Sussex


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



<p>Of all 375 villages in Sussex (yes, choosing has been tough!), there’s one that seems to feature in every newspaper poll, from the prettiest village to the best place to work from home. And that village is (drum roll) Amberley. It is pure Sussex magic – flanked by the ancient Amberley Castle and the hills of the South Downs, with the River Arun running close by, and spilling over with country lanes lined with flint-walled thatched-roofed cottages. 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>Amberley is gastropub heaven, and first stop is <a href="https://www.amberleyblackhorse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Black Horse</a>, a Muddy Award 2024 winner and for good reason, with a field-to-fork menu – think hand-dived scallops and homemade fishcakes. It’s equally great to pop in for a pint or a pinot. </p>



<p>Around a mile out of the centre is <a href="https://www.bridgeinnamberley.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Bridge Inn,</a> with a garden and patio for summer and roaring fires inside in winter. Head here for your Sunday roast, too, and enjoy great wines and local ales. To complete the hat-trick of great gastro pubs, <a href="https://thesportsmansussex.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Sportsman Inn</a> is a strong contender for best beer garden, with sweeping views of the South Downs. </p>



<p>For scones, loose-leaf teas, locally roasted coffee and home-cooked food, head to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/amberleyvillagetearoom/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amberley Village Tearoom</a>. If it’s high tea you’re after (who isn&#8217;t?) you will not be disappointed with the servings at <a href="https://www.amberleycastle.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Riverside South Downs café, </a>right by the river near Houghton Bridge, where big breakfasts, delicious lunches and cream teas are served in stunning surroundings. They offer wine, too. We like that.</p>



<p>Like fine dining? Head 4 miles up the road to Arundel and make <a href="https://theparsonstable.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Parsons Table</a> your first port of call.</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>The <a href="https://www.amberleyshoponthecommon.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amberley Shop &amp; Café</a> on the common&nbsp;is community owned and volunteer-run, meaning all profits go back into local good causes. Impressive! <a href="https://www.avsshop.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amberley Village Store &amp; Post Office</a> stocks 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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amberley Village Pottery,</a>&nbsp;where you’ll want to buy everything, trust us. </p>



<p>Arundel, just a 10-min drive away, has all the usual shopping delights including indie shops selling antiques and gifts, and there’s a <a href="https://www.visitarundel.co.uk/listing/arundel-farmers-market/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">farmers market</a> on the third Saturday of every month. Stop in at 2023 Muddy Award winner <a href="https://scentlounge.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scent Lounge</a> for gorgeous scented candles and diffusers. You’ll be spoilt for choice for 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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amberley Castle’s spa</a> and over in neighbouring Arundel is Muddy Award-winner <a href="https://www.tracy-walker.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tracy Walker Hair Salon</a>.  <a href="https://www.thepighotel.com/in-the-south-downs/spa-treatments-south-downs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Pig in the South Downs</a> hotel, a 10-min drive away, has treatment rooms in former potting sheds which are available for non-guests to book. To really work up a sweat, head to <a href="https://ninelivesgym.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nine Lives</a> gym in Storrington (a 7-min drive away) which is open round the clock, should you ever want to work out at 3am. <a href="https://www.pmgdoctors.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pulborough Medical Group,</a> an NHS centre offering a range of healthcare services rated outstanding, is just 12 mins away. </p>



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



<p>There&#8217;s the community shop with all profit going back into local causes, and you can get a real feel for things on the common, at the end of Church Street, where you’ll find a duck pond and the village church, which is more than 900 years old. The <a href="https://www.amberleysociety.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amberley Society</a> works 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. Community events often take place at the <a href="https://www.amberleymuseum.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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="Amberley Castle 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, which dates back to 1100 and offers audio guides for your inner history geek. <a href="https://www.amberleycastle.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amberley Castle</a> is now a luxury hotel and a visit is essential 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 close to the South Downs Way, and there are walks galore here. For more outside fun, check out the <a href="https://sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/visit/amberley-wildbrooks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amberley Wildbrooks</a>, known locally as the Amberley Swamp, an 800-acre nature reserve of grassland and woodland with reed-filled ditches – great for exploring in the drier months – plus it’s a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Bring your wellies! </p>



<p>A little further afield  – but still barely 15 mins away – you&#8217;ll find Fontwell Park, the UK&#8217;s only racetrack to feature a figure-of-eight steeplechase course for extra challenge. Its 20-plus annual meetings include a popular Family Festival Raceday. </p>



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



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



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



<p>All this prettiness does not come cheap. The overall average house is £649,800, but that&#8217;s 36% down on the previous year, so if this is your dream location, there are deals to be struck.</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 Ofsted Outstanding <a href="https://www.littlebirdsnursery.com/amberley" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Little Birds Nursery</a> focuses on outdoor fun at the beach and forest whatever the weather! Further afield there’s <a href="https://chichesternursery.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chichester Nursery School</a>, <a href="https://www.chichestermontessori.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chichester Montessori</a>, <a href="https://www.chichester.ac.uk/services/first-steps-childcare" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">First Steps</a> and <a href="https://www.littlepioneers.coop/find-your-nursery/chichester_hospital_nursery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amberley CofE Primary School</a> is rated Good by Ofsted, while there are state secondaries in Chichester, around 30 mins away by car. <a href="https://www.chs-tkat.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chichester High School</a> is rated Good with an Outstanding Sixth Form provision, while <a href="https://www.bishopluffa.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bishop Luffa</a> is Outstanding. </p>



<p>For independent schools, <a href="https://www.prebendalschool.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Prebendal</a>, a day and boarding school for ages 3–13 yrs, is a charming mix of historic and modern. There&#8217;s also <a href="https://www.westbournehouse.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Westbourne House</a> and <a href="https://oakwoodschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oakwood School</a>, while <a href="https://www.seaford.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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>Scenes from 1985 film, <em>James Bond: A View to Kill</em>, starring Roger Moore and Grace Jones, were filmed in Amberley. Pretty cool, huh? Fans of Bond will already be well aware 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 in 1 hr 30 mins. Gatwick Airport is 40 mins by train.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;</em><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/"><em>Top 260 Best Places to Live</em></a>.</p>


Amberley

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