Sussex


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



<p>When the Telegraph describes somewhere as one of the ‘poshest villages’ in the country, the fear is that things could get a bit pretentious and well, curtain twitching. That is anything but the case in Kingston-near-Lewes! Perhaps it’s the community farm shop (where profits are pumped back into the local area), the honesty boxes, it&#8217;s proximity to buzzy Lewes and Brighton or simply that residents are surrounded by fields, walks and greenery. Whichever it is, it’s a relaxed, happy and beautiful place to be. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</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/11/2024/07/1-3-1000x667.jpg" alt="The Juggs Pub kingston near lewes Sussex" class="wp-image-69271" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/07/1-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/07/1-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/07/1-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/07/1-3.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The foodie scene may be modest, but it’s all about quality over quantity. The local village pub is <a href="https://www.thejuggs.co.uk/">The Juggs</a> – housed in a 14th century cottage – exposed oak beams, roaring fires, locals with their dogs as well as a beer garden and covered terrace. It dishes up all of the class pub grub as well as entertainment on selected night including Morris dancers. On Saturday mornings the <a href="https://www.lovebrook.org/farm-shop">Community Farm Shop</a> takes place at <a href="https://lovebrook.org/">Lovebrook Farm</a> selling local chemical-free veggies from the farm’s garden and other local farms. </p>



<p>You’ll also find baked goods, local dairy, honey, juices and pantry essentials, as well as plants and flowers, while any profit goes straight back into the community. On the topic of cake, <a href="https://glitterbugbakery.co.uk/">Glitterbug Bakery</a> is the go-to place for bespoke cakes and biscuits or pre-ordering for your next hike with flasks of tea. You’ll need to head into neighbouring Lewes for more foodie fair, coffee shop wise you can head for elevenses at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/groundlewes/?hl=en">Ground Lewes</a> and artisan bakery, <a href="https://flintowlbakery.com/">Flint Owl</a> &#8211; famous for its sourdough and fluffy cinnamon buns. Elegant dining is delivered at <a href="https://www.fork-lewes.co.uk/">Fork </a>(read Muddy’s review <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/review-muddy-visits-fork-lewes/">here</a>) while <a href="http://www.cacciaandtails.com/">Caccia &amp; Tails</a> specialises in homemade pasta.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</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/11/2024/07/2-2.jpg" alt="kingston near lewes in Sussex interiors shop Freight " class="wp-image-69272" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/07/2-2.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/07/2-2-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/07/2-2-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/07/2-2-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Freight</figcaption></figure>



<p>Considering it’s safely nestled in the South Downs it’s no surprise that Kingston-near-Lewes has been shielded from consumerism and all amenities reside in Lewes a mere seven minute drive away (yes, we counted)! Here you’ll inundated with antique and interiors shops. If forced, Muddy would say our favourite is <a href="https://freightstore.co.uk/">Freight</a> with every product designed and produced in the UK. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.flea-markets.co.uk/">Lewes Flea Market</a> is the perfect browsing spot while you’ll struggle not to spend at <a href="https://www.closetandbotts.com/">Closet and Botts</a> who sell vintage fashion while <a href="https://www.instagram.com/fleurie_lewes/?hl=en">Fleurie</a> hits all the right style notes. Leave your rucksack at the door (if you’ve been on a walk) for a wander around Polish pottery shop, <a href="https://www.baltictrader.co.uk/">Baltic Trader</a>, where you’ll find a range of unique designs which are ideal as gifts, and ones to self of course. For the insta shots alone head to The Fifteenth Century Bookshop which is exactly as described, given its name.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>While this village is petite, it certainly packs a punch with sorting your well-being. Love Brook farm take a large responsibility for this, with an <a href="https://www.lovebrook.org/sauna">outdoor wood fired sauna</a> on the 33 acres of land to look out at. They also host wellbeing days and therapeutic community welling days as well as nature clubs for all ages. In Lewes, you’ll want to stop by <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/valentine-voice-care-lewes/">Valentine Voice Care</a> who offer a wealth of services supporting vocal health, from vocal massage to nutrition, counselling to osteopathy, taking a 360 approach to your vocal wellbeing.&nbsp;There are multiple welling centres in Lewes as well as <a href="https://www.being-in-unity.com/">The Unity Centre</a> that has a spa and studio offering restorative floats, saunas, massage therapies, facials and yoga, pilates and dance classes.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.foundryhealthcarelewes.co.uk/">Foundry Healthcare</a> in Lewes is your one-stop shop for a variety of services.</p>



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



<p>How’s this for community, Kingston has a tennis club, cricket ground, playing fields and riding stables as well as a village hall and green. In the summer, the green is taken over by the traditional Sussex game of stool ball – a mash up of cricket, baseball, softball and rounders that dates back to the 15th century. There are regular bridge nights and whisky tastings too at the village hall where the locals meet up and no doubt feel a little smug that they live there!</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/11/2024/07/3-3-1000x667.jpg" alt="kingston near lewes" class="wp-image-69273" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/07/3-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/07/3-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/07/3-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/07/3-3.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Anne Of Cleves&#8217; House</figcaption></figure>



<p>No need to let Henry VIII’s castles hog all the limelight, <a href="https://sussexpast.co.uk/attraction/anne-of-cleves-house/">Anne of Cleves</a>’ former residence is right next to Kingston you can walk around the 15th century property which was given to her at the end of their marriage. You can admire more&nbsp; fierce women from history at <a href="https://www.charleston.org.uk/">Charleston</a> a former retreat for artists (and some debauchery)&nbsp;including Vanessa Bell and Virginia Woolf. </p>



<p>Wait, there’s more literary geniuses to admire, Virginia Woolf’s 17th century country retreat, <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/monks-house">Monk’s House</a> is close by and now under the care of The National Trust. Anyone living in Kingston-near-Lewes or who is passing through will know only too well the main attraction is the wealth of walks you are spoilt for choice and can easily walk into Lewes or onto the Downs as well as head to the secret woodland glades at <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/blackcap">Blackcap</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture-nbsp">CULTURE&nbsp;</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/11/2024/07/4-3-1000x667.jpg" alt="kingston near lewes" class="wp-image-69274" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/07/4-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/07/4-3-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/07/4-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/07/4-3.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Glyndebourne Opera</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://www.glyndebourne.com/">Glyndebourne Opera</a> – the cultural gem of East Sussex – hosts opera, concerts, recitals and masterclasses, as well as hosts and annual festivals and offers fine dining experiences as well as of course, black tie events. You can’t escape it just because you’re in the countryside! The estate also hosts jazz festival, <a href="https://lovesupremefestival.com/">Love Supreme</a> in July.</p>



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



<p>The average price here is £539,343 and a terraced property will set you back around £459,687 with semis going for around f £545,107 and detached, £804,169.</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/11/2024/10/177185_1065_CWYC_IMG_01_0000.jpeg" alt="Super-cool 6 bed modern house with double height glass window. On the market for £1.795m. Kingston near Lewes Sussex" class="wp-image-70375" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/177185_1065_CWYC_IMG_01_0000.jpeg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/177185_1065_CWYC_IMG_01_0000-800x534.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/177185_1065_CWYC_IMG_01_0000-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/177185_1065_CWYC_IMG_01_0000-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Super-cool 6 bed modern house with double height glass window. <a href="https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/145745552#/media?id=media1&amp;ref=photoCollage&amp;channel=RES_BUY" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for £1.795m</a>.</figcaption></figure>



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



<p>You’ll need to head to Lewes where there’s a Montessori Nursery, <a href="https://schoolhousenurseries.com/">The Old School House</a> which has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted and there’s also <a href="https://www.steppingstonesnursery-lewes.uk/">Stepping Stones Nursery</a> as Good in Lewes.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>Plemty of Ofsted rated Good schools: primaries, <a href="https://www.iford-kingston.e-sussex.sch.uk/web/">Iford &amp; Kingston C of E School</a>, <a href="http://www.westernroad.e-sussex.sch.uk/website">Western Road</a> and <a href="https://www.southoverceprimary.co.uk/">Southover</a>; as well as co-ed comprehensive <a href="https://www.priory.e-sussex.sch.uk/">Priory School</a> for ages 11 – 16 yrs.</p>



<p>The proximity to Brighton means you’ve a loads of Independents too: <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/lancing-prep-hove/">Lancing Prep</a> in Hove, non-selective <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/review-bedes-prep-school-eastbourne-sussex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bede’s Prep</a> in Eastbourne and day and boardingn<a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/national-school-reviews/bedes-senior-school-review/">Bede&#8217;s Senior</a> in Hailsham, <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/review-cumnor-house-sussex/">Cumnor House</a> in Danehill (between Haywards Heath and East Grinstead) and Brighton College.</p>



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



<p>Local legend has it that the village has its own ghost and over different decades teens have scared themselves silly trying to awaken the ghost of Nan Kemp by running around her grave three times with their eyes closed. It’s claimed that in the 1600s Kemp murdered her illegitimate baby and served it in a pie for her husband – she was hanged in the village and buried in Ashcombe Lane.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>The closest train station is Lewes with direct trains to London Victoria (70 mins) and to Eastbourne (20 mins). Kingston is just off the A27 with easy access to the M25 and London.&nbsp;</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>


Kingston-near-Lewes

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