Burgess Hill: Trails, Nature and History

Burgess Hill can be explored outdoors through a variety of themes: history trails, natural areas and recreational facilities. Each destination offers a different reason to explore the town. The attractions vary in their focus—from routes centred on local history to a nature reserve with several habitats.

History Trails and Walks

The Burgess Hill History Trail offers walkers and cyclists a choice of two routes: one mile and two miles long, both through Burgess Hill. Along the routes, descriptions cover local history and places of interest. The choice between the two route lengths can be factored directly into your plans; at the same time, the content gives the trail a historical focus.

The Twitten Paths booklet introduces nine walks through the town and the surrounding countryside. Here, you can choose from several walks, while the History Trail offers a choice between two route lengths. Some of the Twitten Paths routes can also be cycled.

Green Circle: Nature and Local History

The Green Circle information boards provide details about birds, butterflies, wildlife, plants, trees and local history in the area around each location. A free identification guide is also part of the Green Circle project. It is aimed at children, younger walkers and cyclists. The boards and the guide offer two different ways to explore the project’s themes: the information on each board relates to its surroundings, while the guide is intended for the groups mentioned.

Natural Areas and Views of the Landscape

Bedelands Farm Local Nature Reserve covers 33 hectares of old meadows, woodland, hedgerows and ponds. It is designated a Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI). Access is via the playing fields next to Burgess Hill Town Football Club on Maple Drive, as well as via Coopers Close.

From Batchelors Farm, the view stretches across open countryside to the South Downs. Access is from London Road, via a bridleway and footpath south of the roundabout at Chanctonbury Road. This makes it a place to enjoy views of the landscape, while Bedelands Farm is characterised by its named habitats and SNCI designation.

Recreational Facilities in Burgess Hill

The BMX track in Leylands Park opened in 2014 and is the only one of its kind in Mid Sussex. Its W-shaped layout includes long straights and jumps; there is also a separate pump track. The two track types are distinct features of the facility.

St Johns Park has a large children’s playground with equipment for children of all ages. There is also a skatepark with various jumps, ramps and grind rails. The specific features distinguish the two facilities in the park: the playground has equipment for children, while the skatepark has features for skating.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: West Chiltington, Bolney, Boxgrove, Lindfield, Wisborough Green, Ardingly, Ansty, Plaistow

For the broader travel guide: West Sussex.