A lot of people love the idea of visiting a quiet English village with a proper high street and plenty of character. Places like the Cotswolds are usually the first choice, but they can be busy and not always cheap. So it's no surprise that more people are now looking for somewhere similar that feels a bit more relaxed.
There are still villages across the UK that offer that same feel without the crowds. They've got independent shops, places to eat and plenty of history. And they're much easier to explore at your own pace.
One village that often gets compared to the Cotswolds is Alfriston in East Sussex.
It sits on the banks of the Cuckmere River, right at the foot of the South Downs, and is part of the South Downs National Park.
Its high street is narrow and winding, but it is full of independent shops. It is also considered one of the prettiest high streets in the UK, with a historic, medieval feel filled with independent boutiques, antique shops, traditional tea rooms and charming pubs.
There is a traditional post office and village store with a distinctive bow window, along with a newsagent and the award-winning Much Ado bookshop.
Visitors can also browse boutiques, antique shops and gift stores as they walk through the village.
There are plenty of places to eat and drink too, with teashops, pubs and restaurants dotted along the high street.
A short walk takes you to the Tye, the village green, which is a popular place to sit and relax.
Nearby is the Clergy House, the first property ever bought by the National Trust.
St Andrew's Church, often called the "Cathedral of the Downs", is another well-known landmark in the village.
There's also a busy events calendar, including a summer music festival, an August Bank Holiday festival week and a Dickensian evening in December.
Plenty of visitors have shared positive reviews about their time in the village.
One person wrote on TripAdvisor: "Visiting Alfriston felt like being in the Cotswolds, but with far fewer tourists.
"The old buildings, narrow streets and small shops gave it that same feel. It was quiet and easy to walk around. Much more relaxed than the usual hotspots."
Another added: "This village felt magical from the moment we arrived. Everything looked picture perfect. The street, the shops, the church.
"It all felt very old and peaceful. We didn't rush anywhere and didn't need to. A really nice place to spend a few hours."
A third wrote: "We stopped here by chance and were glad we did. It's small, but there's a lot going on.
"Nice cafés, good shops and a lovely walk nearby. It feels like a proper English village, not overdone or fake. Would happily come back again."
Someone else commented: "A good village to visit if you like history and quiet places. Easy to walk around and plenty of places to eat and drink.
"The river and green are close by and worth seeing. Busy at times, but not overwhelming. A solid choice for a day out."
