Matt
I am not sure what sort of detail you would like. For my money, Sandwich is streets ahead. I would put Sandwich top 10 in the UK and top 5 in England. It has variety. Nuff said.
To me, saying a course is par 68 or 75 is meaningless as to the quality. Par means nada baby. Now, if you want to play a course that is tough as old boots, then Deal is your chap. On a calmish day, I reckon Deal is in a dead heat with Rye. Both have their funky moments, but Rye has the one shotters. If there is any real wind, Deal is a nightmare slog coming home. I don't care for this sort of Troonish golf (ie driver 3 wood, driver, three wood... I am sorry, was I perseverating?). I still think the way to see Rye is in the winter. Rye is a great winter course. Go watch The President's Putter then play the course. I freely admit to never having played Rye in the summer. So Matt, if you get a game there next summer, give me a call. Edge goes to Rye.
Another tier down is Princes and Littlestone. Both well worth a go. Though they are quite different. Littlestone has the best holes (#s 16 & 17 are outstanding) of the two, but I think Princes is a better sum of its parts. Edge goes to Princes. Word of warning, I would take Princes over Deal because I know the chances of playing Deal in the calm are slim and none.
Matt, don't forget about Hayling. It is a serious sleeper and out of the London airport loop, but it may very pleasantly surprise you. If you are heading to Pulborough, which you owe it to yourself to do, then chuck in Hayling.
As for the Heathland courses, Mark is well and truly spot on.
Last word, get yourself a good loan if you are thinking of playing even half the courses mentioned!
Ciao
Sean