Horstead Keynes area guide

Welcome to Horsted Keynes:
Welcome to Horsted Keynes, a charming village found in the heart of West Sussex, where the rolling countryside meets quintessential English village life. Whether you are a newcomer or a long-time resident, here is your handy guide to all things Horsted Keynes.

Transport Links:
Getting around from Horsted Keynes is a breeze. Hop on the train at the local station, which offers regular services to London, Brighton, and beyond. Prefer to drive? The village is conveniently located near major roadways, making it easy to explore the surrounding areas at your leisure. Situated around five miles northeast of Haywards Heath, the rural parish of Horstead Keynes is particularly well known as the site of the famous Bluebell Railway.

Education:
For families with little ones, rest assured that Horsted Keynes has excellent educational options. From preschools to primary schools like St Gile Church of England, the village boasts institutions committed to providing quality education in a nurturing environment. Plus, secondary schools and colleges are just a short commute away in the neighbouring towns like Warden Park Academy and Oathall Community College for older students.

High Street:
Stroll along Horsted Keynes' quaint high street and discover a delightful array of shops, cafes, and pubs. Whether you fancy a browse around Smodge Store, a local gift shop or if you fancied a tipple at the Green Man. If you are in the mood for a leisurely browse or a quick errand run, you will find everything you need right here. From artisanal goods to everyday essentials, our local businesses have you covered. The village itself is centered around a green where you will find a post office, village stores and a village pub. There are also two principal churches – the Anglican Parish Church dedicated to St Giles and the Roman Catholic church of St Stephen.

Local Community:
One of the best things about living in Horsted Keynes is the strong sense of community. Neighbours look out for each other, and there is always something going on to bring people together. From village fairs to community events, you will never feel out of place in this friendly and welcoming community.

Points of Interest:
History buffs will delight in exploring Horsted Keynes' rich heritage. Visit the historic St. Giles Church, dating back to the 12th century, or take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque countryside and soak in the natural beauty. For a dose of culture, do not miss the local art galleries and museums displaying the talent of our vibrant community. Horstead Keynes station was built by the London Brighton and South Coast Railway in 1882 and has put this small, picturesque village on the map – and the TV screens – many times since. Film and television companies have used it to film scenes from Downton Abbey, The Woman in Black and Muppets Most Wanted.

Visitors can visit the 1920s-designed station to look around or join a dining event on board one of the vintage steam trains. Bluebell Railway is not all that Horstead Keynes is famous for. It is also said to be the site of the earliest known organised cricket match in Sussex and was also visited by U.S. President John F. Kennedy two months before his assassination, where he stayed at Birch Grove, the former home of Prime Minister Harold Macmillan. No one else was getting into the village that evening, as the American Secret Service closed the entire village!

Property:
Dreaming of calling Horsted Keynes home? With its charming cottages, elegant townhouses, and spacious family homes, there is something for everyone in our property market. Whether you are looking for period charm or modern amenities, you are sure to find your perfect match in this idyllic village.

Horsted Keynes is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its excellent transport links, top-notch education options, bustling high street, tight-knit community, fascinating points of interest, and diverse property market, there is no shortage of reasons to fall in love with this charming village. Come and experience the magic of Horsted Keynes for yourself—you will not be disappointed.