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: untouched 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. An arts scene has 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="https://www.stclementsrestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Clement&#8217;s</a> and Muddy Awards 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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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 the 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 at indoor street food market <a href="https://www.heistmarket.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Heist</a>, which is your one-stop shop for all your foodie needs. 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> or  <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 here, and they dominate both Kings Road and Norman Road, with a strong bias towards interiors and antiques. We’re fans of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MOTH.Bohemia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Moth</a>, which sells locally handmade homewares, 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 sells 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 Warehouse</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" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wonderfill</a> is a refill shop selling dry food, cleaning products and toiletries without the packaging. Great kids clothes and gifts are to be found at <a href="https://www.littlemashers.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Little Mashers</a>; wardrobe-related gifts to self at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/purehastings/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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 &amp; 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 a <a href="https://www.bannatyne.co.uk/health-club/hastings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bannatyne health club</a> just outside St Leonards complete with a spa. Locals rave about the massages at <a href="http://www.havenhastings.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Haven beauty salon</a>, and those in the know head to <a href="https://theviewpilates.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The View Pilates</a> classes – popular on the South Coast for proper core workouts. <a href="https://www.highgladesmedicalcentre.nhs.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">High Glades Medical Centre</a> has two locations in St Leonards, and there are a range of GP practices and more than six NHS dentists. <a href="https://www.zeusgymhastings.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zeus Gym</a> isn&#8217;t as intimidating as it sounds, and there&#8217;s also <a href="https://rawgym.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Raw Gym</a>, while <a href="https://www.thehumblehub.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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, residents come together for the <a href="https://www.stleonardsfestival.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Business Networking</a> events for small business owners and self employed individuals. There&#8217;s also a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1578385062838116/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/09/1-15.jpg" alt="National Trust’s Bodiam Castle" class="wp-image-61072" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2022/09/1-15.jpg 1500w, 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/11/2022/09/1-15-1000x667.jpg 1000w, 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" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><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 there are 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" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dirty Old</a> hosts workshops and charity exhibitions. The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kino-teatr.co.uk/">Kino-Teatr 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 houses go for an average £495,095 and semis £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-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/09/Untitled-design-219.jpg" alt="A 6-bed family house for sale in St Leonards on Sea" class="wp-image-79363" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/09/Untitled-design-219.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/09/Untitled-design-219-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/09/Untitled-design-219-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2025/09/Untitled-design-219-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>All the period drama in a beautiful 6-bed family home.<a href="https://croftagency.co.uk/property/maze-hill-st-leonards-on-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> On the market for £1.35m.</a></p>



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



<p><a href="https://www.jigsawnurseries.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jigsaw Nurseries</a> has three sites across St Leonards and in Hastings, two of them outstanding according to Ofsted. 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">Marlborough House Vinehall School</a> is a non-selective co-ed prep and pre prep that also has a nursery. </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="https://www.stpaulsceacademy.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">St Paul’s CE</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 CE</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.weststleonardsprimaryacademy.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">West St Leonards</a>&nbsp;are all good according to Ofsted. Secondary <a href="https://www.saxonmountschool.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saxon Mount</a>&nbsp;was rated outstanding.&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), which is set across two sites in 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-senior-school-and-sixth-form/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Senior and Sixth Form</a>. Nearby is <a href="https://battleabbeyschool.com/" 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 years.</p>



<p>As mentioned, <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/vinehall-school-robertsbridge/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marlborough House Vinehall</a> is a non-selective co-ed Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep school for ages 2–13 yrs.&nbsp;And just down the road in 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>In the Sixties, St Leonards was home to a legendary live-music club called&nbsp;The Witch Doctor, where up-and-coming acts like David Bowie, Steve Marriott and The Moody Blues reportedly played before they made it big.</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 (90-100 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 260 Places to Live</a>.</em></p>


St Leonards-On-Sea

See more in Sussex