrounding countryside and walking routes.
The town mixes Victorian terraces, post‑war suburbs and newer developments, and supports a local economy of shops, independent cafés, light industry and professional services. Community life is centred on parks, sports clubs and regular markets, and neighbouring villages such as Cuckfield and Lindfield add historic charm; overall Haywards Heath feels comfortably suburban with good transport links and plenty of green space.