The hidden gem UK village 'better than the Cotswolds' with Britain's 'best' shop

A picturesque village tucked away in the is quickly becoming one of the UK's most desirable rural destinations, and was described recently as the "posh welly brigade's new country hangout" in a list of the coolest places to live in the UK.

"This hidden gem has all the charm and beauty of the - but without the tourist feel, and just 80 minutes from London by train," says local resident Charles Bridges, who has lived nearby since 2009. He added: "It still feels like a real village, and that's what makes it so special."

With its cottages, centuries-old pub, and surrounding forest, , West Sussex, offers everything you'd expect from a picture-perfect rural escape - and it's just 40 miles south of the capital. It's also home to an award-winning community-run shop, recently crowned the "Best Village Shop in the Country." More than just a place to pick up fresh bread and locally made wine, the stores and cafe - winner of the 2024 Countryside Alliance Awards (the "Rural Oscars") - is the soul of the community.

Writing on TripAdvisor, Brighton resident Nick P says: "Without a doubt this is one of the best cafes in Sussex and situated on the lovely village green. My recent breakfast bacon and sausage bap was off the scale."

Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music lives in a large estate nearby, and other rock stars and creatives have long been drawn to the village and surrounding woodlands, including Ted Dwane, the bassist of Mumford and Sons, who lives two miles away. In the centre of the village, a newly opened Arboretum Walk winds through a private collection of mature rare trees, providing a tranquil retreat for nature lovers. Yet despite its growing appeal, Fittleworth still has less than 1,000 residents.

The Swan, a 14th-century coaching inn, was lovingly restored by local resident Angus Davies and relaunched in December 2024 as a buzzy village pub with 12 beautiful ensuite bedrooms. In the past, the pub played host to figures like J.M.W. Turner and Emmeline Pankhurst, adding to the village's rich history.

"It's definitely better than the Cotswolds," says local resident Jane Mulder.

She said: "You get the same stunning countryside and beautiful old houses but without the crowds and the sky-high prices. It still feels like a proper village, not a showpiece for tourists."