Sleepy Sussex village is one of the ‘coolest’ UK postcodes – people underestimate 1 thing (Image: CW Images / Alamy Stock Photo)
The village is one of Sussex’s many hidden treasures that has seen a surge in popularity since Covid, with Rightmove revealing in 2021 that the West Sussex village saw a 79% increase in annual buyer searches between February 2020 and February 2021. The Times has again cast the sleepy countryside spot between Pulborough and Petworth into the spotlight in its round-up of the 11 coolest postcodes in 2025. “Fittleworth is a two-hour drive from London and has everything you need to indulge in country comforts — without the crowds of Chipping Norton”, the publication reported.
However, the RH20 postcode area, with the post town of Pulborough, covers a significant area beyond Fittleworth. Pulborough, Ashington, Washington, Storrington, West Chiltington, Bury, Watersfield, and Sutton are included. These charming pockets of Sussex have more to offer than close proximity to the South Downs or a quintessentially British feel about the place, and I was lucky enough to live in the area for a few months.
The Swan is a 14th century roadside village inn located in Fittleworth, Sussex (Image: Realimage / Alamy Stock Photo)
The neighbourly dwellings that populate the RH20 postcode, Fittleworth included, offer the best of both worlds for those who reside there, particularly ex-Londoners like myself who must commute to the capital.
You can hop on a direct one-hour and 22-minute train to London Victoria from Pulborough train station, just a four-minute drive from Fittleworth. This proximity allows 1,000 residents and visitors to enjoy London’s vibrant energy and the countryside’s serene beauty in a single day.
A car is essential for visiting the train station and nearby places like Chichester, as buses are few and infrequent.
That said, those with a hankering for the bustling scene in Brighton can visit with ease of a one-hour car journey. Alternatively, change trains at Barnham or Three Bridges to catch a train directly into the city centre.
Of course, the obvious draws to the area include scenic walks right from your front door through vineyards, woodlands and flowing rivers. Fittleworth, in particular, is a haven for nature enthusiasts.
The village is crisscrossed with riverside and woodland walks that straddle the River Rother. These walks feature ancient trees and plenty of birdlife.
According to Sussex Local, the village is synonymous with some famous faces. Past residents include the explorer and broadcaster Duncan Carse, composer Edward Elgar, and artist Charles Sims. Today, singer Bryan Ferry, of Roxy Music fame, owns the property and grounds called Little Bognor House.
The small villages around Pulborough are connected by country lanes with many quirky features (Image: Getty)
One of the village’s standout attractions is The Swan Inn, a beautifully preserved 14th-century roadside dwelling. It’s garnered many five-star reviews from delighted customers on Tripadvisor, and its central location makes it a desirable hotspot for diners and overnight guests alike.
The Inn is about 50km from London Gatwick Airport and 10 minutes away from cultural venues such as Petworth Cottage Museum. Bognor Regis is 12km from the hotel, while South Downs National Park is approximately 10 minutes away by car.
From Fittleworth, you can also reach the pretty, albeit mostly stony, coastline in nearby towns like Littlehampton, East Preston, Goring-By-Sea, Ferring, and Worthing in a short car journey. Add to that rolling countryside hills, gorgeous vineyards and idyllic country pubs that populate some breathtaking nature walks nearby, and it’s no wonder the RH20 postcode area is sought-after by property hunters.
The charming villages in the postcode area offer their own unique slice of English heritage, with local pubs, historic churches, and community events welcoming newcomers. I’d argue that some standout spots rival the esteemed village of Fittleworth, namely West Chiltington Common and Nutbourne. It is the perfect area to walk aimlessly through the countryside on a warm spring day and soak up the scenery, with some great pubs nearby for refreshments.
Nyetimber Vineyard is globally renowned among wine lovers (Image: Getty)
A popular circular walk connects Nutbourne and West Chiltington, and on the way, you pass one of the best local pubs for a Sunday roast, the Rising Sun. However, the nearby Red Lion Tavern on Ashington Road in Pulborough is a strong contender in the local ranking.
Even in the depths of winter, there’s plenty of nature to soak up in the area, and the views are unmatched when the sun comes out. That said, knowing you’re never too far from a more populated town or city is always reassuring if you fancy something more lively.
Wine lovers will delight at the proximity to renowned vineyards such as Nutbourne and Nyetimber while in the RH20 postcode.
Nutbourne Vineyard, located in the Parish of West Chiltington, is celebrated for transitioning from Germanic grape varieties to classic French ones like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Similarly, Nyetimber has garnered international acclaim with its 2003 vintage being crowned “Champion of Worldwide Sparkling Wines” in 2009.
Visiting these vineyards offers a delightful experience of sipping world-class English sparkling wines amidst picturesque settings. But plan your trip carefully to take advantage of the British weather.
While Fittleworth and its neighbouring villages stand testament to the enduring charm of the English countryside, there’s something to be said for their affordability for those seeking a move.
According to the latest Rightmove data house prices in the RH20 postcode have an overall average of £606,767 over the last year. The historical sold prices in RH20 over the last year were 8% up on the previous year and similar to the 2022 peak of £609,326.
In Fittleworth specifically, prices have averaged £746,045 over the last year. Overall, the historical sold prices in Fittleworth over the last year were 2% up on the previous year and 10% down on the 2022 peak of £825,292.