Sussex villages named among UK’s greatest by The Telegraph

The Telegraph has named 30 of the UK’s most beautiful villages to visit across the UK, and Sussex did very well for itself, racking up three villages across East and West Sussex.

The villages that made this year’s list were Alfriston and Ditchling in East Sussex and Bosham in West Sussex.

The villages that made this year’s list included Bosham in West Sussex. (Image: Hugh Llewelyn/Flickr)

From beautiful listed buildings to beautiful views of the countryside, The Telegraph had a lot to say about why these villages made the coveted top 30 list.

These villages would make an easy and lovely day out in the summer months, being not too far from London.

Alfriston, East Sussex

Beginning with Alfriston, which came in at number 17 on the list, this historic village full of chocolate box cottages, timber-framed houses and a lowland river is a charming example of a classic countryside village.

Located on the South Downs, this cobbled-street village is just an hour and 15 minutes from London by car.

Alfriston’s 14th-century church overlooks the village green. (Image: eGuide Travel/Flickr)

Some of Alfriston’s standout features that put it on The Telegraph’s radar were its 14th-century church overlooking the village green, along with its smattering of old buildings and pubs.

The village also has links to the National Trust with its 14th century Clergy House, which was the first ever building to be saved by The National Trust in 1896.

The 14th century Clergy House was the first ever building to be saved by The National Trust in 1896. (Image: PA)

Ditchling, East Sussex

Coming in at number 18 on the list, Ditchling on the foot of Ditchling Beacons in the South Downs made the list for its many listed buildings and rich heritage.

Just an hour from London, this village has plenty to do from its National Park, which is also the UK’s newest created in 2018, to its 40-plus listed buildings to explore.

Ditchling made the list for its many listed buildings and rich heritage. (Image: Ditchling Parish Council)

Some of the highlights that stood Ditchling in good stead were Wings Place, otherwise known as Anne of Cleves House, and Ditchling Museum of Art and Craft, which sheds a light on many of the village’s key craftspeople and practices.

If you’re looking for a dog-friendly staycation, this village is well suited for that with The Bull and Nutmeg Tree Tea Rooms being named as good spots to visit by The Telegraph.

this village has plenty to do from its National Park to its 40-plus listed buildings to explore. (Image: Ditchling Parish Council)

Bosham, West Sussex

Coming in at number 19 was Bosham, located on Chichester Harbour, which was described as offering a “sheer overload of beauty” by The Telegraph.

Bosham, located on Chichester Harbour, was described as offering a “sheer overload of beauty” by The Telegraph. (Image: Experience Sussex)

With its Grade I listed church, picnic spots and many sailing spots, this village is perfect for family days out, especially if you fancy getting out on the water.

With its quiet and tranquil natural estuary, this village is a scenic place to see boats bobbing up and down on the surface and to try your hand at sailing.

If you’re looking for a place to stay for a long weekend, The Millstream Hotel with its “elegant countryside terrace” was named as a good spot to spend the night, or to have a meal if you’re just staying for the day.