The commuter town that is ‘the most beautiful in the UK’ and is full of millionaires

The picturesque commuter town of Lewes in East Sussex is hailed as the prettiest town in the UK. Situated in the South Downs, just over an hour from London by train and only 10 minutes from the sea, it is one of the most sought-after locations in the country.

But it’s not just the prime location that makes Lewes popular – the town itself is a real gem. In fact, The Telegraph even named it the most beautiful in the UK.

According to research by Delamere Health, Lewes is the eighth most peaceful town in the UK.

READ MORE: The friendly East London neighbourhood that feels like a village, despite its 2 tube stations

The charming town centre is home to a range of independent shops, from chic jewellers to charming antique shops and a farm shop selling locally sourced dairy and meat products.

For those who prefer high street brands, New Look, MandCo and Waitrose cater for all your shopping needs. Despite its tranquil setting, Lewes is far from isolated with vibrant cities such as Brighton just a 16-minute train ride away, giving residents the chance to shop, dine and have fun by the sea.

The city has been nicknamed a ‘millionaire hotspot’, with three Sussex districts – Rother, Arun and Lewes – ranked among the top 25 local authorities in the UK with a £1m increase in property sales.

Rightmove reports that the average price of properties in Lewes was £516K last year. However, it is the quieter surrounding villages where many of the more expensive properties are located, such as the nearby village of Newick, home to Piers Morgan.

Yet once a year the tranquility of Lewes is shattered when up to 80,000 people flood the town’s narrow streets. Every 5th November, the serene town transforms into a bustling hub of Bonfire Night celebrations.

Lewes is known for one of the UK’s largest Bonfire Night parades.

In keeping with a tradition dating back to the 19th century, Bonfire Societies march through the charming cobbled streets of Lewes in a spectacular torchlight procession to commemorate Guy Fawkes’ foiled gunpowder plot.

Every year, about six associations participate, with around 3,000 people marching through the streets and at the fires in the city.

Despite local authorities’ attempts to limit the influx of visitors to Lewes by closing nearby roads early in the day and suspending train services, thousands of people still flock to the quiet town for Bonfire Night celebrations. The town’s pubs are packed with revellers who come to watch the procession and marvel at the spectacular fireworks display that concludes the evening.

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