Amberley Sussex: The picturesque village that’s 90 minutes from London

Amberley is known for being one of Sussex’s “prettiest” villages, as reported by Hello Sussex, with its thatched cottages and countryside views.

Located on the foot of the South Downs 55 miles from London, this Sussex village with a hotel made from a former castle offers all the quaint and cottagecore charm you could want.

Amberley is known for being one of Sussex’s “prettiest” villages, as reported by Hello Sussex, with its thatched cottages and countryside views. (Image: Barry Marsh/Flickr)

The village is home to over 70 listed buildings, with some dating back as early as the 12th century, with much of the village retaining its old-world charm.

Amberley is a 90-minute drive from London, or an 85-minute train ride from London Victoria stopping at Clapham Junction.

The village is home to over 70 listed buildings, with much of the village retaining its old-world charm. (Image: Barry Marsh/Flickr)

The train station is situated within the village just a short walk from Amberley Museum, housed in a former chalk query, where you’ll find a nostalgic collection of displays centred on heritage, engineering and transport.

At Amberley Museum you’ll find a nostalgic collection of displays centred on heritage, engineering and transport. (Image: Experience Sussex)

On certain days the museum's heritage railway and vintage buses are also open to climb aboard and take a ride on, with the next date you can ride being April 6.

If you’re a transport enthusiast, the museum regularly hosts events like car shows and steam days celebrating transport from bygone times.

The museum regularly hosts events like car shows and steam days celebrating transport from bygone times. (Image: Experience Sussex)

Arguably one of the coolest things about this village is Amberley Castle, now turned into a lavish hotel space where you can spend the night.

This 900-year-old castle was gifted to Bishop Wilfrid in 683 AD by Caedwalla, King of Wessex, and the current structure is part of a timber structure dating back to 1103.

Amberley Castle has been turned into a lavish hotel space, with 19 rooms where you can spend the night. (Image: Andrew Brownsword Hotels)

You can stay at one of the castle's 19 rooms, with some having 14th century windows with views of the castle grounds and the countryside beyond.

You can stay at one of the castle's 19 rooms, with some having 14th century windows with views of the castle grounds. (Image: Andrew Brownsword Hotels)

The castle also features acres of gardens as well as tennis courts if you fancy a walk around the grounds, and you can even eat within the Queen’s Restaurant – a 12th century building that serves dinner as well as Afternoon Tea.

The castle also features acres of gardens as well as tennis courts if you fancy a walk around the grounds. (Image: Andrew Brownsword Hotels)

The village is on the River Arun, with one of its most striking features being the old bridge running across it.

The village is also within close distance of the South Downs if you enjoy hiking, and the area is also popular for bird watching with Arundel’s Wetland Centre being a popular spot to see the wildlife.

The village is also within close distance of the South Downs if you enjoy hiking. (Image: Experience Sussex)

If you fancy a short hike, Amberley Wildbrooks is known for being one of the richest remaining wetlands in the UK, with stunning views of rolling hills and the River Arun.

If you plan on making Amberley your base, Arundel is just four miles away, and with its 11th century castle and array of independent shops it makes for a great day trip, if you fancy exploring a bit more of what Sussex has to offer.

Arundel is just four miles away, and with its 11th century castle and array of independent shops it makes for a great day trip, (Image: Arundel Castle)

Amberley is also home to two local pubs - The Amberley Black Horse and The Sportsman - if you fancy a drink at a traditional countryside pub.