The beautiful Cobblestone Walk has 24 independent shops (Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Express)
On entering this West Sussex market town, its beauty and historical richness are immediately apparent, with flint-fronted cottages, timber-framed medieval and Tudor homes, and elegant Georgian facades adorning the streets.
Roughly five miles from the coast and at the base of the South Downs, Steyning has Saxon origins and was documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Church Street is among the most picturesque and historic areas of the town.
It leads to St Andrew’s Church, a splendid Norman church that commands the skyline. Originating from the 11th century, the church stands as one of the region’s finest examples of Norman architecture, boasting a large nave, an impressive central tower, and detailed stonework that echoes the town’s extensive history as a religious hub.
Among the street’s historic structures, Saxon Cottage is the most renowned. Constructed around 1550 and now under the ownership of the National Trust, this delightful thatched cottage features a unique « catslide » roof and gingerbread-house colouring.
While high streets elsewhere grapple with vacant premises and diminishing identity, Steyning’s core remains staunchly independent.
Mike Payne and his son (Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Express)
Here, shop windows are filled not with chains but with thoughtfully arranged displays, handmade products and friendly faces that recognise their customers by name.
It’s this blend of heritage, independent spirit and undeniable community warmth that leads many to label it as a « fabulous place to visit », and an even better place to call home.
Mike Payne was raised in Brighton and has resided in Steyning for approximately four years.
He told the Express: « A lot of the high streets are becoming more deteriorated and less unique but Steyning has lots of independent shops. I do wonder how some of them stay in business, to be honest, but it’s really nice. I think Steyning would be completely different without that. It wouldn’t be the same place without it. »
Mr Payne characterised Steyning as « a really nice place to live, » adding: « There’s a lot of community feel to it which is another thing that’s gone in a lot of places. »
Insider the shop Miller Phoenix Home in Steyning (Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Express)
During a period when numerous libraries are shutting and becoming progressively scarce, he also emphasised the significance of local facilities such as Steyning Library.
The library runs regular activities, including weekly gatherings for under-fives, contributing to making the town an excellent location to bring up a family.
Research released by the BBC in March 2025 revealed that 190 libraries throughout the UK have closed in the past five years.
That powerful sense of community is mirrored by local business proprietors as well. Emma Lawrence, owner of the charming independent gift shop Miller Phoenix Home, has operated her High Street establishment for three and a half years after formerly trading from two of the little sheds at Cobblestone Wharf.
She characterised Steyning as a « fabulous place to visit » with a « lovely community. »
From the moment you step through the entrance, the subtle scent of candles, carefully curated items, and sparkling lights establish a welcoming, almost enchanting ambience.
Ms Lawrence sells coastal-inspired ceramics that she crafts herself, alongside pieces from local artisans, which she describes as « really important. »
She also features small UK brands, complemented with items from a few larger companies to ensure her shop stays accessible to everyone.
Ms Lawrence said that most of the High Street comprises female-led independent shops that complement one another.
After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis a couple of years ago, she was compelled to take a year away from work, yet fellow traders and customers stepped in to help.
Chocolates in a shop window (Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Express)
She shared how much people genuinely care for one another and look out for each other.
With tears in her eyes, she said: « From the get-go, customers and other businesses offered to run the shop. They’ve covered every appointment that I’ve needed.
« It’s such a lovely place. It’s just such a nice community. »
Everyone says hello to each other, she explained. Ms Lawrence said that from the moment she arrived, local business owners and residents were « really welcoming. »
She expressed: « People are really welcoming when you come in and have your business. It was everything that I’d hoped it would be and more. »
Emily Richardson owner of the gift shop and café at Emily’s (Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Express)
Ms Richardson is of the opinion that small, consistent support from locals could significantly impact independent businesses nationwide.
« Even if everybody in town spent £5 every month in the High Street, it would make a massive difference across the country. »
This sense of community is also echoed by Emily Richardson, who has been operating her café and gift shop for approximately two years, despite having resided in the town for around 12 years.
The coffee shop boasts regulars who visit on specific days, and her weekly craft group has evolved into a social hub where people who initially arrived alone have established friendships.
She was also visibly moved as she discussed the support she has received from the local community.
Church Street in Steyning (Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Express)
On one extremely rare occasion, when teenagers shop lifted around 40 or 50 pairs of gloves from her shop, an incident highly unusual in a town where shoplifting is rarely seen, local shoppers swiftly rallied behind her after she disclosed what had transpired.
With tears in her eyes, Ms Richardson said: « You don’t get that everywhere. »
She added: « Everyone’s really supportive. The community in Steyning is amazing, and people will really go out of their way to help.
« People come in to check up on you, to make sure you’re okay and that things are going well, and if they see you’ve been a bit quiet, they’ll pop in and just have a cup of coffee. It’s an amazing community. »
Ms Richardson added: « Without exception, all of the shopkeepers are really nice people. »
The high street is filled with all sorts of different independent shops (Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Express)
She explained that operating an independent business presents challenges, especially with escalating costs.
As she prepares all the cakes herself, she has witnessed ingredient prices, including chocolate, surge dramatically. Despite this, she has attempted to maintain prices as affordably as possible while preserving quality.
Ms Richardson also emphasised the vitality of the local arts scene, noting that numerous products she stocks are created by local artists and craftspeople within a few miles of the town.
Jess Bason, 28, manages a family-owned sweet shop and gift store in Steyning, which her parents established in 2009.
She has been raised around the business and is now assuming day-to-day operations. The shop is independent, family-run, and firmly embedded in the local community.
Jess Bason runs The Little Sweet shop with her family (Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Express)
The shop is a realm of its own, providing an extensive variety of distinctive products, from approximately 250 different types of sweet jars to handcrafted chocolates and seasonal gifts, including a selection of Easter eggs, with a florist even nestled in the back.
Before it became The Little Sweet Shop, part of the premises was occupied by a butcher’s, which her father owned. She also stressed the robust local backing for independent businesses, stating they are « massively supported by the town. »
She also underlined the significance of local events and the broader town’s supportive culture, mentioning festive occasions like Christmas late-night shopping, vintage car revivals, and monthly farmers’ markets that make it a thriving town.
Ms Bason added: « I know the other business owners on the high street. We all try and support each other where we can. »
The town enjoys an ideal location, being close to Brighton, not too distant from London, and near the South Downs, which draws many day visitors as well, she added.
Emma Lawrence owns Miller Phoenix Home, a beautiful gift shop (Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Express)
Local resident, Vicky Brunning, said: « Steyning, for an old person like me, it’s got everything, I can walk to the doctor, I can walk to the vet, I can walk to the optician, I can walk to the pharmacy, there’s nothing really here that I can’t get. There aren’t many places like this left, is there, really?
« It’s one of the friendliest places, and everyone will tell you that. It’s the most friendly place there is. »
It’s not just the stunning architecture, the expansive views of the rolling countryside, its enviable position near the South Downs, or the fact that it’s just a few miles from the sea that make this town special.
Even amidst a difficult environment for small businesses, what genuinely distinguishes Steyning is its collection of independent retailers and, most importantly, the friendly, community atmosphere, where residents are consistently prepared to help each other even during hard times.
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