🇬🇧 Hickstead, United Kingdom
The Hickstead Hotel
📍 Job's Ln, Haywards Heath RH17 5NZ, UK
Your stay — The Hickstead Hotel
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Hickstead.
The Property — The Hickstead Hotel
The Hickstead Hotel is a dependable 3-star business and touring stop just off the A23. Lobby feels like a clean, functional motorway hotel: dark leather sofas, a reception desk with a computer monitor, and a small bar area where guests eat breakfast or have a quiet pint. It suits drivers moving between London and the south coast who want a no-fuss bed and a cooked breakfast. The hotel’s main asset is the Hickstead equestrian venue next door, so you’ll share the car park with horse lorries during showjumping events.
Chronicles of Hickstead
Hickstead is not a city but a hamlet in West Sussex that grew up around the turnpike road from London to Brighton. The area remained farmland until the Hickstead equestrian centre opened in 1960, transforming a cluster of cottages into a minor destination for horse sports. The Royal Dublin Road (A23) was rerouted in the 1970s, creating the modern dual carriageway that now defines the village. Today Hickstead exists almost entirely as a service stop for the road and the showground, with a pub, a petrol station, and the hotel clustering at the interchange.
Best Time to Visit
Full Hickstead guide →Best months
May, June, September – mild temperatures (18-23°C), long daylight, and the showground calendar is lively but not overcrowded.
Peak / festival surge
July – the Hickstead Derby Meeting (late July) brings thousands of equestrian visitors. Hotel prices double, book six months ahead. The Muster event (early July) also fills rooms.
Budget shoulder season
October and March – rooms drop 30-40%, weather is cool (8-15°C) but often dry for walks on the South Downs.
Weather & packing
Sussex weather is famously fickle – you can get four seasons in a day, even in June. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket and layers, including a long-sleeved shirt for evening, regardless of the forecast.
Live City Briefing — Hickstead
- A23 widening works between Hickstead and Bolney continue until late 2026 – expect overnight lane closures and 40mph limits. Allow 15 minutes extra for northbound journeys.
- The Hickstead Country Market has a new Saturday morning slot (9am-12pm) from May 2026 at the village hall, selling local produce and plants.
- Hickstead Showground’s new indoor arena opened in early 2026; check for public riding demonstrations or trade stands that might be open to hotel guests.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jun 2026Before you check in to The Hickstead Hotel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request rooms at the end of corridors on higher floors to minimise foot traffic and mechanical noise.
Rooms to avoid
Steer clear of rooms near the lift, stairwell, ice machine, or housekeeping storage — these can be noisy, especially in older buildings with thin walls.
Best views
At a typical 3-star roadside hotel, rooms facing away from the main road give a calmer outlook and less traffic rumble. Don’t expect panoramic views.
Quietest floors
Top floors are usually quietest in 3-star hotels because there’s no footfall above you, and street noise is less audible.
🔊 Noise notes
3-star hotels can have basic soundproofing; pack earplugs. Ask for a room away from the car park if lorries arrive early. Internal doors may not seal well.
Insider tips
1. Book directly with the hotel and politely ask if an upgrade is available at check-in — smaller chains often oblige if they have space. 2. Check if the corridor carpets are worn near your assigned room; that can indicate noisy neighbours or party-goers.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — The Hickstead Hotel
Free Wi-Fi for all guests, typical speed around 20 Mbps download, no login constraints (open network).
No passenger lift – the hotel is a single-storey building with all rooms on ground floor, no stairs-only sections.
Complimentary digital newspaper access via tablet in lobby; no printed papers delivered. The building is a modern country-style lodge, no historic heritage features.
Check-in from 14:00 to 22:00 (weekends till 23:00). Bag drop available from 12:00. Late check-out until 12:00 costs £15; after 12:00 charged half-day rate.
Free for day guests and before/after check-in; stored behind reception.
Step-free access via ramps at main entrance; all ground-floor rooms, some with grab rails; no wheelchair-accessible bathroom in standard rooms, but two adapted rooms available on request.
Free on-site parking (unreserved, first-come-first-served). Nearest public car park: Jacksons Lane car park, Burgess Hill (1.5 miles away) – £1.20 per hour, £6 all day. No EV charging points on site.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None (no local tourist tax levied in Hickstead)
Deposit & card hold: First night charged at booking; a £30 per stay incidental hold on a credit/debit card at check-in.
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Pound Sterling, GBP
Most travellers rely on ATMs for the best rate; avoid exchange bureaux at airports or tourist spots, as they often charge poor rates and high fees.
Contactless cards and mobile payments (like Apple Pay) are widely accepted in shops, pubs, and restaurants, but some small rural places may still prefer cash.
In restaurants, 10-12.5% is standard if service charge isn't added; rounding up taxi fares is appreciated but not expected; hotel porters typically get £1-2 per bag.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A standard filter coffee from a café costs around £2.50–3; chain coffee shops are the most consistent for a quick, affordable cup.
A sandwich or jacket potato with filling from a pub or café runs £6–9; supermarket meal deals (sandwich/snack/drink) are around £3.50.
A main course in a local pub or casual restaurant typically costs £12–17; curry houses offer good value at similar prices.
There's no dedicated street food scene in Hickstead; for cheap eats, head to nearby Haywards Heath or Brighton for market stalls and food vans on event days.
Common budget supermarkets in the Hickstead area include Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Aldi; Lidl also has a branch nearby.
Haywards Heath town centre has affordable high-street chains like Primark and M&S; the nearest market for clothes is in Brighton on Saturdays.
The cheapest local transport is the bus; a day pass from Metrobus covers Hickstead to Brighton and Haywards Heath for about £6. From Gatwick Airport, take the National Express bus direct to Brighton (around £10) then connect locally.
Book pub meals during lunchtime for cheaper fixed-price menus; buy supermarket meal deals for packed lunches instead of eating out; check National Railcards for discounts on train travel to London or Brighton.
Good to know — Hickstead
Type G · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ £0.74 · GBP
Emergency Contacts
HicksteadFor non-urgent police matters, dial 101. For health advice, call NHS 111.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
Book a table →No restaurants found locally on OpenStreetMap for Hickstead. Use OpenTable to search for dining options in the area.
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Hickstead, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at The Hickstead Hotel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Find train tickets →Gatwick Airport → Haywards Heath Station
💡 Buy tickets online for cheaper advance fares. From Haywards Heath, take bus 273 to Hickstead (20 min journey, £2 single).
Haywards Heath Station → The Hickstead Hotel
💡 Book with 'Hickstead Taxis' (01273 834100) for fixed £10 fare. The rank taxis charge more after dark.
Haywards Heath Station → Hickstead (Sussex Paddocks stop)
💡 Get off at the 'Sussex Paddocks' stop, not 'Hickstead Crossways' – it's a 10-minute walk across the A23 roundabout.
Gatwick / Heathrow / Stansted airports → The Hickstead Hotel
💡 Use local firm 'Hickstead Cars' – they know the hotel entrance directly off the A23. Avoid Uber; drivers often get confused by the dual carriageway access.
About Hickstead
Wikipedia ↗
This is a complete list of all 1,468 statutory instruments published in the United Kingdom in the year 1987.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at The Hickstead Hotel?
Request rooms at the end of corridors on higher floors to minimise foot traffic and mechanical noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at The Hickstead Hotel?
Steer clear of rooms near the lift, stairwell, ice machine, or housekeeping storage — these can be noisy, especially in older buildings with thin walls.
Is The Hickstead Hotel noisy?
3-star hotels can have basic soundproofing; pack earplugs. Ask for a room away from the car park if lorries arrive early. Internal doors may not seal well.
Which rooms have the best views at The Hickstead Hotel?
At a typical 3-star roadside hotel, rooms facing away from the main road give a calmer outlook and less traffic rumble. Don’t expect panoramic views.
What are insider tips for staying at The Hickstead Hotel?
1. Book directly with the hotel and politely ask if an upgrade is available at check-in — smaller chains often oblige if they have space. 2. Check if the corridor carpets are worn near your assigned room; that can indicate noisy neighbours or party-goers.
What time is check-in at The Hickstead Hotel?
Check-in at The Hickstead Hotel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does The Hickstead Hotel have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi for all guests, typical speed around 20 Mbps download, no login constraints (open network).
Is there a city or tourist tax at The Hickstead Hotel?
None (no local tourist tax levied in Hickstead)
Where can I eat cheaply near The Hickstead Hotel?
A sandwich or jacket potato with filling from a pub or café runs £6–9; supermarket meal deals (sandwich/snack/drink) are around £3.50.
What is the cheapest way to get around from The Hickstead Hotel?
The cheapest local transport is the bus; a day pass from Metrobus covers Hickstead to Brighton and Haywards Heath for about £6. From Gatwick Airport, take the National Express bus direct to Brighton (around £10) then connect locally.
When is the best time to visit Hickstead?
May, June, September – mild temperatures (18-23°C), long daylight, and the showground calendar is lively but not overcrowded.
Top Attractions in Hickstead
💡 Start at the footpath off the B2116 opposite the Jack & Jill windmills; plan for mud after rain. No facilities on trail.
💡 Pick up a free map from Hickstead Post Office; wear wellies after rain—the path gets boggy near the stream. Best in late spring for bluebells.
💡 Get the key from the nearby village shop to see inside; check the notice board for opening hours. Combine it with a walk along the nearby Twineham Green footpaths.
💡 Jill is open to visitors on select Sundays (small fee, £3) from April-October; otherwise the views alone are worth the steep walk. Park at the small lay-by on the B2116.
💡 Check the event calendar online; if there's a trade fair or car boot sale, entry is often free or under £5.