About The Location
Danehill, Haywards Heath, East Sussex
Self-catering in Ashdown Forest location. The Nest in Danehill village, East Sussex, is within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the perfect spot to explore the ancient 6,500 acre Ashdown Forest, home to Winnie the Pooh, the South Downs National Park and the vibrant, historic towns of Lewes, East Grinstead and Tunbridge Wells. The beautiful South Coast and Seven Sisters Country Park in the Cuckmere Valley are within 55 mins, Brighton Marina and Racecourse 45 mins and Glyndbourne Opera House 30 mins by car.
There are wonderful woodland walks on the doorstep to take in the stunning countryside and many local attractions such as the famous Bluebell Steam Railway, Bluebell Vineyard Estates, Sheffield Park National Trust Gardens, Pooh Corner in Hartfield (popular Winnie the Pooh museum/tea room) and Trading Boundaries Cafe and Concert venue.
Also nearby is Borde Hill Gardens with its open air concerts, Wakehurst Place Botanical Gardens (Kew) and Ardingly Country Fair Showground. The charming villages of Lindfield, Hartfield, Horsted Keynes, Fletching and Forest Row are within a 15 mins drive and offer a variety of artisan shops, cafes and pubs.
Sporting and recreational activities in the area include golf at the Royal Ashdown Forest Golf Club in Forest Row, sailing and water sports at Ardingly Reservoir Activity Centre, cycling at Forest Way Country Park and racing at Plumpton. There is clay pigeon shooting at Northall Club in Fletching, fishing at Latchetts Lakes and forest trekking at East View Farm Riding Centre both in Danehill.
The Coach and Horses
Charming and unspoilt award-winning local Free House pub and restaurant serving delicious food with log fires in the winter, a cosy bar and a lovely garden and play area for children. A tranquil spot that is only a 2-3 minute walk from The Nest! Open Wednesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner (Sunday night closed), booking in advance is advised.
Coach & Horses Public House, School Lane, Danehill, East Sussex
Tel: 01825 740369
www.coachandhorses.co
Getting Around
Take the A275 or A22 to Danehill village. There is easy access to A275, A22, A23 and A272 and good motorway access to M23 and M25.
Gatwick Airport is circa 30 mins by car. Haywards Heath is the nearest railway station 20 mins by car. There are local transport links with 270 Metro bus (bus stop at Coach & Horses pub within 5 mins walk of The Nest) to East Grinstead, Haywards Heath and Brighton.
There are regular trains to/from London Victoria and London Bridge from Haywards Heath station arriving within 50 mins.
Places to visit
Ashdown Forest, Sussex
Covering over 10 square miles, Ashdown Forest is one of the largest open access areas in Southeast England. Situated within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, its lowland heathland and deciduous woodland habitats are home to many rare and threatened species. With a rich human history from Kings and commoners to smuggling and industry dating back centuries, Ashdown Forest is also famous as the magical woodland that inspired some of the world’s best loved children’s stories, the adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh.
Bluebell Railway, Sheffield Park
Sheffield Park is an 1880’s station with steam engines on display, a museum & gift shop on a heritage railway line. Imagine travelling through 11 miles of glorious Sussex scenery behind a steam engine. Bluebell Railway offers that and so much more for the whole family. Bluebell Railway was one of the first preserved heritage lines in the country, resulting in one of the finest collections of vintage steam locomotives and carriages – many of which were preserved straight out of service from British Railways.
Bluebell Vineyard Estates, Furners Green
As a working vineyard and winery we offer visitors a genuine experience of winemaking. Our relaxed, fun and informative tours take visitors through the art and science behind winemaking, before a tutored tasting of our award-winning current releases in our Tasting Room. Located in Furners Green, East Sussex.
Pooh Corner, Hartfield, East Sussex
Pooh Corner is situated on the edge of the Ashdown Forest, in Hartfield The perfect place to discover A.A. Milne’s most famous creation, Winnie the Pooh and his friends. The classic stories came to life just a short walk away in the 100 Acre Wood! There is a tea room, gift shop and museum.
The Magic of Glyndebourne Opera House
Glyndebourne is one of the jewels of British cultural life. Founded in the 1930s on the historic Glyndebourne estate, it has grown from humble beginnings into an internationally acclaimed venue, attracting opera enthusiasts from across the UK and beyond.
Glyndebourne is renowned for its exceptional productions, combining stunning vocal performances with carefully crafted staging. It has become a symbol of artistic excellence, celebrated not only for the calibre of its operas but also for the distinctive charm of its setting. During the summer season, the opera house comes alive with energy and anticipation, providing a cultural experience that is as much about atmosphere and tradition as it is about music.
What makes Glyndebourne so special is not only the calibre of the performances but also the unique experience surrounding each event. Visitors often arrive early to enjoy picnics on the manicured lawns, relax with a glass of wine and soak in the tranquil surroundings. Glyndebourne is well known for the 90-minute interval and for many, a picnic in the gardens is a quintessential part of the Glyndebourne experience, alongside a number of dining options. It is a combination of sophistication and leisure, offering a cultural ritual that has become an essential part of the East Sussex social calendar.
The sense of anticipation, the elegance of the setting and the thrill of the performance make a visit to Glyndebourne a highlight of any cultural trip and our guests find it particularly appealing to stay nearby, in a retreat that mirrors the same sense of refinement in a tranquil setting, yet only a 3 mins walk to the award-winning Coach & Horses gastro pub.
Travelling by car or taxi you can reach Glyndebourne within 30 minutes from our location, making it even more convenient. Moreover, for our international guests visiting Glyndebourne, our cottage is only a 35-minute drive away from Gatwick Airport, making our location the perfect place for a seamless travel experience. In fact, many of our guests are drawn here precisely because of our proximity to the airport and Glyndebourne making it easy to combine an enchanting stay with world-class performances.
South Downs National Park
The South Downs National Park offers breathtaking trails, incredible wildlife & picturesque villages welcome you to the land that inspired ‘Jerusalem’. Just a short journey from London, the South Downs is known as the ‘gateway to England’ – its rolling green hills, globally important chalk grassland, ancient woodland, dark night skies, wildlife-rich heathland and windswept cliffs represents people and nature at their best.
Sussex Coast
Places to eat and drink
The Coach and Horses
Charming and unspoilt traditional award-winning local Free House pub and restaurant serving delicious food with log fires in the winter, a cosy bar and a lovely garden and play area for children. A tranquil spot which is only a 2-3 minute walk from The Nest! Open Wednesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sunday for lunch, booking in advance is advised.
The Hatch Inn
Popular and traditional old country pub in Coleman’s Hatch just outside Hartfield with log fire and garden, dating back to 1430. Serves delicious food. Only 10 to 15 minutes by car.
The Crown Inn
Lovely pub on the green for a drink or meal in the next village of Horsted Keynes 5-10 mins drive.
The Dorset Arms, Withyham
Lovely historic village pub and restaurant in Withyham on the Buckhurst Estate. 15-20 mins by car
Hathi Indian Restaurant, Nutley
Traditional and modern Indian cuisine, drawing inspiration from all 22 regions of India. Delicious food to eat in or takeaway and only 6-8 mins drive. A great option if you don’t feel like cooking but want a cosy night in!
Thai Time
Very popular Thai restaurant in Forest Row, that also does takeaway. Great option if you want a relaxing night in without cooking! Only 10-15 mins by car.
National Trust Properties
Sheffield Park & Garden
Sheffield Park and Garden is an informal landscape garden five miles east of Haywards Heath, in East Sussex, England. It was originally laid out in the 18th century by Capability Brown, and further developed as a woodland garden in the early 20th century by its then owner, Arthur Gilstrap Soames.
Wakehurst Place Botanical Gardens, Haywards Heath
Explore Wakehurst’s wild botanic garden in the heart of Sussex, home to the Millennium Seed Bank, over 500 acres of diverse landscapes and plants from across the globe. Kew Gardens Discover how their scientists are researching the value of UK biodiversity to inform nature-based solutions to critical global challenges like climate change.
Borde Hill Gardens, Borde Hill, Haywards Heath
Borde Hill Garden is a garden located 1.5 miles north of Haywards Heath, West Sussex in southern England. It is set in over 200 acres of garden, park and woodlands which has views across the Sussex High Weald. Borde Hill Garden is planted in “living garden rooms”, each offering a different character and style.
Activities and places of interest
Brighton Marina
A waterfront complex which has the potential to satisfy all taste buds as it has good Brighton restaurants, exciting food, and markets from all corners of the globe. One of the advantages of Brighton Marina restaurants is the free parking, 24 hour public transport and the great back drop of the Marina itself make it great for exploring in all weather. For those who prefer dry land why not hire an electric bike or enjoy a walk along the east break water to watch the fishermen? When it is time to relax, there’s nothing better than sitting in one of the many cafés or restaurants and watching the yachts sail by. Brighton Marina is the largest marina in the UK and has plenty to do for all ages, within its picturesque waterfront surroundings. With an eight screen cinema, 26-lane recently refurbished bowling alley, glow in the dark golf and casino, there’s never a dull moment.
Plumpton Racecourse Ltd
Plumpton Racecourse is a National Hunt racecourse in the village of Plumpton, East Sussex near Lewes and Brighton. Racing first took place at Plumpton in 1884. Its most notable race is the Sussex National Handicap Chase
Ardingly Reservoir Activity Centre, Ardingly
Trading Boundaries Concert Venue, Sheffield Park
