A gorgeous village that boasts quaint small-town charm - and a bookshop straight out of Diagon Alley - has been hailed as the best in the country.

       But despite its popularity among day trippers, Alfriston in East Sussex remains a quiet and soothing tonic to the unrelenting pace of urban life.

       Located in the South Downs National Park, this quintessential English hideaway makes for a perfect long weekend trip and is just an hour-and-a-half drive from London.

       Visitors can enjoy an array of grand architecture, including the Grade I listed St Andrew's church which dates back to the 1370s, and the medieval clergy house - the first ever property purchased by the National Trust.

       Alfriston also boasts a rich literary history, having once been an old stomping ground of the Bloomsbury group, some of whom lived in leafy retreats close by.

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       Its beauty has been immortalised in the novels of Peter Cheyney and the famous hymn “Morning Has Broken” was also written in Alfriston back in the 30s by Eleanor Farjeon, inspired by East Sussex's scenic splendour.

       Telegraph travel writer Greg Dickinson hailed Alfriston as the best village in the country, noting the national park nearby, the rich history of its buildings and the rich offerings of its medieval high street.

       On it, you will find antique shops and coaching with a village green perfect for a summer picnic. All the trappings of traditional village life are here, with a tea room, small independent eateries and some top-notch pubs.

       Local favourites include The Star, The Smugglers and the grade II-listed George Inn, which has a beautiful garden for the summer months and a log fire for cosy winter nights in.

       Meanwhile, the Singing Kettle and Badgers Tea House in the centre of the village are a must-visit for fans of a traditional scone and a cuppa.

       If you fancy some sea air The Seven Sisters Cliffs, a series of chalk sea cliffs on the English Channel coast offer a dramatic view of the Channel coast and are just a 20-minute drive away.

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       Alfriston also plays host to various events throughout the year including music festivals, car boot sales and traditional fetes.

       The nearby Rathfinny Wine Estate is also well worth a visit, offering some of the world's finest sparkling wines.

       It's also a great starting point for scenic walks, with South Downs Way cutting right through the village.

       A 30-minute stroll eastward will bring you to the Long Man of Wilmington, a giant figure carved into Windover Hill. The Litlington White Horse, another chalk hill figure depicting a horse, is also close by.

       Friston Forest is around 40 minutes south of the village an extensive stretch of woodland dotted with trotting horses and mountain bikers.

       Regular bus services run to Alfriston from Brighton, Lewes and Eastbourne, operated by Countryliner, Renown Buses and Brighton and Hove buses.

       Seaford, the closest rail station is around four miles away, offering regular services to Brighton and Lewes, where you can get onward connections to London.

       Lewes railway station is around nine miles away, where you can also get direct trains to London Victoria taking around an hour 10 mins), or Brighton (15 mins) and Eastbourne (20 mins).

       If you're planning to drive, Alfriston is a couple of miles south of the A27 which runs parallel with the coast from Eastbourne to Portsmouth and allows easy access to the A27 heading north towards the M25 and the capital.