Near Eastbourne Is A Charming Medieval Village Inside A National Park With Antique Shops And Tasty Eats

History buffs will no doubt find excitement while exploring London landmarks like Westminster Abbey. However, the surrounding English countryside also offers plenty of ancient villages just waiting to be explored. Tucked amid the pleasant, gentle hills of the South Downs National Park is a positively medieval village called Alfriston, which sits along the edge of the Cuckmere River. Dotted with picturesque architecture and tasty local eateries, Alfriston offers a weekend getaway full of historic charm.

While outdoor fiends can use Alfriston as a base for hiking the nearby Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, an iconic landmark of the South Downs, keen sightseers can (and should) stick around to explore the village. At the very heart of Alfriston is Waterloo Square, which is framed by quaint cottages topped with brick chimneys. Standing proudly in the square is a time-weathered market cross, a crumbling stone monument that reveals the village's medieval past as a market town. Back in the 14th century, aside from welcoming merchants for the market, Alfriston was also bustling with pilgrims stopping overnight at the rustic inns on their journey to Chichester Cathedral. History lovers can step back into the medieval era with a visit to the Alfriston Clergy House, a timber-framed cottage with a thatched roof where local priests once lived.

More casual visitors can stroll around Alfriston to explore the local boutiques. Whether it's antique treasures or vintage outfits, there is sure to be something in the village to catch your attention. When it's time to refuel, Alfriston offers an array of quaint pubs and cozy tearooms for a tasty bite. Locals in Eastbourne can drive or hop on the bus to Alfriston in about 30 minutes, while travelers coming from London can take the train there (with a stopover in Brighton) in under three hours.

In a village as old as Alfriston, stopping by the local antique shops is practically a requirement. Overlooking the market cross in Waterloo Square is Emmett & White Antiques & Interiors, tucked within a tall, red-brick building. Browse around to find unique treasures like a Victorian chess set, ceramic figurines and pottery, or even tapestry cushions. Also part of the antique shop is The Dressing Room right next door, which stocks all kinds of vintage clothing, from flapper dresses from the Jazz Age to evening gowns from the Edwardian era. "Obsessed with the selection of clothing and accessories," wrote one past customer on Google Reviews.

Further along the High Street is Chestnuts Jewelry & Antiques. Though the storefront looks small, the premises are packed with all kinds of knickknacks. Poke around the cabinets full of gold and silver jewelry studded with precious gems, including vintage designer pieces, or pick out some decorative figurines and tableware.

Meanwhile, foodies should pop into Seed & Leaf to grab some goodies for the kitchen. "Stopping at this shop made our trip to the village a memorable experience," wrote one satisfied customer on Google Reviews. The store's rustic brick facade entices shoppers inside to browse the shelves of olive oils, steak and chicken rubs, and herbal teas. Anyone with a sweet tooth can even grab specialty sprinklings like maple sugar and cinnamon sugar. Bookworms can head back to the market square for a browse around Much Ado Books, where cozy armchairs offer a spot to sit and read before deciding on your purchase. And if all of that doesn't scratch your shopping itch, continue the retail therapy in Petworth, another pretty national park town with inviting shops and tasty restaurants.

After spending the day shopping, a tasty meal is in order. Anyone in the mood for afternoon tea should pop into The Singing Kettle at Waterloo Square for the "best cream tea I've had in England," according to one happy patron on Google Reviews. Find a seat amidst the rustic, country-style interior for a cozy vibe, or grab a table outside to bask in the medieval atmosphere of the market square. Popular dishes are the cheese scones, coffee cake, and scrambled eggs on toast.

Highly rated online is Poco, a family-owned Italian restaurant with a rustic, painted brick facade. Inside, exposed brick walls, beamed ceilings, and plank floors set an atmospheric scene for dining. The beef ragu is a particularly popular choice, while the menu also includes options like spaghetti carbonara, a cheeseboard with local cheeses, and panna cotta for dessert. If you're there on a Sunday, order the roast lamb with carrots, parsnips, and salsa verde.

For a slightly more upscale experience, stop by The Wingrove Restaurant. Diners can enjoy a meal from the outdoor terrace, which overlooks a sprawling lawn surrounded by greenery. Lunch options include various salads and sandwiches, along with an afternoon tea set with cakes and scones. For dinner, try the salmon spring rolls or the roast halibut with triple-cooked chips. Extend your stay in Alfriston at Wingrove House, or book a room at The George Inn near the market square. History buffs can explore more ancient landmarks in Midhurst, a charming town with quaint shops and historic ruins, which is just over an hour's drive away. You could also explore more of the South Downs, considered one of Britain's best road trip routes.