Fittleworth, a peaceful village in West Sussex, has found itself at the centre of a lively debate after The Sunday Times labelled it ‘the new Cotswolds’. Known for its rural charm—with just a pub, primary school, two churches, and a community shop—this tranquil haven is increasingly popular among holidaymakers, especially amid rising Airbnb rentals. But not everyone in the village is thrilled by the attention.
Home to around 1,000 residents, Fittleworth’s newfound fame as a sought-after countryside retreat has divided opinions. Some locals welcome the boost to the local economy brought by visitors, while others worry about the impact of an influx of outsiders disrupting the village’s traditional calm.
Toni Humphrey, manager of the community café, has witnessed the changes firsthand. “We were pretty surprised by the title,” she admits. “It’s great that it’s brought publicity, and the café has become busier with visitors alongside loyal locals.” Many tourists come repeatedly, often escaping the hustle of cities like London and Cornwall. Humphrey sees the rise in Airbnb options positively: “People want to get away from the city bustle, and it’s been nice to see Fittleworth grow.”
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Visitors like Adrian and Margaret Stevens enjoy the village’s friendly atmosphere and regular trips to the local park. While Margaret acknowledges Fittleworth’s rising popularity and economic potential, Adrian appreciates the village’s careful approach to development, noting local planning controls that protect its character. “It’s a lovely place with good rail links to London,” says long-term resident Lance Jeffrey. “It’s quiet but accessible, and house prices might rise—but there won’t be a huge influx of tourists.”
Yet, vocal opposition remains. A resident of 33 years, who preferred to stay anonymous, bluntly rejected the ‘new Cotswolds’ label and voiced fears of overpopulation. “We don’t want more outsiders. The downs are beautiful, but this is not the Cotswolds,” she insisted.
Elderly local Lis Gilpin cherishes the village’s close-knit, friendly spirit. She recalls moments that highlight the community’s kindness and worries that the label might threaten the village’s unique character. Despite this, she recognizes that greater mobility brings benefits, allowing visitors to experience the countryside’s warmth.
First-time visitor Natalie Norris from Worthing was enchanted by Fittleworth’s scenic walks and welcoming locals: “It’s really nice here. Everyone’s friendly. We’d definitely come back.” With urban crime rates rising, she understands why people are drawn to rural areas—even dreaming of moving here someday.
As Fittleworth balances quiet village life with growing popularity, the community grapples with maintaining its identity while embracing change. The debate continues: Is this peaceful West Sussex village truly the next Cotswolds, or a place determined to remain proudly itself?