The town is filled with quirky curios, art galleries, museums and sites of interest, which make Lewes a fantastic place for a short break. You’ll definitely need more than one day to explore all this remarkable market town has to offer! To help you plan, we’ve gathered together our top picks in activities and eateries for your visit to Lewes.
Wander around Priory Park for some history and a picnic
The Priory of St Pancras sits in the middle of Priory Park, a beautiful green area in the south of Lewes, framed by the backdrop of the spectacular South Downs. The Priory was founded by William de Warenne of Lewes Castle fame between 1078 and 1082 on the site of a Saxon church. The well-preserved remains of the Priory with various interpretation panels scattered around the site allow you to walk in the footsteps of the medieval monks who once lived here. A recreated herb garden houses plants which the monks would have used for medicine and cooking, whilst the kitchen garden is stocked with various vegetables grown during medieval times. The apple orchard has six varieties of Sussex apples, most of which are now rarely found outside the orchard.
Go back to where it began at Lewes Castle
A fantastic example of a Norman motte-and-bailey stronghold, Lewes Castle was built soon after the Battle of Hastings (1066), and was controlled for the best part of its early years by the Earls of Surrey, descendants of the nobleman William de Warenne who fought at Hastings. Unusually, the castle has two mounds (mottes), both built from blocks of chalk, making the climb up to the top steep, but worth it for some stunning views across the town. When you’ve finished exploring the castle and its surrounds, head over to the adjacent Barbican House Museum, where the headquarters of the Sussex Archaeological Society reside within this 16th century house. Changing exhibitions on the history of Lewes and Sussex on the top floor are supplemented by a bookshop dedicated to all things archaeological.
Explore the independent shops and find some quirky antiques
Lewes is home to a huge number of independent retailers, antique shops and quirky boutiques. The main Cliffe High Street runs east to west through the town, with the top section giving stunning views of the South Downs. Off to the sides there are many narrow twittens – a Sussex word for alleyway – to explore, many of which have tiny shops to seek out. The period houses which sit either side of the High Street give this place a magical feel, with beautiful slate-clad buildings and Georgian townhouses striking a pose. On the first and third Saturdays of the month there is a farmers’ market, where you can find local produce and crafts to take home.
Uncover the story of Anne of Cleves at Wealden Hall
The magnificent timber-framed Wealden Hall was once owned by Henry VIII’s fourth wife, the famous Anne of Cleves. The house was given to Anne as part of her divorce settlement from Henry VIII, although she never actually visited the property! The house today is owned by the Sussex Archaeological Society and houses a number of collections of furniture and artefacts from Sussex’s past, including an exhibition on Wealdon iron making. The bedroom and kitchen have been restored to show what they would have looked like under Anne’s ownership, and a traditionally planted Tudor garden harks back to 16th century botany, with various species of medicinal and edible plants.
Get lost in some incredible shops at Needlemakers
The iconic Lewes landmark in the heart of the town was originally a factory manufacturing candles, before switching to making hypodermic needles during the first world war. Today, the building has been taken over by a whole heap of independent shops and an amazing vegan café. Spend an afternoon losing yourself in the rabbit-warren of shops and stalls, set over three uneven floors which are hark back to its industrial past.
Visit the magical Southover Grange
The Elizabethan house of Southover Grange sits unassumingly within yards of Lewes Station. Built in the 1570s using ashlar stone from Lewes Priory, Southover Grange was a private home for the Newton family for over 300 years before being bought by the local Council in 1945. Today it houses the Lewes Registry Office, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens for a little patch of heaven in the centre of the town. Visit the tea room for some refreshments, served on antique china to take you back to the heyday of the Grange.
Spark some literary connections at the Round House and Bull House
Once home of revolutionary writer Thomas Paine, the Bull House sits on the High Street with its unique exterior provoking looks from even the most unassuming passers-by. If you take a detour off the High Street and onto Pipe Passage, you’ll find the Round House, originally built as a windmill in 1802. Bought by writer Virginia Woolf in 1919, there are several plaques dotted around the house, with some inscribed by the author’s words themselves.
Stay on the literary trail at Charleston
The rambling farmhouse of Charleston sits just outside Lewes, and was bought by artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant in 1916. Over the next 50 years, the house played host to meetings for the Bloomsbury Group, a set of artists, writers and intellectuals including Virginia Woolf and T.S. Eliot. The house today has been frozen in time to give you an idea of what it would have been like at the time of the Bloomsbury Group meetings. An extensive art collection with paintings by Renoir, Picasso and Derain also hosts short-term exhibitions by well-known contemporary artists. The original walled garden was restored after the Second World War, and now offers a piece of tranquillity to sit and ponder.
Tour the oldest independent brewery in Sussex
Founded in 1790, Harvey’s Brewery sits in the centre of the town and offers in-depth, guided tours by the brewers. The tours give an insight into the Harvey’s story and its heritage, and is followed by a sampling session with opportunities for a one-to-one question and answer session. Harvey’s prides itself on giving customers a full experience rather than just a walk around the factory, and the passion of the brewers who conduct the tours make this an amazing way to spend an evening. If you’re visiting the town on a Tuesday, then you might also spot the dray horses delivering beer to pubs throughout the town!
Visit Virginia Woolf’s country retreat at Monk’s House
Now owned by the National Trust, Monk’s House was a bolt-hole for Virginia and Leonard Woolf, and is where she wrote many of her most celebrated novels. With rustic simplicity and full of charm, the house is filled with the Woolf’s impressive art collection as well as personal items from their time there. The charm of the house is bolstered by the many historic visits from the Bloomsbury Group, just as at Charleston. Tucked away in the cottage garden is the Writing Lodge, where Virginia Woolf wrote most of her novels, articles and letters.
Jump in at Pells Pool
Just outside the town centre is the fabulous Pells Pool, the country’s oldest recorded freshwater outdoor pool. Celebrating its 160th anniversary in 2021, the pool is fiercely loved by locals and visitors alike, and has a kiosk selling drinks and snacks. The pool is spring-fed, and relies on the sun to heat it, meaning that temperatures range between 15-20 degrees Celsius. Take a dip on a hot summer’s day, or save yourself for some cold-water swimming in the autumn season. Wetsuits are allowed!
Go wild at Drusillas Park
The award-winning Drusillas Park is a short drive from Lewes, but is well worth a visit – especially if you have younger children. Home to over 100 animals, including meerkats, penguins and giant anteaters, the zoo also offers hands-on activities and several adventure playgrounds for different age groups, as well as an indoor soft-play area and Safari Express train ride. Drusillas is also home to the first ever Hello Kitty attraction in Europe, which includes 3 Hello Kitty-themed children’s rides.
Visit Raystede Animal Sanctuary
Raystede Animal Sanctuary is located just outside Lewes and is made up of a 9.5-acre wildlife reserve, two large lakes that are home to a variety of wild animals, a pet shop, café and information centre about the work the charity undertakes. You can meet the animals which the charity has rescued and rehabilitated, or take a walk around the nature reserve with an activity pack to solve clues and claim a prize! The sanctuary has everything from dogs to chickens, goats and small animals to meet and greet. Just be careful, because they also offer adoption, and you might find yourself taking one home!
Experience a unique Bonfire Night
Remember, remember, the 5th of November… they certainly do in Lewes. Dubbed the ‘Bonfire capital of the world’, the Bonfire Night celebrations in Lewes are a completely chaotic, utterly bizarre and an absolute must-see for visitors. Remembering not only the Gunpowder Plot, but also the memory of 17 Protestant martyrs who were burned at the stake for their faith during the Marian Persecutions. There are seven different Bonfire Societies, each of whom have their own traditions and meeting places around the town, before meeting at the parade on St. Anne’s Street and High Street to march to their various fire sites on the edge of town, where there are large bonfire and fireworks displays. This is an event that you really need to experience to understand, and is well worth braving the burning barrels and crowds for.
Sink into some culture at Lewes Depot
The Lewes Depot is an award-winning, independent cinema and café-restaurant adjacent to Lewes railway station. The cinema offers a mixture of mainstream, art house and indie films, along with special events, guest speakers and workshops. The venue sits at the heart of Lewes’ arts and cultural community, and runs on an ethos of environmental and social sustainability.
Take in some Opera at Glyndebourne
This magnificent country house was turned into a world-class opera venue in 1934, when founder John Christie met soprano Audrey Mildmay. Together they opened the first festival, which has become the annual Glyndebourne Festival Opera. With over 120 live opera performances per year, there is something for every opera fan to discover at this unique venue.
Free Things to do in Lewes
Feeling thrifty? Fear not, as Lewes has plenty of free things for you to see and do. We’ve already mentioned Lewes Priory and Southover Grange, but below are some of our favourite picks for a free day out!
- Take a hike up to Ditchling Beacon on the South Downs Way, for unparalleled views of the East Sussex countryside.
- Walk the South Downs Way – or at least part of it! This long-distance trail runs over 100 miles between Winchester and Eastbourne, passing south of Lewes through the chalkland landscape.
- Seek out some nature at Malling Down and Southernham Farm Nature Reserves – a fantastic example of chalk grassland and scrub with many rare flowers and butterflies.
- Visit St Michael’s Church, the only remaining church within the walls of the ancient county town. The oldest part of the church dates from around 1200, with the west wall all that remains of the original church building.
- Shop for a bargain at Lewes Flea Market, or just go to browse the weirdly fascinating stalls. Situated in the old Methodist Chapel, this is the place to go for second hand furniture, all things kitsch and quirky, antiques and vintage. Dogs welcome!
Best Places to Eat in Lewes
With its many winding streets, independent shops and big culture scene, it’s no wonder that Lewes is home to some fantastic cafes and restaurants. Here we give you the pick of the bunch that we think will tantalise your tastebuds.
- Carb lover? Hit up Flint Owl Bakery, one of Europe’s best bread makers. In addition to bread, this bakery produces some incredible pastries and cakes, and also sells salads, eggs, local cheeses and coffee. The perfect place to stock up on local produce for a picnic in the park, or sit back and enjoy the courtyard café.
- Grab some Joe at the Espresso Room, a local favourite for some seriously good craft coffee. Enjoy a cup with some freshly baked pastries or even some locally-made ice cream.
- Have breakfast or a mid-morning pick-me-up at The Trading Post coffee roasters, with their extensive breakfast and lunch menu.
- Enjoy a throwback at Zu Café, situated within the 1950s Lewes Bus Station. The community hub offers veggie, vegan and gluten-free options, and regularly hosts live music events, talks and workshops.
- Go Stateside at Hixton Green, a New York-inspired space serving fabulous coffee and breakfasts, as well as serving food and drinks throughout the day and into the evening. Whether you’re after a café catch up, or a relaxed lounge drink, Hixton Green can offer it.
- Savour a pint at The Dorset, one of Harvey & Son’s oldest pubs, built in 1670 on the site of an illegal workhouse. The pub is just a stone’s throw from the Harvey’s brewery, and parts of the original brewery building make up areas of the pub today.
- Soak up the sun in the beer garden at The Swan, a friendly pub where ‘drinks are best drunk on a whim’! Also serving some excellent food, The Swan is the perfect lunch spot.
- Try the amazing veggie burgers at Bun & Bean, an independent café specialising in vegetarian and vegan food, all locally-sourced where possible.
- Spice up your life at Chaula’s, a favourite with Lewes locals and visitors alike. This fabulous restaurant is proud to serve you ‘the food of India, not just Indian food’.
- If you fancy something a bit different, head over to Erawan Thai Bistro for one of the best spots in town. Contemporary Thai cuisine blends traditional foods with a modern twist for some incredible dishes. BYO.
- Chill out at the relaxing Café du Jardin café and bistro in the heart of Lewes, next to Pastorale Antiques. This courtyard café has an extensive outside seating area, perfect for those lazy summer days. If the weather’s against you, head down to their cosy wine cellar to hunker down with a hot drink.
- Check out the vegan sourdough pizzas at The Snowdrop Inn, and pair with a large selection of ales to whet your whistle.
- For wooden beams, log burners and wine vats, look no further than the John Harvey Tavern, a traditional, rustic pub in the heart of Lewes historic town.
- If you fancy brushing up on your wine tasting knowledge, head over to Symposium wine merchant and bar, near to the station.
- Pop in to the Lansdown Arms for a warm welcome and friendly local crowd to boot. Enjoy various ales, ciders and gins in cosy surroundings.
- Although now a successful chain restaurant, Bill’s first appeared in Lewes, opened in 2001 by local greengrocer Bill Collison.
FAQs
Is Lewes worth visiting?
Definitely! This incredible town has a bit of everything, for everyone. Blending the old with the new, Lewes is well worth spending a day or two exploring.
Is Lewes a market town?
It certainly is – the town is famed for not only its origins as a market town, but is now also home to fortnightly farmers’ markets, a flea market and heaps of independent retailers.
How far is Lewes from the sea?
The nearest beach to Lewes is at Saltdean, approximately 20 minutes’ drive away. This large, shingle beach with access to the Undercliff Walk also has a café and plenty of space to relax.
