Sussex


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



<p>When the <em>Telegraph</em> 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, its proximity to buzzy Lewes and Brighton, or simply that residents are surrounded by fields, walks and greenery. It’s certainly a relaxed, happy and beautiful place to live. </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/11/2024/07/1-3.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.jpg 1500w, 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/11/2024/07/1-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/07/1-3-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Juggs</a>, housed in a 14th-century cottage, with exposed oak beams, roaring fires and locals with their dogs, as well as a beer garden and covered terrace. It dishes up all of the classic pub grub, as well as entertainment on selected nights, including Morris dancers. </p>



<p>On Saturday mornings the <a href="https://www.lovebrook.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Community Farm Shop</a> takes place at <a href="https://lovebrook.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lovebrook Farm</a>, selling local chemical-free veggies from Lovebrook and other local farms. 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 (one of our favourites), <a href="https://www.instagram.com/glitterbugbakery/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glitterbug Bakery</a> is the place to head for bespoke cakes and biscuits – you can pre-order for your next hike with flasks of tea. </p>



<p>You’ll need to head into neighbouring Lewes for more foodie fare. Coffee shop-wise try <a href="https://www.instagram.com/groundlewes/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ground Lewes</a> or artisan bakery <a href="https://flintowlbakery.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flint Owl</a> – famous for its sourdough and fluffy cinnamon buns. <a href="http://www.cacciaandtails.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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>Safely nestled in the South Downs, Kingston-near-Lewes has been shielded from consumerism and all amenities reside in Lewes, a mere 7-min drive away (yes, we counted)! Here you’ll be inundated with antique and interiors shops. If forced, Muddy would say our favourite is <a href="https://freightstore.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Freight,</a> with every product designed and produced in the UK. <a href="https://www.gorringes.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gorringe&#8217;s</a> auction house in Lewes is one to stop by if you&#8217;ve something to sell, especially jewellery.</p>



<p><a href="https://www.flea-markets.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lewes Flea Market</a> is the perfect browsing spot, while you’ll struggle not to spend on vintage fashion in <a href="https://www.closetandbotts.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Closet &amp; Botts Homestore</a>. 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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Baltic Trader</a>, where you’ll find a range of unique designs which are ideal as gifts, including ones to self of course. For Insta shots alone head to the <a href="http://www.oldenyoungbooks.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fifteenth Century Bookshop </a>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 packs a punch with sorting your wellbeing. Lovebrook Farm takes care of a lot of this, with an <a href="https://www.lovebrook.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">outdoor wood fired sauna</a> and 33 acres of land to look out at. They also host wellbeing days and therapeutic community days, as well as nature clubs for all ages. </p>



<p>In Lewes, you’ll want to stop by <a href="https://valentinevoicecare.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Valentine Voice Ca</a><a href="https://www.being-in-unity.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">re</a>, which offers a wealth of services supporting vocal health, from vocal massage to nutrition, counselling and osteopathy.&nbsp;There are multiple wellbeing centres in Lewes, including <a href="https://www.being-in-unity.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Unity Centre</a> which 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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">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 here!</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/11/2024/07/3-3.jpg" alt="Anne Of Cleves' House kingston near lewes" class="wp-image-69273" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/07/3-3.jpg 1500w, 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/11/2024/07/3-3-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/07/3-3-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anne of Cleves</a>’ former residence is right next to Kingston and you can walk around the 15th-century property which was given to her as part of a portfolio of properties at the end of their very short marriage (that&#8217;s some divorce settlement!). You can admire more&nbsp;fierce women from history at <a href="https://www.charleston.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charleston</a>, a former retreat for creatives (and site of more than a little debauchery)&nbsp;including Vanessa Bell and Virginia Woolf. And Woolf’s personal 17th-century country retreat, <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/monks-house" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monk’s House</a>, is close by and these days under the care of the National Trust. </p>



<p>Into walking? It&#8217;s one of the great attractions of this village, which is surrounded by gorgeous countryside. You can easily stroll into Lewes or onto the Downs, or head to the secret woodland glades at <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/sussex/blackcap" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Blackcap</a>. </p>



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



<p><a href="https://www.glyndebourne.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Glyndebourne</a> opera house – the cultural gem of East Sussex – hosts opera, concerts, recitals and masterclasses, with fine dining experiences (al fresco if the weather holds) and plenty of excuses for black tie. Nearby Glynde Place also hosts the hugely popular jazz festival, <a href="https://lovesupremefestival.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Love Supreme</a>, in July. It is only 15-mins drive away. </p>



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



<p>The average price here is £539,343. A terraced property will set you back around £459,687 with semis going for around £545,107 and detached houses for £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="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/Untitled-design-257.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-79879" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/Untitled-design-257.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/Untitled-design-257-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/Untitled-design-257-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2024/10/Untitled-design-257-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Beamy character abounds in this 4-bed barn conversion. <a href="https://oakleyproperty.com/residential-properties/the-street-19546?section=residential&amp;isLet=0&amp;isUnavailableSale=0&amp;isUnavailableLet=0&amp;branch=lewes&amp;location=&amp;typeResidential=&amp;typeCommercial=&amp;minimumBedrooms=&amp;maximumPrice=&amp;maximumLetPrice=&amp;minimumArea=&amp;maximumArea=#" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for £1m</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/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Old School House</a>, which has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and <a href="https://www.steppingstonesnursery-lewes.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stepping Stones Nursery</a> which is rated Good.&nbsp;</p>



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



<p>There are plenty of Ofsted-rated Good primaries nearby, including <a href="https://www.iford-kingston.e-sussex.sch.uk/web/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iford &amp; Kingston C of E School</a>, <a href="http://www.westernroad.e-sussex.sch.uk/website" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Western Road Community Primary School</a> and <a href="https://www.southoverceprimary.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Southover CE Primary School</a>. The co-ed secondary <a href="https://www.priory.e-sussex.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Priory School</a> in Lewes is also rated Good.</p>



<p>There are loads of Independents nearby including <a href="https://logs.uk.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lewes Old Grammar</a>, <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/brighton-college-prep-brighton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brighton College Prep</a>, <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/lancing-prep-hove/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lancing Prep Hove</a>, <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/review-cumnor-house-sussex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cumnor House</a> in Danehill, and non-selective <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/review-bedes-prep-school-eastbourne-sussex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bede&#8217;s Prep</a> in Eastbourne and <a href="https://sussex.muddystilettos.co.uk/national-school-reviews/bedes-senior-school-review/">Bede&#8217;s Senior</a> (which also offers boarding) in Hailsham.</p>



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



<p>Local legend has it that the village has its own ghost, Nan Kemp, and it is a time-honoured tradition for teens to scare themselves silly trying to awaken her by running around her grave three times with their eyes closed. It is said 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">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>The closest train station is Lewes with direct trains to London Victoria (1 hr 3 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 260 Best Places to Live</em></a>.</p>


Kingston-near-Lewes

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