Welcome to Horsted Keynes Parish Council

Horsted Keynes is a village and civil parish in the Mid-Sussex District of West Sussex. The village lies north-east of Haywards Heath, in the Sussex Weald close to Ashdown Forest and has a population of around 1600.

Following the Norman conquest of England, the Saxon village of Horstede (The Place of Horses in Old English) was awarded to Guillaume de Cahaignes, a French knight who participated in the conquest. The village of Horstede became Horstede de Cahaignes (attested in the Domesday Book of 1086) and in time Horsted Keynes. It is now twinned with the village of Cahagnes in Normandy.

The village's history is reflected in some of its buildings, the oldest building being the parish Church of St Giles, dating back to the 11th century, which itself was built on the earlier site of a Saxon church. It is Grade I listed for its architectural and historical importance. The former Prime Minister, Harold McMillan is buried in the churchyard.

The village has a primary school, two pubs, a social club, a village shop, a twice-weekly pop-up post office, and is a thriving community. Horsted Keynes is also known for its station on the Bluebell Railway, which operates vintage steam trains.

The parish has an extensive Public Rights of Way (PROW) network providing many kilometres of footpaths and bridleways. These routes provide easy access to the countryside, which is appreciated by residents and visitors alike. The network is overseen by West Sussex County Council as PROW authority.