Best places to live in Sussex for Muddy Stilettos 2026

The lifestyle website launched its annual best places to live list for 2026, which contains 260 locations across the country.

Factors such as schools, restaurants, shopping and culture were analysed, and Sussex saw plenty of places featured.

Hero Brown, the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Muddy Stilettos, said: “When people decide to move, they’re searching for more than just a house - they want a home, a lifestyle that works for them and their family, and if they’re strategic, a long-term investment too.

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"Our 2026 ‘Top 260 Best Places To Live’ guide will give them that extra reassurance they need to make their search easier in these difficult economic times. 

"We’ve built our reputation on our first-hand knowledge of the most exciting, vibrant places to go and things to do outside London.

"Now, with Scotland and Wales added to the guide and new information added on important considerations such as schools, culture and health and wellbeing, the 2026 list is a natural step for us to continue to expand our authority in this area.

"Combined with up-to-the-minute listings of desirable properties, we think it’s a unique reference point in a turbulent yet hopefully resilient property market.”

The full list of the 260 best places to live in the UK for 2026 can be found on the Muddy Stilettos website here.

Sussex's 8 best places to live for 2026

The eight best places to live in Sussex are listed alphabetically, but will be ranked after a Muddy Stilettos reader vote at some point in the future.

Alfriston

Muddy Stilettos described this spot as a "pretty, proper village that seamlessly marries medieval history with village convenience".

It said that Alfriston’s shops are "characterful and charming" and feel like "stepping back in time", and that being in the South Downs was another positive that led to its inclusion on the list.

Amberley

Amberley made the list for its "pure Sussex magic", boasting country lanes lined with flint-walled thatched-roofed cottages.

Its direct trains to London, village shop, "lovely" gastro pubs, church and "endless walks around the 800 acres of nature reserves" were positives highlighted.

Fittleworth

This village in West Sussex has been dubbed the ‘new Cotswolds’ and was picked for its "strong community spirit, views of the South Downs and picture-perfect properties".

Muddy Stilettos says: "It may be small, but it punches above its weight with historic churches, glorious views and culture close by, plus the Serpent Trail – a 64-mile ramble through heathland, woodland and along the River Rother – is right on the doorstep."

Kingston-near-Lewes

Kingston was labelled an "exceptionally pretty village" that is "perfectly positioned on the South Downs".

Its inclusion was helped by its community farm shop, honesty boxes, its proximity to Lewes and Brighton and its fields, walks and greenery.

Lindfield

Its indie shops, great food, vibrant community and iconic duckpond were what saw Lindfield make the best places to live list.

Muddy Stilletos said its historic high street, dreamy period homes, strong community spirit and glorious country walks mean this place is definitely among Sussex's best spots.

St Leonards-On-Sea

Described as the "cooler cousin to neighbouring Hastings", this town has "untouched Regency and Art Deco architecture, a quiet and long beach, and the greenery of Hastings Country Park".

Its great galleries, indie cinemas and top places to eat make it a worthy inclusion on the list.

Ticehurst

Dating back to the 14th century with coaching inns, cottages and townhouses to prove it, this village is located just below Tunbridge Wells.

Being near to Bewl Water, the largest stretch of open water in the South East, where you can partake in water sports or enjoy a G&T on a rowing boat, were among the reasons it was picked out.

West Wittering

The final spot on the list by Muddy Stilettos is West Wittering, described as an "idyllic village with flint houses on winding lanes, daisy-covered lawns and oodles of charm".

Kate Winslet owns a £4m beachfront mansion here while Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones has a listed 15th-century cottage.