Sussex


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



<p>The cooler cousin to neighbouring Hastings, St Leonards, (or Lennies to locals) has been quietly coming into its own with glamorous grit. Neatly nestled between Bexhill and Hastings, it’s got the best of all worlds, raw but beautiful Regency and Art Deco architecture, a quiet and long beach and the greenery of Hasting Country Park – from the cliffs you can even see seals. It’s still just about commutable to London with trains taking 90 mins, so it’s ideal for hybrid working. The arts scene erupted here and has helped launch an explosion of great galleries, indie cinemas and amazing places to eat. The shabby chic vibe is simply part of St Leonards’ charm.</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/11/2022/10/Untitled-design-3.jpg" alt="Farmyard small plates restaurant St Leonards on Sea Sussex" class="wp-image-61508" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/10/Untitled-design-3.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/10/Untitled-design-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/10/Untitled-design-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/10/Untitled-design-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/10/Untitled-design-3-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Farmyard</figcaption></figure>



<p>Head to Michelin-listed <a href="http://stclementsrestaurant.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Clements</a> and Muddy Awards 2019 winner <a href="https://www.labellavista.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Bella Vista</a> on the seafront for fine dining.&nbsp;If it’s ‘proper grub’ you’re after, look no further than gastropub, <a href="https://theroyalstleonards.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Royal</a> which has a Michelin Bib Gourmand and for classic charm try <a href="https://marinafountain.com/">The Marina Fountain</a>. It’s no surprise that seafood is a firm favourite, with <a href="https://www.galleriabar.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Galleria</a> dishing up local catch, while <a href="https://farmyardwine.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Farmyard</a> is famous with locals for its legendary lunch menu and small plates. Its sister restaurant <a href="https://boatyardstleonards.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boatyard</a> is a buzzing fish-focused eatery residing at indoor street food market <a href="https://www.heistmarket.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heist</a> that is your one-stop shop for all your foodie demands. Café culture is alive and well and yes, growing, you can get your caffeine fix at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/starskyandhatch/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starsky and Hatch</a> and <a href="https://www.goatledge.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goat Ledge </a>with beach huts to hire too.&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="856" height="1140" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/Womens-fashion-Shop-St-Leonards-Sussex.jpg" alt="Women's fashion boutique SHOP St Leonards on Sea Sussex" class="wp-image-70383" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/Womens-fashion-Shop-St-Leonards-Sussex.jpg 856w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/Womens-fashion-Shop-St-Leonards-Sussex-601x800.jpg 601w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/Womens-fashion-Shop-St-Leonards-Sussex-751x1000.jpg 751w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/Womens-fashion-Shop-St-Leonards-Sussex-768x1023.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 856px) 100vw, 856px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shop</figcaption></figure>



<p>It’s gift shops galore dominating both Kings Road and Norman Road with a strong bias to interiors and antiques. We’re fans of <a href="https://www.mothshop.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moth</a> (it closes in July for appointment only browsing) who sells locally hand-made homeware, ceramics, candles, soaps, art and prints and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/shopnormanroad/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shop</a> with its mix of foodie treats (local producers too) and interiors. On the topic of food,<a href="https://www.instagram.com/penbuckles/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Penbuckles Deli</a> in nearby Hastings offers Sussex cheese, charcuterie and wines. For antiques – mid-century is all the rage is St Leonards, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/twisted_king_interiors/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twisted King Interiors</a> specialises in vintage Forties and Fifties gems. </p>



<p>Close by is <a href="https://www.hastingsantiques.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hastings Antiques Centre</a> an emporium of five floors offering every antique you could dream of. Speaking of sustainability, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wonderfill.st.leonards/?hl=en">Wonderfill</a> is a refill shop selling dry food, cleaning products and toiletries without the packaging. Great kids clothes and gifts are found at <a href="https://www.littlemashers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Little Mashers </a>and wardrobe-related gifts to self at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/purehastings/?hl=en">Pure</a> in Hastings and jewellery at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/omegastudiostleonards/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Omega Studio</a>. And for some substance to go alongside your style, <a href="https://www.hareandhawthornbookshop.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hare and Hawthorn</a> bookshop is a must-visit.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>There’s the <a href="https://www.bannatyne.co.uk/health-club/hastings">Bannatyne health club</a> just outside of St Leonards complete with a spa. Locals rave about the massages at <a href="http://www.havenhastings.co.uk/">Haven beauty salon</a>, and those in the know head to <a href="https://theviewpilates.co.uk/">The View Pilates</a> classes &#8211; popular on the South Coast for proper core workouts. <a href="https://www.highgladesmedicalcentre.nhs.uk/">High Glades Medical Centre</a> have two locations in St Leonards, and there are a range of GP practices and over six NHS dentists. <a href="https://www.zeusgymhastings.co.uk/">Zeus Gym</a> isn&#8217;t as intimidating as it sounds, there&#8217;s also <a href="https://rawgym.co.uk/">Raw Gym</a> while <a href="https://www.thehumblehub.co.uk/">The Humble Hub</a> offers yoga and a range of fitness classes. </p>



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



<p>The marina pavilion is a hub of activity where local groups with shared interests meet up, including the local wild swimming collective.&nbsp;In the summer, locals come together for the <a href="https://www.stleonardsfestival.org/">St Leonards Festival</a>, celebrating the culture and diversity in the area via music, art and food. Every Saturday the Grade II listed <a href="https://stleoschurch.co.uk/">St Leonards Church</a> hosts a free indoor market selling vintage pieces, arts and crafts, fashion and food. Neighbouring Hastings hosts <a href="https://www.syob.net/uk/business-networking/hastings/156">Business Networking</a> events for small business owners and self employed individuals. There&#8217;s also a <a href="https://www.rootsofreturn.org/womenswellbeingcircle">woman&#8217;s circle</a> every Wednesday focused on nurturing a supportive space. </p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/09/1-15-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-61072" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/09/1-15-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/09/1-15-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/09/1-15-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/09/1-15-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/09/1-15.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">National Trust’s Bodiam Castle</figcaption></figure>



<p>Just down the road is Hastings with its beautiful <a href="https://www.visit1066country.com/things-to-do/hastings-castle-and-1066-story-p44433" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Castle ruins</a>, and just a 30 min drive is the 14th century <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">National Trust’s Bodiam Castle</a>.</p>



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



<p>With a thriving arts scenes it’s no wonder that art is high on the agenda with galleries galore, including <a href="https://www.bigyingallery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bin Yin</a> a contemporary space that supports emerging talent, <a href="https://stelladorestore.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stella Dore</a> focuses on graffiti, street and urban artists while the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thedirtyoldgallery/?hl=en-gb">Dirty Old</a> hosts workshops and charity exhibitions. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kino-teatr.co.uk/">Kino cinema</a><a href="https://www.kino-teatr.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a>offers a mix of mainstream and indie films.</p>



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



<p>The pandemic saw prices in St Leonards rise sharply and the average price is £328,715 although larger properties (6+ beds) are widely available. Detached go for an average £495,095 and sems £337,328, but expect to pay £600,000 – £900,000 for a townhouse.</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/Untitled-design-1-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-70755" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/Untitled-design-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/Untitled-design-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/Untitled-design-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/Untitled-design-1.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Grade II listed manor house in nearby Etchingham. <a href="https://www.knightfrank.co.uk/properties/residential/for-sale/fontridge-lane-etchingham-east-sussex-tn19/cho012431642">On the market wiith Knight Frank for £6.3m</a>.</p>



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



<p>In nearby Robertsbridge (a 30 min drive) <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/vinehall-school-robertsbridge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vinehall</a> is a non-selective co-ed prep and pre pre that also has a nursery. <a href="https://www.jigsawnurseries.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jigsaw Nurseries</a> have three sites across St Leonards and in Hastings and is Outstanding according to Ofsted.</p>



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



<p>State primaries,<a href="https://www.st-mary-star.e-sussex.sch.uk/esussex/primary/st-mary-star" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Mary Star of the Sea Catholic</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.stpaulsceacademy.org/website" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Paul’s C of E</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.silverdaleprimaryacademy.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Silverdale</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.christchurch.academy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Christ Church C of E</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.weststleonardsprimaryacademy.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West St Leonards</a>&nbsp;are all &#8216;Good&#8217; according to Ofsted. Secondaries&nbsp;<a href="http://www.thestleonardsacademy.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Leonards Academy</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.torfield-saxonmount.com/saxonmount/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saxon Mount</a>&nbsp;also were rated Good.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In terms of independent schools, St Leonards is home to <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/claremont-school-east-sussex-senior-school-and-sixth-form/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Claremont School</a> for boys and girls (ages 3 – 18 yrs) and is set across two sites in the heart of East Sussex <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/claremont-school-east-sussex-early-years-pre-prep-and-prep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pre-Prep and Prep</a> and <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/claremont-school-east-sussex-early-years-pre-prep-and-prep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Senior and Sixth Form</a>. Nearby is <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/battle-abbey-senior-school-battle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Battle Abbey Senior School</a> in Battle and slightly further afield is <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/lancing-prep-worthing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lancing Prep Worthing</a> for children up to 13 yrs old .</p>



<p>As mentioned, <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/vinehall-school-robertsbridge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vinehall</a> a non-selective co-ed Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep school for ages 2 – 13 yrs.&nbsp;And in neighbouring Eastbourne there is the well established, mildly selective day and boarding school, <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/eastbourne-college-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eastbourne College</a> for children aged 13 – 18 yrs.</p>



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



<p>You don&#8217;t have to head in land to get your dose of greenery. <a href="https://www.hastings.gov.uk/parks_gardens_allotments/parks/alexandra/">Alexandra Park</a> in neighbouring Hastings which has a mini waterfall! The Old Roar Gill reserve is a hidden gem in the park that has 100 acres to roam around in.</p>



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



<p>Trains go direct to Brighton (30 mins), London Victoria (110 mins) and London Bridge (90 &#8211; 100 mins) from St Leonards Warrior Square. Good links to Tunbridge Wells (34 – 45 mins) and Sevenoaks (54 – 65 mins) in Kent.<br><br><em>View the full <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 300 Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


St Leonards-On-Sea

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