We’re spoilt for choice in London – not only is it the best city on the planet, but when the hustle and bustle gets a bit too much, we can easily escape to the countryside for some peace and quiet.
You don’t even have to be a resident to enjoy all that it has to offer. Given its vast size, London is surrounded by smaller cities, towns and villages that are close enough to earn the title of ‘commuter town’.
While some may leave a lot to be desired, others are so picturesque they could be straight out of an American tourist’s idea of a ‘quintessential English village’.
READ MORE: Most underrated’ city in England where homes are more than £500k cheaper than London
Sussex boasts some of the most desirable towns to live in: Lewes, Worthing, Littlehampton and Eastbourne, to name just a few. However, none of these have been named the best place to live in the UK.
That honour last year went to Wadhurst, bestowed by The Sunday Times.
Situated on the Kent-Sussex border, it’s easy to see why Wadhurst is considered the creme de la creme at first glance. With its charming cottages, excellent transport links, wooded hills and stunning scenery, it’s the perfect place to call home.
Wadhurst high street is filled with traditional amenities: grocers, a post office, independent cafes and businesses, and a welcoming community.
The Greyhouse Hotel and Sussex Pass at The White Hart are the town’s top spots for a tipple and a cosy stay. For your caffeine and pastry fix, cafes like Hatters of Wadhurst, Piccolo Cafe and La Petite France have got you covered.
Living in Wadhurst does come with its considerations, such as cost and schooling. Rightmove reports that the average property price over the past year was just shy of £800,000.
Compare this to London, where a home is around the £700,000 mark.
Wadhurst is steeped in history, with old manor houses and cottages scattered throughout the town, adding to its charm. The Church of St.
Peter and St. Paul stands proudly at the town centre, surrounded by 13th and 14th-century cottages on Church Street.
Transport links are also decent; you can get from London Bridge to Wadhurst in just under an hour. Fancy a day at the beach?
Hastings is only 40 minutes away.
And if water sports are your thing, the beautiful Bewl Water Park is just a 15-minute drive away.
The Sunday Times judges lauded Wadhurst for its ‘good schools, convenient transport connections, an amazingly well-stocked high street and stunning scenery”. They also said it also provides everything you need for “modern life in miniature”.
In addition to all these, there are also llamas wandering at Bluecaps Llamas where you can take one for a stroll through the tranquil woodlands; Wadhurst truly offers a bit of everything.
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