Three Sussex villages named among the greatest in the country

The Telegraph has revealed its favourite "unspoilt villages" for people to be able to avoid "overtourism battlegrounds" - and Alfriston, Ditchling and Bosham have made the list.

The publication says it looked for "beautiful but uncrowded British villages that do retain their authentic character, where medieval pubs and churches remain the beating heart of the community, and where welcoming shopkeepers stock treats from local producers."

Alfriston was praised for its historic charm (Image: Getty Images)

The full list of the 30 best British villages for 2024 can be found on The Telegraph website here.

Why are Sussex villages among Britain's greatest?

Alfriston was described as being full of "historic charm" with "a generous sprinkling of listed buildings" and "a trio of ye olde pubs" among its highlights.

It also has a claim to fame in the Alfriston Clergy House which was the first building to be saved by the National Trust.

The Telegraph writes: "This thatched-roofed beauty has a cottage garden and a meddler tree in the rear orchard. Tea stops include Badgers and the refreshingly un-twee Singing Kettle (with arguably the best scones in East Sussex)."

Meanwhile, Ditchling was described as the "unofficial cradle of the South Downs National Park".

Ditchling was described as the unofficial cradle of the South Downs (Image: Google Streetview)

The newspaper adds: "The village has over 40 listed buildings, among them Wings Place, also known as Anne of Cleves House, a divorce-settlement manor bestowed by Henry VIII.

"An arty heritage is celebrated at Ditchling Museum of Art and Craft, which shines a light on the stone carvers, carpenters, printers and weavers that made their home here, including sculptor and type designer Eric Gill and weaver Ethel Mairet."

In terms of where to eat "the 1940s-styled Nutmeg Tree Tea Rooms" was recommended alongside the Rows and Vine restaurant.

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Finally, the "loveliness of Bosham" was praised by The Telegraph, with it saying you "may just expire from sheer overload of beauty".

It adds: "Between a quay pleasingly strewn with little wooden boats and a Grade I-listed church, Bosham village green is perfectly orientated for sunset, when locals and regulars gather to picnic, pop corks, play badminton, drag sailing dinghies up the ramp from the water – the whole blissful bucolic scene painted rosy by the sinking sun.

"Find a seat in one of the pub gardens in summer, and life doesn’t get much better."

What are Britain's 30 greatest villages according to The Telegraph?