Visit Lewes
Lewes sightseeing: a must for quirky shops, eateries and galleries steeped in history and East Sussex tradition.
Lewes is a lively county town with a historic high street, specialist shops and cafés, Norman castle and renowned Bonfire celebrations. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, the town has a rich local history and a vibrant, independent spirit.
One of the major Lewes attractions is the Greenwich Meridian line. Passing through the town at zero degrees longitude, you can feel a true global citizen by standing one foot in the Western hemisphere and the other in the Eastern. Thankfully, opinion isn’t at all divided on what this colourful town offers: there are so many fun things to do in Lewes.
Historic Lewes
History fans can visit the 1,000-year-old Lewes Castle; tours depart regularly, or you can simply enjoy fine views over the town and contemplate monastic life in the 11th-century ruins at Priory Park. Head down the steeply cobbled Keere Street with its Grade II listed houses, towards Anne of Cleves House Museum. There, you can explore how the Tudors and Elizabethans inhabited this 15th-century timber-framed house, which formed part of Queen Anne’s annulment settlement from King Henry VIII.
Pop into the delightfully creaky 15th Century Bookshop for rare and collectable tomes, including children’s illustrated books. Just down the road is Bull House, where 18th-century revolutionary and author, Thomas Paine, lived and wrote his seminal work, ‘The Rights of Man’.
Boutique shops and bargain-hunting
Tucked just off the High Street, The Needlemakers brings together independent shops and makers under one roof, with Squisito for coffee, food or a drink after browsing. Across Lewes, there’s plenty more to discover: Freight, Margot or Closet & Botts for homewares, From Victoria for plants and botanical gifts, and Wickle for an eclectic mix of gifts and things for the home. Browse clothing and lifestyle pieces at nørd and discover independent makers at Radical Living.
Lewes is equally rewarding for anyone who enjoys hunting for something unexpected. Spend an hour rummaging through vintage furniture, antiques and curiosities at Lewes Flea Market, then explore the town’s other antique and preloved shops. You can also see what’s coming up for auction at Gorringe’s and Wallis & Wallis. For art by local makers, stop in at Chalk Gallery.
Taste the best of East Sussex
From award-winning cheeses and fresh local produce to sparkling wines grown on the Sussex hills, Lewes and East Sussex offer plenty for food lovers to savour. Browse independent food shops and markets, linger over a long lunch, or find a welcoming pub for dinner after a day exploring. Whether you’re looking for somewhere special to celebrate or simply a good cup of coffee, there’s no shortage of delicious options nearby.
Visit our Foodie Heaven page for more suggestions on where to eat and drink in Lewes.
Things to do in Lewes
For a quiet moment in the heart of town, wander through Southover Grange Gardens, a peaceful place to sit among the flowers or pause for tea and cake when The Hatch is open. Nearby, step back into Tudor life at Anne of Cleves House, then explore the changing art exhibitions at Charleston in Lewes. If the weather calls for a swim, head to Pells Pool, Lewes’ much-loved outdoor freshwater pool. You can also discover the town’s brewing heritage on a tour of Harvey’s Brewery or catch a film at Depot, an independent cinema with a café and restaurant.
Seasonal highlights
For full details of events throughout the year, visit Lewes Tourist Information Centre. Below are just some of our favourites.
May is the start of the Glyndebourne Festival: world-class opera and a quintessentially English summer experience, a short distance from Lewes and The Grain Store.
Lewes Garland Day goes back to Victorian times and takes place on the first Bank Holiday in May. Local Morris dancing group, Knots in May, processing along the high street, with children competing to make floral garlands, judged by the Mayor.
July hosts Love Supreme - one of Europe’s top jazz festivals. This is a three-day family-friendly greenfield event held in the stunning surroundings of Glynde Place. Day-trippers welcome.
September’s Artwave is the annual festival of artists and makers from the town and surrounding villages. The event takes place on weekends at the end of August/start of September in over 150 venues with displays of jewellery, textiles, metalwork, ceramics, glass, craft, furniture, illustration, painting, and printmaking.
November’s big bang is the Lewes Bonfire, the highlight of the town’s annual calendar. Pageantry, commemoration and a healthy dose of anarchy make up this unique celebration on the 5th of November: the largest of its kind in the UK. A thrilling spectacle that’s not for the faint-hearted!
For more information about Lewes and the surrounding area, go to Visit Lewes.
“You can see Lewes lying like a box of toys under a great amphitheatre of chalk hills”
— William Morris