Sussex


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-nbsp">WHY?&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Out of all 375 villages in Sussex (who knew we had so many?) There’s one location that pretty much trumps them all in every poll from The Times to The Telegraph’s be it for the prettiest village to the best place to work from home and that is, Amberley. So it makes complete sense that Muddy crowns it in the top 10 too. Country lanes are lined with flint-walled thatched roofed cottages with the entire village being flanked by the ancient Amberley Castle and the hills of the South Downs with the River Arun running close by. But don’t let the ancient history or prettiness fool you, there’s plenty going on with direct trains to London, a village shop, lots of lovely gastro pubs, a church and endless walks around the 800 acres of nature reserves.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/09/4-5.jpg" alt="Amberley Sussex The Black Horse a Muddy Award 2024 winner field to fork designed menu wood clad walls and wonky wood tables" class="wp-image-70021" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/09/4-5.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/09/4-5-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/09/4-5-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/09/4-5-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Black Horse</figcaption></figure>



<p>Fine dining isn’t really a ‘thing’ in this cute yet chic village, you can head 4 miles up the road to Arundel if that’s what you’re after, and the first port of call needs to be <a href="https://theparsonstable.co.uk/">The Parsons Table</a>. Closer to the centre of things is <a href="https://www.amberleyblackhorse.co.uk/">The Black Horse</a> a Muddy Award 2024 winner and for good reason &#8211; the food is the focus here with a field to fork designed menu think hand-dived scallops and home-made fishcakes. It’s equally as good to pop in for a pint or a pinot. </p>



<p>Around a mile out of the centre of the action is <a href="https://www.bridgeinnamberley.com/">The Bridge Inn</a> with a great garden and patio for summer and roaring fires inside come the winter. You’ll want to head here for your Sunday roast too and enjoy great wines and local ales. To complete the hattrick of great gastro puns, is <a href="https://thesportsmansussex.co.uk/">The Sportsman Inn</a> is a strong contender for best beer garden with sweeping views of the South Downs. </p>



<p>For a quintessentially English experience head to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/amberleyvillagetearoom/?locale=en_GB">Amberley Village Tearoom</a> for scones, loose-leaf teas, locally-roasted coffee, and home-cooked food. If it’s high tea you’re after you will not be disappointed with the servings at <a href="https://www.amberleycastle.co.uk/">Amberley Castle</a> a romantic setting that honours all the beautifully British traditions. A mile out of the centre of the village is the <a href="https://www.riversidesouthdowns.com/">Riverside South Downs café </a>right by the rive near Houghton Bridge where big breakfasts, delicious lunches, and cream tea is served in stunning surroundings, they also serve wine too which is Muddy’s type of venue! &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1536" height="1536" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/453505686_890526963105368_3262514108626746029_n.jpg" alt="Amberley village shop fresh veg and store cupboard supplies Sussex" class="wp-image-70407" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/453505686_890526963105368_3262514108626746029_n.jpg 1536w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/453505686_890526963105368_3262514108626746029_n-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/453505686_890526963105368_3262514108626746029_n-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/453505686_890526963105368_3262514108626746029_n-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/453505686_890526963105368_3262514108626746029_n-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/453505686_890526963105368_3262514108626746029_n-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/453505686_890526963105368_3262514108626746029_n-1100x1100.jpg 1100w" sizes="(max-width: 1536px) 100vw, 1536px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Amberley Shop &amp; Café</figcaption></figure>



<p>Understandably, what the village is lacking in terms of retail, it more than makes up for in terms of prettiness. But there’s still enough to see here. The <a href="https://www.amberleyshoponthecommon.co.uk/">Amberley Shop &amp; Café</a> reside on the common&nbsp;it’s community owned and volunteer run meaning all profits go back into local good causes. Impressive! <a href="https://www.avsshop.co.uk/">Amberley Village Store</a> stocks the essential supplies predominantly from producers and growers within a few miles, as well as wine from Nutbourne vineyard and beer from local Hammerpot and Long Man breweries.&nbsp;Local artist, Caroline Seaton has her works displayed at <a href="http://www.amberleypottery.co.uk/">Amberley Village Pottery</a>&nbsp;where you’ll want to buy everything, trust us. </p>



<p>All of the usual shopping delights are delivered just a 10 min drive away in nearby Arundel with indie shops selling antiques, gifts, there’s also a <a href="https://www.arundelfarmersmarket.co.uk/">local farmers market</a> on the third Saturday of every month You can also stop in at 2023 Muddy Award winner – <a href="https://scentlounge.com/">Scent Lounge</a> for gorgeous scented candles and diffusers. You’ll be spoilt for choice with antiques and galleries in Arundel too. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>For serious spa time, head to <a href="https://www.amberleycastle.co.uk/">Amberley Castle’s spa</a> and over in neighbouring Arundel is Muddy Award winner Aveda, <a href="https://www.tracy-walker.co.uk/">Tracy Walker Hair Salon</a>. Just a 10 minute drive away is <a href="https://www.thepighotel.com/in-the-south-downs/spa-treatments-south-downs/">The Pig in the South Downs</a> hotel, who have treatment rooms in former potting sheds which are available for non guests to book. To really work up a sweat, you can head to <a href="https://ninelivesgym.co.uk/">Nine Lives</a> gym in Storrington (a 7 minute drive away) that is open 24 hours &#8211; should you ever want to work out at 3am. <a href="https://www.pmgdoctors.co.uk/">Pulborough Medical Group</a> is an NHS centre offering a range of healthcare services ratted &#8216;outstanding&#8217; is just 12 minutes away. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>While there’s the community shop with all profit going back into local causes, you can get a real feel for things on the common, at the end of Church Street, you’ll find a duck pond and the village church which is over 900-years old. The <a href="https://www.amberleysociety.co.uk/">Amberley Society</a> works together to conserve and improve the local area as well as research its history. There&#8217;s a local theatre group as well as Pick Amberley who clean up the area to help protect local wildlife and community events often take place at the <a href="https://www.amberleymuseum.co.uk/">Amberley Museum</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/09/2-8.jpg" alt="Best Places to Live Amberley" class="wp-image-70023" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/09/2-8.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/09/2-8-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/09/2-8-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/09/2-8-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Amberley Castle</figcaption></figure>



<p>Right on the doorstep is St Michael’s Church that dates back to 1100AD (crikey, that’s older than us) they offers audio guides for the history geeks out there. A stop into <a href="https://www.amberleycastle.co.uk/">Amberley Castle</a> now a luxury hotel is essential, even more so to try out the spa as well as wander around the gardens and if you’re lucky see the resident peacock. </p>



<p>Amberley is in prime position to head out onto The South Downs Way, a recognised National Trail. For more outside fun, there’s <a href="https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/amberley-wildbrooks">Amberley Wildbrooks</a> known by the locals as the ‘Amberley Swamp’&nbsp; it’s an 800 acre nature reserve of grassland and woodland with reed-filled ditches &#8211; great for exploring in the drier months and it’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest just on you need to being your wellies to explore.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.amberleymuseum.co.uk/">The Amberley Museum</a> delves into the area’s history through a variety of exhibitions taking look at rural life over the centuries. You can learn about rural arts and crafts as well as take a ride on the mini steam train, eye up vintage buses and take a close look at industrial and agricultural machinery. &nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>All this prettiness will come with a price tag. The overall average house is £649,800. It&#8217;s 36% down on the previous year, so if this is your dream location, there are deals to done.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/48899_73902_IMG_19_0000.jpeg" alt="An oldie but a goodie, this 2 bed Grade II listed house dates back to the 1600s. On the market for £825,000. Amberley Sussex" class="wp-image-70416" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/48899_73902_IMG_19_0000.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/48899_73902_IMG_19_0000-800x534.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/48899_73902_IMG_19_0000-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/48899_73902_IMG_19_0000-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An oldie but a goodie, this 2 bed Grade II listed house dates back to the 1600s. <a href="https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/137514053#/?channel=RES_BUY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for £825,000</a>.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>The Outstanding <a href="https://www.littlebirdsnursery.com/amberley">Little Birds Nursery</a> focuses on outdoor fun at the beach and forest whatever the weather! Although if you want to go further afield there’s <a href="https://chichesternursery.org/">Chichester Nursery School</a>, <a href="https://www.chichestermontessori.co.uk/">Chichester Montessori</a>, <a href="https://www.chichester.ac.uk/services/first-steps-childcare">First Steps</a>, <a href="https://www.littlepioneers.coop/find-your-nursery/chichester_hospital_nursery/">Little Pioneers Nursery &amp; Pre-School</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.amberleyschool.com/">Amberley CofE Primary School</a> is rated Good by Ofsted while state secondaries will require a little travel to nearby Chichester. It&#8217;s more Good ratings for <a href="https://www.chs-tkat.org/">Chichester High School</a>, while <a href="https://www.bishopluffa.org.uk/">Bishop&#8217;s Luffa</a> is Outstanding. For independent schools, <a href="https://www.prebendalschool.org.uk/">Prebendal</a> is a day and boarding school for ages 3 – 13 yrs, it’s a charming mix of historic and modern. There&#8217;s also <a href="https://www.westbournehouse.org/">Westbourne House</a> and <a href="https://oakwoodschool.co.uk/">Oakwood Prep</a>, while <a href="https://www.seaford.org/">Seaford College</a> is a well-established and highly-thought-of boarding and day co-ed for 11 – 18 yr olds.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret-nbsp">BEST KEPT SECRET&nbsp;</h2>



<p>How’s this for kudos? Scenes from 1985 film, <em>James Bond: A View to Kill</em>, starring Roger Moore and Grace Jones were filmed in Amberley. Fans of Bond will know that the mine scenes were filmed at Amberley Chalk Pits and in the Amberley Museum.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Amberley has its own station with regular trains running direct to London Victoria which takes 1 hr 30 mins, or you can change at Clapham Junction to access the rest of London. Gatwick Airport is just 40 mins by train.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;</em><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/"><em>Top 300 Best Places to Live</em></a>.</p>


Amberley

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