UK village dubbed ‘new Cotswolds’ has no crowds and a 15th century pub | Travel News | Travel

The idyllic West Sussex village of Fittleworth has been championed as the “new Cotswolds” in a prestigious list.

Positioned just two hours from London and an hour’s journey from the shoreline, Fittleworth may be a quaint locale with merely 1,000 residents, but it has garnered national attention.

Contrasting with the size and fame of the Cotswolds and its bustling scenes, The Sunday Times boasts that this hidden gem is one of the top 11 coolest destinations in the UK.

Labelled the “posh-welly brigade’s new favourite country hangout” by the authors, it offers a peaceful alternative to the throngs of visitors at hotspots like Chipping Norton.

Just a short drive northwards from Brighton, Fittleworth nestles serenely beneath the hustle of its cosmopolitan sibling, yet now basks in newfound limelight, which could make it the curated choice for travellers looking to enjoy both the countryside and the coast.

Despite its simple amenities—a pair of churches, a single primary school, and a convenience store—this unassuming village embodies tranquillity, tailor-made for those who cherish local charm.

At the heart of Fittleworth lies The Swan Inn, a 15th-century public house that, as per the Times’ advice, should be atop every visitor’s itinerary.

Already beloved by villagers, passing tourists, and even notable celebrities, The Swan Inn stands as a testament to Fittleworth’s quiet allure.

The picturesque village of Fittleworth has become a hotspot for celebrities like interior design maestro Martin Brudnizki and Mumford and Sons’ bass player Ted Dwane, as both are local residents.

The quaint location boasts a stylish furniture store and a delightful ancient woodland flower farm among its attractions, reports the Mirror.

Despite only recently being namedropped by the Sunday Times, Fittleworth’s quaint allure has been captivating people for some time—property gurus at Rightmove noted a spike in interest for Sussex villages back in 2021.

When it comes to house prices, Fittleworth’s upscale ambience is backed by the latest figures from Rightmove.

Over the past year, an average home in this charming village cost £686,000, reflecting a mix of property types and price ranges.

Detached homes command a staggering average of £1,022,800, while terraced properties went for £451,000 and flats comfortably reached £200,000 on the market

“Overall, the historical sold prices in Fittleworth over the last year were 14% down on the previous year and 17% down on the 2022 peak of £825,292,” reported Rightmove.