Fittleworth, West Sussex

Upper Street in Fittleworth

A popular West Sussex beauty spot, Fittleworth is known as a good place for fishing the rivers Rother and Arun. The best-known resident of Fittleworth was composer Edward Elgar, who stayed here on several occasions between 1917-21, residing at Brinkwells cottage. More famous to modern audiences is Dame Maggie Smith, who lived in Fittleworth for many years.

The village name comes from an Old English phrase meaning 'the enclosure of Fitela'. The village was recorded in 1167.

Fittleworth was named as one of the best places to live in the UK in a recent poll by publisher Muddy Stilettos. One highlight is the Fittleworth Stores, awarded best village shop in the UK in 2024.

The village pub is The Swan, a coaching inn that has its origins in the 14th century. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Fittleworth became popular with artists, drawn to capture the beauty of the Sussex Downs, and the inn was the haunt of painters such as JMW Turner and John Constable. Artists often paid for their food and lodging with artwork, and the dining room is lined with their drawings.

The Serpent Trail runs through the village. This 64-mile long-distance trail follows the course of the River Rother through glorious Sussex countryside.

Three miles away is the superb manor of Petworth House, while Bignor Roman Villa is only four miles distant.