Visiting Lewes and Sussex
Lewes is the historic county town of East Sussex, situated on the banks of the river Ouse and surrounded by the South Downs, making it a picturesque town steeped in history.
Lewes Castle dominates the landscape of this historic town and is a short walk to the beautiful 15th century timber-framed Anne of Cleves House and the remains of Lewes Priory.
With a great range of independent shops, antique centres, art galleries and a tempting variety of local eateries and restaurants on offer Lewes is a great place to visit for the day or a longer stay. Lewes is also home to the famous Harvey’s Brewery, which was established over 200 years ago. Sample one of their fine ales in many of the local pubs or visit their shop to take a souvenir home with you.
Lewes is a perfect hub for visiting other parts of East Sussex, with good road, and rail links to many popular tourist attractions including the nearby Charleston Farm, home to Bloomsbury Group painters Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell (whose sister Virginia Woolf lived in Monk’s House, Rodmell).
The world famous Glyndebourne Opera House, is within easy reach as is the city of Brighton and Hove, (with its annual Brighton Festival) and the town of Eastbourne, home to the UK’s largest free air festival, Airbourne
For walkers there is the South Downs Way winding through the planned South Downs National Park, the white cliffs of theSeven Sisters between Eastbourne and Seaford, Ditchling Beacon, Devil’s Dyke, Birling Gap, and Arlington Reservoir.
Why not plan your walk and get a taxi to drop you off and pick you up at designated spots to allow you the freedom to explore the Downs without the restrictions of bus and rail routes.
You will find a great range of hotels and bed & breakfasts in Lewes offering a wide range of accommodation for all tastes and budgets. Coincide your visit to Lewes with one of the many events that take place including Lewes Farmers’ Market, held on the first Saturday of each month, Lewes Bonfire celebrations.
For more information on this area we recommend the website www.enjoysussex.info.