Villages in West Sussex
Are you thinking of moving to one of the villages in West Sussex? With so much choice, you may need help to decide where is best.
Surrounded by stunning countryside, many of these villages lie close to the South Downs National Park, providing access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region.
West Sussex’s villages each have their own unique charm, from historic architecture to a strong sense of community.
With convenient transport links to London, Brighton, and Gatwick Airport, along with a variety of excellent state and private schools, West Sussex offers an ideal location for those seeking village life without sacrificing connectivity.
Here is a selection of villages in West Sussex that are well worth adding to your list of places to look for a new home.
Henfield
Henfield is a vibrant village surrounded by beautiful countryside just outside the South Downs National Park. It offers a variety of amenities including independent shops, a library, cafes, public houses, a leisure centre, and a medical centre, making it a convenient and welcoming place to live.
For more comprehensive shopping and entertainment options, Horsham and Brighton are within easy reach, offering a wide range of services and leisure activities. Locally, residents can enjoy football, rugby, cricket, and theatre clubs.
Hassocks, seven miles to the east, provides a mainline railway station with direct services to London Victoria and Gatwick Airport. Henfield is ideally situated between the A24 and A23, providing excellent access to major routes, including the M23/M25 and Gatwick Airport (24.5 miles).
The area is served by a variety of well-regarded state and independent schools. Examples of these are St Peter’s Primary, Hurstpierpoint College, Lancing College, and Brighton College. Several offer bus services to the village.
Cuckfield
Another desirable location for those searching for villages in West Sussex is the picturesque village of Cuckfield.
The village offers a superb balance of rural charm and modern convenience. Less than an hour from London and just 20 minutes from Brighton and Gatwick Airport, it provides a perfect location for commuters.
The village has independent shops, a medical centre, cafes, and the award-winning Ockenden Manor Hotel and Spa. For further shopping and dining options, Haywards Heath is a short bus ride away, offering more extensive facilities and a modern leisure centre.
Haywards Heath’s mainline railway station is just a 10-minute drive, with frequent services to London and Brighton. Local state schools include Holy Trinity Primary and Warden Park Secondary.
Renowned private schools such as Ardingly College and Hurstpierpoint College are nearby.
Surrounded by stunning countryside, Cuckfield offers access to many outdoor pursuits. These include walking trails, golf courses, and local attractions like Goodwood and Glyndebourne, all within easy reach.
Bramber
Bramber is a charming village nestled between the historic ruins of Bramber Castle and the tranquil River Adur. The village boasts a variety of buildings, ranging from medieval structures to more modern homes, adding to its unique character.
Local shops can be found across the river in Upper Beeding. The nearby town of Steyning, just under a mile away, offers a wider range of amenities. Steyning provides good local shops, a Post Office, a modern health centre, and reputable primary and secondary schools.
Situated at the foot of the South Downs National Park, Bramber enjoys beautiful natural surroundings and excellent transport links. Shoreham-by-Sea, with its mainline railway station to London Victoria, is approximately five miles away.
The larger towns of Brighton (12 miles) and Horsham (14 miles) are also easily accessible.
Gatwick Airport can typically be reached in just over half an hour, making Bramber both a picturesque and well-connected location.
Cocking
Cocking is a quaint village at the foot of the South Downs, offering a peaceful rural lifestyle. Being conveniently located near the bustling market town of Midhurst makes it a popular choice for homebuyers looking at rural villages in West Sussex near comprehensive amenities.
Known for its picturesque surroundings, Cocking provides easy access to the South Downs Way, a popular spot for walkers and cyclists.
The village itself features a charming local pub, The Blue Bell, and a nearby farm shop offering local produce. More extensive amenities can be found in Midhurst, just a short drive away.
For families, the village is well-placed with excellent educational options nearby, including Midhurst Rother College for secondary education.
Transport links are convenient, with the A286 providing direct access to Chichester and the coast, as well as connections to major routes leading to London.
Poynings
The beautiful hamlet of Poynings sits at the base of Devil’s Dyke, a striking natural landmark. As part of the South Downs National Park, Devil’s Dyke offers breathtaking views and is popular with walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts.
The proximity to this renowned beauty spot makes Poynings particularly attractive for those who enjoy outdoor activities. The village offers easy access to scenic trails and panoramic vistas.
The village itself retains its traditional charm, with The Royal Oak pub offering a cosy spot to unwind. Although Poynings is a small village, its location provides access to amenities in nearby Hassocks and Hurstpierpoint.
Well-regarded schools such as Hassocks Infant School and Downlands Community School are just a short drive away. Hassocks station provides direct services to London and Brighton, and easy road access via the A23.
Hurstpierpoint
Hurstpierpoint lies on the edge of the South Downs National Park and is considered one of the best places to live in Sussex.
This picturesque village is renowned for its period architecture and rich history.
In the village you will find traditional pubs, restaurants, cafes, a Co-Op, boutique stores, and a GP Health Centre.
There is also an impressive selection of excellent state and private schools. Two examples are St Lawrence Primary School, and the prestigious Hurst College, offering private education from nursery to sixth form.
Hassocks railway station, just two miles away, provides fast train services to both London and Brighton.
The nearby A23, only a five-minute drive from the village, provides easy access to the vibrant city of Brighton and Hove. It also offers a direct route to Gatwick International Airport and the M25.
West Sussex Property
In addition to the many lovely villages in West Sussex, of which we have featured just a few, there are a variety of small towns that despite their town status have a tranquil village ambiance and are highly desirable places to live.
Three such towns are Storrington, Petworth, and Steyning. Each shares the qualities of the villages in West Sussex, including access to outstanding countryside, close-knit communities, great schooling options and amenities, and connectivity to urban hubs.
Wherever you are concentrating your search for West Sussex property, the services of a local property finder can be instrumental in finding and securing your perfect home.
To find out more about our services please contact us to discuss your plans without obligation.
