Petworth in West Sussex has “well-preserved Tudor and Georgian houses arranged along winding, chain-free streets”, and has been named as having some of the best shops to visit in Britain.
It comes as The Telegraph has shared its picks of Britain’s 20 best high streets.
It said: “The great British high street is on life support. Online retail has had a detrimental effect for years, turning some high streets into ghost towns and forcing others to reinvent themselves around services – think coffee shops and beauty salons – rather than shopping.
“Your typical 21st-century parade now consists of a Starbucks, a Greggs, a Specsavers, and a sorry assortment of bookmakers, phone repair shops and pound stores.
“But there are beacons of light piercing the gloom: thriving high streets in handsome towns that retain a healthy selection of quirky and independent businesses, giving shoppers a fine reason to escape the tyranny of Amazon.”
The full list of the best high streets can be found online.
What are the best high streets in Britain?
The list of Britain’s best high streets, according to The Telegraph, are:
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
- Norwich, Norfolk
- Belper, Derbyshire
- Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Stamford, Lincolnshire
- Chester, Cheshire
- Totnes, Devon
- Crickhowell, Wales
- St Ives, Cornwall
- Clitheroe, Lancashire
- Petworth, West Sussex
- York, North Yorkshire
- Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire
- Aberystwyth, Wales
- Melrose, Scotland
- Lavenham, Suffolk
- Conwy, Wales
- Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire
- Winchester, Hampshire
Why Sussex market town has one of Britain’s best high streets
Telegraph travel expert Sarah Baxter said: “Petworth is picture-perfect. With its well-preserved Tudor and Georgian houses arranged along winding, chain-free streets, the market town oozes olde-worlde atmosphere. No surprise that Bridgerton crews have filmed here.
“JMW Turner was also keen (he painted in Petworth a lot in the 1820s), and art is still a big deal. The town’s Newlands House Gallery hosts first-class exhibitions, currently focusing on Jane Bown. Meanwhile, Petworth House boasts one of the National Trust’s largest art collections.
“There are many great independents to browse too, from the Petworth Bookshop to Guilt Lingerie.”
When shopping in Petworth, The Telegraph has highlighted how it is the only town outside London to have more than 30 arts and antiques dealers within a one-mile radius.
It said to start at the Petworth Antiques Market, and go on to visit Augustus Brandt, which also sells antiques, plus modern pieces and homewares.
The town also has an award-winning deli, shop and bakery, the Hungry Guest, which “stocks a cornucopia of artisanal treats”.
If you are looking for a spot to eat, for high-end dining, the E Street Bar & Grill is recommended.
Meanwhile, The Angel is a “historic coaching inn with cosy rooms, open fireplaces and a good West Sussex menu”.
Do you have a favourite high street in Sussex? Let us know in the comments.