The South Downs village where life moves gently and independent shops flourish
- UK Hidden Gems
- 32 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Among the gentle, windswept hills of the South Downs, the 800 residents of this place have held on to everything that makes an English village feel special.
In this 900 year old place, the patchwork cottages and their front gardens have been kept much the same for the last five centuries.
But that does not mean the village is stuck in the past. Its thriving high street is home to more than 20 independent businesses.
“For a small village it’s a really good selection of shops,” said William Emmett, 38, who noted that three new ones have opened recently.
William has run the vintage clothes shop The Dressing Room on North Street for the past 11 years, after moving from Buckinghamshire.
It is possibly one of the most picturesque clothing shops you will ever see, set inside a tiled Elizabethan building with white bay windows looking out onto a garden path lined with mossy pots and hanging baskets.
“It’s a beautiful village and there’s a really nice community. I’ve got lots of friends here. It’s busy too, there’s always plenty going on,” William said. And he is right, because for such a tiny village there is a surprising amount to see and do.
In the village itself there are lots of local businesses. “There are interior shops, antique shops [William owns one of these as well], fashion shops, tea rooms, a jewellery shop, and a really good independent bookshop,” he explained.
Just outside the village of Alfriston is the world famous Glyndebourne opera house, and nearby Lewes is well known for its bonfire night celebrations.
You are also only a few minutes’ walk from the South Downs, with their rolling hills and striking white cliffs that draw visitors back again and again.
One place you might stay is The Star Hotel, right on the high street. Receptionist Thomas McCallum said you certainly would not be alone, as “lots of tourists visit” and are attracted to the village.
“It’s a secluded little area in the Downs by the south coast, surrounded by lots of greenery and nature, and it has loads of authentic shops and walks around. It’s a nice little gem that people like to visit, especially in the summer.”
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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