Horsham’s independent cafés, historic streets and community spirit have helped earn it a place among the UK’s best places to live in a new guide.

The West Sussex market town features in Muddy Stilettos’ Best Places to Live 2027 selection, which highlights 260 locations nationwide.

Its entry celebrates Horsham’s combination of period properties, green spaces and a lively town centre, alongside its appeal to commuters.

Introducing the town, the guide says: “Period-property crush? Horsham delivers, with handsome historic streets, a lively town centre and West Sussex countryside close at hand.”

Horsham’s independent cafés, historic streets and community spirit have helped earn it a place among the UK’s best places to live in a new guide. Photo: Hollie Robards

placeholder image — Horsham’s independent cafés, historic streets and community spirit have helped earn it a place among the UK’s best places to live in a new guide. Photo: Hollie Robards

Food and drink feature prominently in the selection, with Café No 4 in Market Square and Swedish-inspired Johansson’s Café among the businesses singled out.

Felix Bistro earns a mention for its modern European menu, while Gwyn’s Bakery and café and deli Crates add to the town’s independent food offering.

The guide also points readers towards nearby dining destinations at South Lodge and the Knepp Estate.

Horsham’s shopping scene receives attention too, with independent boutiques Doodie Stark, La Vida Boutique and Cuckoo highlighted alongside larger retailers including John Lewis, Next and Marks & Spencer.

Horsham is one of eight Sussex locations included in the 2027 selection. Fittleworth, Lindfield and West Wittering also represent West Sussex, while Battle, Kingston-near-Lewes, St Leonards-on-Sea and Wadhurst complete the Sussex line-up. Photo: Sarah Page

Beyond the town centre, access to outdoor space forms a major part of Horsham’s appeal.

Chesworth Farm is recommended for its meadows and riverside paths, while Horsham Park offers space for exercise and recreation. Warnham Local Nature Reserve also features among the nearby attractions.

For trips further afield, the guide highlights the Knepp Estate’s rewilding landscape and Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, with its woodland walks, wallabies and adventure playground.

Community life is another recurring theme. Muddy Stilettos points to the Horsham 10K, organised by Horsham Joggers, alongside markets, a Repair Café and summer evenings of live music and street food at the Carfax Bandstand.

Cultural attractions mentioned include Horsham Museum & Art Gallery, Everyman Cinema and the town’s annual film festival. Horsham Music Circle’s long history of organising classical and jazz concerts also earns recognition.

For families considering a move, the guide outlines a range of education options, including Heron Way and Holbrook primary schools, all-through school Bohunt Horsham, and secondary schools Tanbridge House, The Forest School and Millais.

Sixth-form college Collyer’s also features, alongside independent schools in the surrounding area.

On housing, the guide puts Horsham’s average sale price at about £420,000 for the previous year, with semi-detached homes at around £465,000 and detached properties approaching £700,000.

Transport connections add to the town’s appeal. The guide gives journey times of around 55 minutes for the fastest direct trains to London Victoria and about an hour and five minutes to London Bridge.

Horsham is one of eight Sussex locations included in the 2027 selection. Fittleworth, Lindfield and West Wittering also represent West Sussex, while Battle, Kingston-near-Lewes, St Leonards-on-Sea and Wadhurst complete the Sussex line-up.

The website describes Sussex as ‘bursting with charm’ and having its ‘own, very quirky, sense of humour’.