Where To Next? March 2025: Burgess Hill, UK
This Month’s Visit
This month we are visiting Burgess Hill, UK (decided by https://earthroulette.com). Before I post my recommendations about things to do and places to stay in Burgess Hill, let’s find out more about this town.
Population and Geographical Location
Burgess Hill is located in West Sussex England and in 2022 had a population of 33 352 people Burgess Hill is located on the edge of the South Downs National Park. The town is located 65 km south of London, 16 km north of Brighton.
www.google.com/maps/place/BurgessHill
Trivia
There are two train stations in the town, both dating back to the 1800s. A tributary of the river Adur (locally called Hambrook) runs through the town. There are a number of historic buildings in the town including the Elizabethan and Victorian constructions. The farm from which the town garners its name referred to Burgeshill Land in the 16th century is now the site of the Burgess Hill Academy and the Chanctonbury Estate.
Entertainment and Sports
The local theatre puts on a popular pantomime at Martlets Hall and the town boasts a Symphony Orchestra. In addition there are several sports clubs associated with the town including the Burgess Hill Town Football Club which is in the Isthmian South East Division. This is apparently in the eighth tier of English football but I confess I don’t know what this means. Rugby is also represented by The Sussex All Blacks playing in RFU 1, of which I also know nothing about. Baseball is represented by a AAA team and there are two Cricket clubs. St. Andrew’s home club is at Sidney West and has been for over 100 years. Burgess Hill Cricket calls St. Johns Park home.
Twin Towns
Burgess Hill has two twin towns: Abbeville, Picardy in France and Schmallenberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. There is a square in Schmallenberg named “Burgess Hill Platz”
Things To Do
Burgess Hill is surrounded by abundant green space including the Burgess Hill Green Circle Network which is a ring of green spaces connected to one another and protected from development. There are several historical castles to visit in the area. There are also many museums to keep visitors of all ages and abilities busy. Most of the sites open to visitors are at least partially open to mobility impaired individuals with wheelchair access and several of the museums have quiet or sensory rooms. Some of the outdoor sites and castle ruins are not appropriate for those with mobility concerns. Please visit or call the visitor centre for accessibility information prior to your visit.
Sources:
Burgess Hill; Wikipedia; 15 January 2025 wikipedia.org/Burgess_Hill
Burgess Hill Town Council
You can visit the Tourist Information Centre at 96 Church Walk, Burgess Hill, telephone 01444 247726 or email helppoint@burgesshill.gov.uk
Your Trip To Burgess Hill
If you’re arriving by air you can have the choice to arrive at London Heathrow Airport or London Gatwick. Either way, why not see the sights in London before heading off to Burgess Hill in your rental car.
Both airports have on-airport car hire companies such as Alamo, Avis, and Europcar.:
The drive from London south to Burgess Hill will take about 2 hours through beautiful countryside and villages. The Drive from London Gatwick is only about 30 minutes and there is direct rail to Burgess Hill from London Gatwick as well.
While in Burgess Hill you can have your choice of several different accommodations nearby but few recommendations are:
Ockenden Manor is a highly reviewed 4 star Hotel and Spa. It is a fully refundable property costing about CAD $566 per night. Breakfast is included with the room and parking is available on-site for free. There is an on-site restaurant, spa and pool. The property does not have an elevator but does have wheelchair accessible common areas. This hotel is 5.32 km from Burgess Hill in Cuckfield, Haywards Heath. https://www.hshotels.co.uk/ockenden-manor
The Birch Hotel in Haywards Heath is a well reviewed 4.5 star hotel which includes free parking for about CAD $186 per night. English breakfast is available for about CAD $20 per person. There are on-site restaurants and lounges. There are no elevators on this property and it is recommended to contact the hotel for specific needs. This hotel is 4.45 km from Burgess Hill in Haywards Heath. https://www.birchhotel.co.uk/
The Hickstead Hotel is 3.99 km from Burgess Hill in Hickstead, Haywards Heath. Breakfast is available for CAD $25 per adult. There is a lounge and restaurant on site as well as free parking. This property does not have an elevator and it is best to contact the hotel for specific requests regarding accessibility, though common areas are wheelchair accessible. An executive double room which sleeps 2 will cost about CAD $158 per night. https://www.unohotels.com/locations/the-hickstead-hotel-by-uno/
On to Activities. Since I am a bit of a history nerd, I am going to direct you on two routes from Burgess Hill and back that will take in the sights of some old castles as well as a couple of stops at some family friendly venues.
Itinerary 1 will take you to the following attractions and back to Burgess Hill.
On this route you will pass by Bramber Castle, Arundel Castle, Amberley Museum, Bignor Roman Villa, Fishers Farm Park and Uppark House and Gardens. This route is about a 2 and a half hour trip, not including any stops you wish to make.
Bramber castle is an early Norman motte and bailey castle which is basically a fortification with a tower on a mound (the motte) with a walled courtyard (the bailey). This was built in about 1075 and remained in ownership of the original family for over 250 years. It has commanding views over the river Adur. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/bramber-castle/
Arundel Castle was the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk and has been open to visitors for almost 200 years. It is one of the great treasure houses of England containing paintings, tapestries, stained glass and china to name a few. http://www.arundelcastle.org/
The Amberley Museum at South Downs National park is dedicated to recording the industrial heritage of the South East. It is home to traditional craftspeople and most of the site with the exception of some of the nature trails is wheelchair accessible. https://www.amberleymuseum.co.uk/
Bignor Roman Villa is home to some of the finest in-situ mosaics with one of the longest mosaics in Britain on display at over 24 metres. Original floors date back to 350 AD. There is a tearoom and picnic area with great views of the South Downs. https://www.bignorromanvilla.co.uk/
The next stop is the family fun Fishers Farm Park which is an award winning attraction ideal for kids aged 2-12 featuring a mix of farmyard fun and adventure play. https://www.fishersfarmpark.co.uk/
The last stop before we head back to Burgess Hill is National Trust Uppark House and Gardens which was built in the 17th century and restored after a fire. This site offers elegant Georgian interiors as well as a Grand Tour collection. The servant’s quarters exist as they did in the Victorian era. Wheelchairs are available at this site. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/uppark-house-and-garden
Itinerary 2 will take you on a 3 hour tour to visit a few more castles.
First stop is Lewes Castle and Museum for which building began after 1066. This was intended to be Norman noble William de Warenne’s stronghold in Sussex but was not completed for 300 years. It is adjoined by the Museum of Sussex Archaeology. https://sussexpast.co.uk/attraction/lewes-castle/
Pevensey Castle was a Roman Saxon shore fort with an oval shaped castle within the walls. Parts of the towers, keep and chapel remain. In addition you may also see Elizabethan era catapult balls and cannon. This site was also used as a coastal fortress during WWII. It has a dungeon which is open to visitors. There is a museum and activities for kids here as well.
Hastings Castle was Britain’s first Norman castle and was built by William the Conqueror in 1067. This particular construction represents a major shift in England’s history with regard to politics and culture. It sits above the town of Hastings and is said to have the best views in all of Sussex. https://www.visit1066country.com/things-to-do/hastings-castle-and-1066-story-p44433
Our last castle visit is Bodiam Castle built in 1385 for defense and as a home. The exterior is almost entirely intact and this site has a moat. This location offers views of the valley below from the towers.https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle
In addition to all of the sites mentioned there are other attractions such as the Ditchling Museum of Art and Craft showcasing works by local artists, and Brighton Toy and Model Museum to name a couple and don’t forget about the Burgess Hill local theatre and symphony orchestra.
For a full-service travel experience visit
https://karen.livingstone.onvigo.com
Email: karen.livingstone@onvigo.com
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