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Should I move to Newick? Things to consider when relocating
Should I move to Newick? Things to consider when relocating
If you’re considering a move to East Sussex, one village that deserves your attention is Newick.
Located in the picturesque Low Weald between Haywards Heath and Uckfield, Newick offers an idyllic semi-rural setting, making it a desirable place to live.
In this blog, we’ll unpack some more details about Newick and why it might be the perfect destination for your next home!
A village steeped in history and charm
Newick is a village with a rich history that dates back centuries. It is believed to have existed even before the Domesday Book, although it was not recorded in it because it was, at the time, located in the dense Ashdown Forest.
The village’s Parish church of St. Mary’s, dating back to the eleventh century, stands prominent amongst trees and greenery. We highly recommend a visit, whether it be to attend a service or admire its architectural beauty – the stained glass windows are particularly stunning.
The village is also known for its historic pubs, with local establishments like The Bull, The Royal Oak, and The Crown serving delicious food and drink in cosy, traditional settings.
Stroll down Church Road to Newick’s Village Green, where you’ll find a glorious green space and the pump erected to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
Natural beauty and green spaces
One of the major appeals of Newick is its location amongst nature. The village is surrounded by well-preserved and maintained woodland areas, providing residents with ample opportunities to connect with nature. Rotherfield Wood, Little Rotherfield Wood, and several other areas of ancient woodland are easily accessible from the village.
The River Ouse, located just to the east of the village, is the perfect place to spend an afternoon watching the diverse flora and fauna that call it home. Lucky bird-watchers might even catch a glimpse of kingfishers along the river!
Community spirit and local institutions
Newick’s residents often tout the village as a thriving community. Indeed, there are plenty of local events and places that bring people together – like the Newick Country Market, a ‘co-operative social enterprise’ that has been trading for over 40 years. This market, held every week, is a great place to buy locally grown vegetables, cakes, crafts, plants, and more, while chatting to neighbours!
For Christian members of the community, St. Mary’s Church is an active church that still serves as a gathering place.
What’s more, throughout the year, residents can expect a schedule of local events like the Beer Festival at the Bluebell Railway and Ardingly Summer Festival.
Family-friendly activities and days out
Speaking of things to do in and around Newick, families will find no shortage of activities in the area. Whether it’s enjoying the great outdoors, exploring historical landmarks, or venturing out to nearby coastal towns like Brighton, there’s something for everyone.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Newick is perfect. Camping is a popular choice, with several campsites surrounding the village — Wyld Wood, Earth Camp, and The Secret Campsite are just a few if sleeping under the stars is your thing.
A must-visit for everyone is the historic Bluebell Railway, just 2.5 miles from Newick. This heritage railway showcases perfectly preserved steam engines, so visitors can take a journey back in time (and to Sheffield Park, East Grinstead, and Horsted Keynes, and Kingscote!).
For a day at the seaside, the iconic resort town of Brighton is easily accessible from Newick — just a 40-minute drive or an hour’s train journey. With its vibrant music, food, and entertainment scenes, Brighton attracts visitors from around the world. Head to the beach or walk the Lanes for a unique shopping experience!
Those seeking a nature-oriented adventure can explore the vast Chailey Common nature reserve, just a short drive away. This registered Site of Special Scientific Interest covers an impressive 180 hectares and is home to a diverse range of critters.
Sporting opportunities
If you’re keen on sports, there’s plenty to do in and around Newick.
Whether you want to join a club and play competitively, or just want to keep active recreationally, there’re lots of options, like:
The village’s prime location in the English countryside also makes it an ideal place for various outdoor activities like running, kayaking, and cycling. There are also gyms in Uckfield and Haywards Heath for routine sessions and classes.
Shopping and amenities
While Newick is a modestly sized village, it offers a range of amenities and shops to cater to residents’ needs. There’s a selection of independent shops and convenience stores, providing everyday essentials.
For more extensive shopping options, venture into neighbouring Uckfield, just a short drive away — here, you’ll find larger supermarkets and high-street brands.
Food and dining
No English village would be complete without traditional pubs, and Newick does not disappoint. As we touched on before, The Bull, The Crown, and The Royal Oak, all offer classic British pub food and drinks in warm, historical, and inviting atmospheres. Each of them also have outdoor seating areas where you can savour a cool drink in the summer sun!
There’s often something on at one of Newick’s pubs – The Crown, for example, often hosts quiz nights, sport game viewings, and live performances.
For those looking for a cosy café experience, The Pantry on Church Road offers a delightful selection of fresh pastries, cakes, coffee, tea, and more. Just a few doors down, the popular Newick Tandoori serves authentic Indian cuisine, perfect for date night or a family evening indoors with a takeaway.
Considerations when moving to a new home
Has Newick stolen your heart? As you’ll know, relocating is not a decision to be taken lightly — there are a few key factors to think about, regardless of where you’re wanting to move to. Here are some things to consider:
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The local housing market
Make sure you research the local housing market to understand property prices, availability, and trends.
As a leading local housebuilder, Thakeham is currently working to deliver a new housing development of 39 properties in Newick. This development will offer a mix of new homes, from 2-bed apartments to 4-bed family homes, each with solar panels and access to fast-charge EV points. 28 of these properties will be ‘affordable homes’, opening up the market to those just starting out on the property ladder!
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Commuting & transport
It’s also vital to consider the commute to work and other essential destinations like school.
Newick benefits from its proximity to the A272 and is well-connected to neighbouring towns and cities like Haywards Heath, Uckfield, and Burgess Hill. You’ll also have access to great public transport links, with nearby Haywards Heath station offering regular services to Brighton and London.
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Schools and education
If you have children or are planning to start a family, you’ll need to look into the local schools and educational facilities – their quality, reputation, and distance. Fortunately, there are brilliant options in Newick, with the village’s own primary school and pre-school providing convenient options for young learners.
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Community and amenities
Take the time to explore the local community and amenities available in the area; oftentimes, these are the things that make or break your experience of living somewhere.
Newick’s strong sense of community, along with its range of clubs, pubs, and outdoor recreational opportunities, all contribute to a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle.
Calling Newick ‘home’
By taking these factors into account and weighing them against your personal preferences and priorities, you can make an informed decision about whether Newick is the right place for you to call home.
We hope we’ve helped to unearth Newick’s unique blend of history, natural beauty, and community spirit. With its picturesque village setting, convenient amenities, and our stunning upcoming development (if we do say so ourselves!), it presents an enticing option for those seeking a high quality of life in East Sussex. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an active and vibrant community, Newick might be just the place for you to put down roots.
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