Lewes – Town Guide, UK

You know how some towns just feel different, like they have a secret or a story they’re just waiting to tell?

This is Lewes, with its crooked lanes, powerful history, and rebellious heart, is exactly that kind of spot. It’s a town that wears its past on its sleeve, yet feels incredibly alive and modern at the same time. Whether you have a lightning-fast few hours to spare or a full, relaxed weekend or day, here’s how to truly fall for this special corner of Sussex.

1 . Lewes Castle

Location: 169 High St, Lewes BN7 1YE
Cost: Adult: £10.95 // Child (0-17): £5.95 // Combined Ticket: £16.50 (Castle & Anne of Cleeves)
https://sussexpast.co.uk/attraction/lewes-castle/

Head straight for Lewes Castle, the impressive fortress that completely dominates the town’s skyline. This unique double-motte design is a testament to its singular place in medieval engineering.

You can climb the winding staircase to the top of the Keep — bare in mind it’s a bit of a workout and not wheelchair accessible, but the reward at the top is so worth it. From up here, you get a breathtaking 360-degree panorama stretching over the town’s terracotta rooftops, out across the winding River Ouse, and onto the beautiful, rolling hills of the South Downs.

It’s history oozes throughout its very walls. We always find that exploring the castles often give a great overview of the town here and Lewes has wonderful exhibits inside the keep offering hidden history and interesting facts. We cannot express enough how impressive Lewes castle is, so I guess you’ll have to make judgement for yourselves and come here.

2. Lewes Castle Museum

Location: 169 High St, Lewes BN7 1YE
Cost: Adult: £10.95 // Child (0-17): £5.95 // Combined Ticket: £16.50 (Castle & Anne of Cleeves)
https://sussexpast.co.uk/admission-tickets/lewes-castle-museum/

Next, head over the road to the Barbican House Museum next to the castle, inside you can explore artefacts spanning a millennia, from delicate prehistoric flints to Roman pottery and Saxon weaponry.

The museum also houses a fascinating tapestry created to mark the 750th anniversary of the Battle of Lewes on 1264. Designed by Tom Walker, which took 60 local embroiderers 30 months to complete. The museum also boasts a charming model of Lewes, providing a miniature glimpse into the town’s layout.

It’s worth going into especially if you have already paid for the castle as it comes with the ticket price. Something to note, if you are an English Heritage member, you can actually get 50% off your adult/child ticket through Sussex Past and discounts on other attractions in the area.

3. Southover Grange Gardens

Location: 18 Eastport Ln, Southover Rd, Lewes BN7 1TL
Cost: Free!

Located in the centre of the historic town, if you want somewhere to enjoy a spot of lunch, or relax for a few whilst appreciating nature, then a stop off to South over Grange Gardens should be on your agenda.

This beautiful picturesque public park surrounds the equally picturesque South over Grange, a 16th century manor house. The gardens are an oasis, offering a serene retreat from the town.

The gardens are carefully manicured and maintained, with vibrant flower beds and a diverse array of plant species. It’s central location in Lewes, close to the town’s railway station and historic sites makes it easy accessible for anyone seeking a slice of natures beauty and a touch of historical elegance.

4. Anne of Cleeves House Museum

Location: 52 Southover High St, Lewes BN7 1JA
Cost: Adult: £6.95 // Child (0-17): £4.10 // Combined Ticket: £16.50 (Castle & Anne of Cleeves)
https://sussexpast.co.uk/attraction/anne-of-cleves-house/

Head back into town to dig even deeper into its quirky history. A Visit to the Anne of Cleves House is an interesting and unique attraction, this beautiful 15th century timber-framed Tudor building was given to Anne as part of her divorce settlement from King Henry VIII.

It’s a wonderful museum that gives you a glimpse into Tudor and Elizabethan life. The atmospheric house displays authentically furnished rooms and the museum of Lewes History, Tom Paine and the Wealden iron industry, complete with a charming knot garden out back it’s a great hidden spot worth venturing too.

5. St. Michaels Church

Location: 158 High St, Lewes BN7 1XU
Cost: Free! (Donations Welcome)
https://www.stmichaelinlewes.org.uk/

As with each town, you’ll naturally stumble across the local church, St Michaels church is the only surviving medieval church within the town walls. Not only is this a beautiful building, but also an oasis of calm off the busy High Street. From the outside, you can admire the workmanship of the square knapped flint, the wooden shingles on the naturally spiraling spire and the imposing clock that projects regally from the adjacent church house. On the inside enjoy the fine windows and puzzle over the mixed dates of stone pillars.

If access is allowed at the time, take your time to enjoy the churchyard, with fine views of the castle, old inscriptions, glimpses of the world we have lost. Even this church lay ruined and abandoned for decades, according to the history on display within. The church interior is awe inspiring and beautiful to gaze at, the magnificent colour-stained glass which light up the inside.

6. Bull House

Location: 92 High St, Lewes BN7 1XH
Cost: Free!

Another notable historic place in Lewes to visit is the Bull House. You can find it on the western end of the high street. Adjoining the town’s west gate, Bull House is a substantial timber-framed property dating from the 15th century.

The building has had many uses, owners and tenants during its 600-year history. Each has made their mark on the property, However, the most significant is Thomas Paine , one of the country’s most memorable authors and campaigners.

He was a political writer, theorist and thinker, Thomas was a key influence in the American War of Independence, the writing of the American constitution and is considered a father of British Radicalism.

7. Lewes Football Club

Location: Mountfield Rd, Lewes BN7 2XA
Cost: 

A unique stop off is a quick visit to see Lewes FC, and their remarkable home, The Dripping Pan. What makes this stadium and football club special, is its story.

The stadium’s name alone tells you it’s a place steeped in history. For centuries, this hollow was a natural depression used for salt extraction, where seawater would “drip” from salt-laden pans.

The FC isn’t owned by a billionaire, it’s owned by the fans, in 2017 they made a stand for something bigger than the game itself, they launched the equality FC campaign, becoming the first professional or semi professional club to pay it’s men and women’s teams equally.

8. Lewes Priory

Location: Cockshut Rd, Southover, Lewes BN7 1HP
Cost: Free!

Just a stones throw from Lewes FC and for a more tranquil experience, seek out Lewes Priory, England’s first Cluniac monastery.

We’ve covered this in a video and blog recently so be sure to go and watch it if you’re interested. Whilst its mostly in ruins today, it’s a beautiful, peaceful place to wander and imagine the the monks who lived here, their stories and their past.

Lewes is a town of thinkers, artists, rebels and a fantastic place to visit in the South East of England. It’s also a great base if you are venturing on to places like Brighton, Hastings and Eastbourne which are all equally fantastic seaside towns.

So whether you have a day, a few hours or a whole weekend, we hope you enjoy a visit to the historic town of Lewes as much as we did.

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Till Next Time!