Things to do in Lewes and the South Downs

  • Lewes Castle overlooking townhouses with red roofs, greenery, and cloudy blue sky.

  • A paraglider flying over rolling green hills and fields with a rural landscape in the background.

  • Artistic living room with colorful artwork, bookshelves, and eclectic decor.

  • Wooden sign for South Downs Way with directional arrow and public bridleway symbol.

  • Bottle of sparkling wine and two empty glasses on a round table outdoors

From open countryside and coastal adventures to historic towns, gardens, galleries and great days out, there's plenty to discover from The Grain Store.

Set in the South Downs National Park near Lewes, The Grain Store puts some of the best of East Sussex within easy reach.

Step outside and walk or cycle straight onto the South Downs Way, spend the day exploring the independent shops, cafés and historic streets of Lewes, head to Brighton for culture, shopping and the beach, or venture further afield to discover Sussex's gardens, historic houses and coastline.

Whether you want to walk, cycle, explore, learn something new or simply find a good way to spend a rainy afternoon, these are some of our favourite things to do in Lewes during your stay.

Start exploring

  • Foggy morning view of Lewes Castle in Sussex, with rooftops and chimneys in the foreground and rolling hills in the background.

    Visit Lewes

    One of our favourite Sussex attractions, Lewes is a lively county town, surrounded by beautiful countryside. With its historic high street, specialist shops and cafés, Norman castle, and renowned Bonfire celebrations, the town has a rich local history and a vibrant, independent spirit.

    See More
  • Brighton Palace Pier during twilight with calm sea and illuminated attractions.

    Visit Brighton

    Visit the traditional seaside town of Brighton for unique historical buildings, a buzzing art scene, shopping in the famous Lanes and a cosmopolitan nightlife - there’s much more to Brighton than beaches and ice cream.

    See More
Man and girl holding hands, walking along a grassy path in a green countryside landscape.

Walking and Cycling on the South Downs Way

See More
  • Paraglider flying over rolling green hills and fields.

    Active Days Out

    If you’re looking for an active holiday with the feel-good factor, there’s plenty on offer nearby.

    See More
  • Eclectic living room with colorful artwork, wooden furniture, bookshelf, and decorative fireplace.

    Cultural Days Out

    Culture vultures will be in their element when visiting this colourful corner of Sussex.

    See More
  • Historic stone manor surrounded by gardens and pathways under a blue sky with clouds.

    Explore the Local History

    Discover the many outstanding houses, gardens and historic places of Sussex and Kent.

    See More

Pamper yourself at The Grain Store

Use the sauna, hire a personal chef or book a treatment. The Grain Store can help make your holiday even more special.

See More
  • Octopus in an aquarium with tentacles extended, surrounded by rocks and marine plants.

    Family & Friends' Days Out

    East Sussex is the perfect holiday destination for all ages. Here are a few places you can reach from The Grain Store, Lewes within 30 minutes by car.

    See More
  • Plate with two slices of focaccia topped with cheese, olives, and pine nuts, accompanied by a side of coleslaw and tomato salad.

    Foodie Heaven

    From award-winning cheeses to sparkling wines, Lewes and East Sussex are the pearly gates to food heaven.

    See More
  • Person wearing a gray sweater reading a book in a cozy setting.

    Rainy Days in East Sussex

    If you’re holidaying with children, you’ll need a few rainy-day activities and adventures up your sleeve, just in case.

    See More