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Sussex is home to a number of stunning villages, some of which you may never have heard of. Both East and West Sussex are also home to various celebrities and well-known names, some of which occupy homes in these villages. One of East Sussex’s great villages well worth a visit is Ditchling.
But why is this? Here’s all you need to know about the location and why it may be worth heading to this spring and summer. @richardrosato1 How beautiful is this view! Ditchling beacon. #naturevibes #southdowns ♬ original sound - Titan Transformation Where is Ditchling? Ditchling is in the Lewes District of East Sussex, on the west side of the county.
It can be found between Brighton and Burgess Hill. Visit Ditchling describes the village as one with a “strong artistic community, and a desire to keep alive the traditions that help maintain its authentic feel”. It has been labelled one of Britain’s best villages , being dubbed the "unofficial cradle of the South Downs National Park".
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com/Wbp5LlK2Vt — Telegraph Travel (@TelegraphTravel) March 14, 2025 The history of Ditchling Ditchling dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period, with the first mention of the village back in 765AD. Throughout the years, lands in the village passed through different hands. The most notable of these was the gift of Ditchling Garden Manor to Anne of Cleves, as part of her divorce settlement from King Henry VIII in 1541.
The house, now known as ‘Wings Place’ remains one of the village’s most iconic landmarks. 5 Perfect Spots for a Summer Staycation As Visit Ditchling explains, the village was “changed forever” by the arrival of sculptor and letter cutter Eric Gill, who moved to the village in 1907. The website explains: “Other craftsmen soon followed him, and in 1921 they founded the Guild of St Joseph and St Dominic – a Roman Catholic community of artists and craftsmen, including painters, silversmiths, sculptors, ceramicists and weavers.
“The community was part of the wider Arts and Crafts movement of the time, and the Guild remained active until it was finally disbanded in 1989.” Ditchling Museum of Art and Craft showcases the artists and craftspeople who made Ditchling a creative hub in the 20th century. The are more than 40 listed buildings in the village.
Things to do in Ditchling Alongside two great pubs, there are also farms, vineyards and plenty of independent businesses to visit. Places highlighted by Visit Ditchling include The Green Welly café, The Nutmeg Tree tearoom, the Ridgeview Wine Estate, the Court Garden Vineyard & Winery and more . The village’s two main pubs are The White Horse and The Bull.
Other notable buildings and sites include Wings Place, as mentioned previously, the Ditchling Common, named a Site of Special Scientific Interest, the highest point in the county the Ditchling Beacon and the historic St Margaret's Church. A morning sunrise at the Ditchling Beacon (Image: Getty Images) Notable residents in Ditchling There are various famous names you may not realise have links to the village. Queen Camilla grew up in the nearby village of Plumpton and went to school in Ditchling.
The Queen was raised in East Sussex and was baptised at St. Peter's Church in the village of Firle. Iconic singer Dame Vera Lynn lived in Ditchling.
Dame Vera Lynn (Image: PA) After marrying Harry Lewis in 1941, they moved to the village from the 1960s, living next door to their daughter. Dame Vera died in Haywards Heath in West Sussex and was given a military funeral in July 2020 in East Sussex. Another famous face, or in this case voice, from Ditchling is Jamie Theakston .
Jamie Theakston (Image: Heart Breakfast/Global/PA Wire) The Heart presenter is best known nowadays as the co-host of the radio station’s breakfast show with Amanda Holden. Theakston lived for about ten years in Wings Place and married Sophie Siegle in the village in 2007 before moving to London. He was also once the captain of the village cricket club.
Other notable names from the village include actor Sir Donald Sinden, poet David Jones, T-Rex band member Herbie Flowers and more. What have visitors to Ditchling said about the village? Visitors to the village have left plenty of positive reviews at various of its venues on TripAdvisor . The Nutmeg Tree has a 5-star reviewing rating, with one visitor saying: "What an amazing place.
We had brunch here – fully recommend the Full English and classy porridge." View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Nutmeg Tree (@thenutmegtree) Both pubs have also received positive reviews. One visitor to The Bull said: "Good food and lovely atmosphere.
Been twice for lunch in the last month and both times the service has been excellent / very efficient. Thank you! Am sure we will be back." A reviewer of The White Horse said: "After spending a day at Plumpton Races we called into the white Horse for a drink.
Recommended reading: The tiny Sussex village that has become a magnet for the rich and famous Why this Sussex village has been crowned one of UK's 'coolest postcodes' in 2025 Two Sussex villages named among the 48 poshest in UK "Whilst we did not eat, the range of draught ales was brilliant as was the welcome from a landlord from the old school. "I really didn't think these pubs existed anymore. The locals were really welcoming and so friendly.
"Please let's have more of these pubs where we can enjoy good beer, good conversation and a lovely warm log fire.".
