Lewes

Destination

Enveloped by The South Downs National Park, and just seven miles from Brighton, lies Lewes; the county town of East Sussex. Although small in size, Lewes is exquisitely formed and packs a proverbial punch with outdoor-loving, foodie and culture-seeking folk. Depending on your viewpoint, Lewes is the birthplace of English democracy, a prime location for walking and cycling, a hotbed for art and creativity or home to the country’s biggest bonfire celebration. Whichever one, there is no denying that Lewes is extraordinary.

What's on Offer

Places to Visit

Lewes Castle: ruins of William de Warenne's Norman castle with Barbican House museum. Stunning views from the castle keep. www.sussexpast.org.uk
Priory of St Pancras: following King Henry Vlll’s defamation of monasteries, Lewes Priory ruins recently restored and re-opened www.lewespriory.org.uk
Anne of Cleves House: (wife of King Henry Vlll) handsome Tudor townhouse gifted as a part of the divorce settlement and open as a museum www.sussexpast.org.uk
Southover Grange Gardens: beautiful, formal gardens open to the public and remarkable for some magnificent trees.
http://www.lewes.gov.uk/business/11757.asp
The South Downs National Park: newly designated, The South Downs National Park is over 1,600 km.sq. and stretches 100 miles from the edge of Winchester to Beachy Head, incorporating Lewes. http://www.southdowns.gov.uk

Shopping

Lewes has an abundance of independent boutiques, specialist bookshops and antique retailers, intermingled with contemporary galleries. So, after a well-earned lunch to muse over your sight-seeing morning, take a gentle stroll around the centre of town to find inspiration for that take-home memento of your stay.

Accommodation

Please visit www.enjoysussex.info or contact lewes.tic@lewes.gov.uk for information on accommodation within Lewes and the surrounding area.

Getting There

Road

Lewes is easily accessible by car. Situated approximately 45 miles due South of London via the M23/A23, and approx. 7 miles east of Brighton along the A27 dual carriageway towards Eastbourne/A26.
Ample car parking is available in Lewes. Long stay car parks can be found on the outskirts of the town centre offering visitors the best choice and value for money, with short stay and on street parking available within the town centre. For detailed information about car parking, please visit: http://www.lewes.gov.uk/community/2315.asp

Rail

Lewes has a regular train service from Brighton, departing approximately every fifteen minutes in both directions, and taking around 11 minutes. A regular service runs from Hastings, Eastbourne, Seaford and Newhaven in the east. There is a direct London train approx. every 30 minutes to Victoria, via Gatwick Airport and Clapham Junction, taking just over 1 hour. Lewes station is located in the centre of town and is a good starting point from which to explore the town on foot. For more information, please check http://www.nationalrail.co.uk

Sea

Cross-channel gateway via Newhaven to Dieppe ferry route.