Lewes Guidebook
Sightseeing
Immerse yourself in history and enjoy stunning panoramic views across Sussex from the top of the 1000 year old Lewes Castle
- currently closed due to Covid-19
115 locals recommend
Lewes Castle & Museum
169 High StImmerse yourself in history and enjoy stunning panoramic views across Sussex from the top of the 1000 year old Lewes Castle
- currently closed due to Covid-19
In a park at the head of the Ouse Valley in the south of Lewes you can investigate the Grade I-listed ruins of Lewes’ Priory of St Pancras
7 locals recommend
Lewes Priory
Cockshut RoadIn a park at the head of the Ouse Valley in the south of Lewes you can investigate the Grade I-listed ruins of Lewes’ Priory of St Pancras
Off Cliffe High Street and behind Lewes Railway Station you’ll suddenly find yourself in a clear natural space
11 locals recommend
The Railway Land Wildlife Trust
Railway LaneOff Cliffe High Street and behind Lewes Railway Station you’ll suddenly find yourself in a clear natural space
The local brewery has a shop selling their great selection of beer. You can even have a tour of the brewery, conducted by Harvey’s brewers outside normal working hours, between two to three hours duration
- tours are currently not running due to Covid-19
21 locals recommend
Harvey's Brewery
4 Cliffe High StThe local brewery has a shop selling their great selection of beer. You can even have a tour of the brewery, conducted by Harvey’s brewers outside normal working hours, between two to three hours duration
- tours are currently not running due to Covid-19
Explore how the Tudors and Elizabethans lived, worked and relaxed at home with a visit to the Anne of Cleves House Museum
- currently closed due to Covid-19
45 locals recommend
Anne of Cleves House
52 Southover High StExplore how the Tudors and Elizabethans lived, worked and relaxed at home with a visit to the Anne of Cleves House Museum
- currently closed due to Covid-19
And Malling Down. A short walk from the flat with views from the top across Lewes. The ancient hillfort of Mount Caburn is found on the south easterly corner of the Lewes Downs overlooking the main stretch of the South Downs separated by the River Ouse and surrounding wet meadows that extend down to the sea at Newhaven. This ancient hillfort is often highlighted by paragliders hanging in mid-air above its earth works.
7 locals recommend
Mount Caburn
And Malling Down. A short walk from the flat with views from the top across Lewes. The ancient hillfort of Mount Caburn is found on the south easterly corner of the Lewes Downs overlooking the main stretch of the South Downs separated by the River Ouse and surrounding wet meadows that extend down to the sea at Newhaven. This ancient hillfort is often highlighted by paragliders hanging in mid-air above its earth works.
Shopping
A must visit! Located on Market Street this is a treasure trove of second hand furniture, a piece of retro chic, genuine antiques or 70s kitsch
15 locals recommend
Lewes Flea Market. (The Famous!)
14A Market StA must visit! Located on Market Street this is a treasure trove of second hand furniture, a piece of retro chic, genuine antiques or 70s kitsch
Recreational
The oldest documented freshwater outdoor public swimming pool in the UK. Tickets range from £3-5 for an adult session and £2.50 for children. All sessions need to be booked online
28 locals recommend
Pells Pool - Seasonal Outdoor Swimming Pool
Brook StreetThe oldest documented freshwater outdoor public swimming pool in the UK. Tickets range from £3-5 for an adult session and £2.50 for children. All sessions need to be booked online
Depot
Pinwell RoadA cinema and cafe by the station with a large outdoor seating area
Hidden gems
Enjoy a stroll along from the town centre alongside the meandering River Ouse through the Railway Land Wildlife Trust Reserve
River Ouse
Enjoy a stroll along from the town centre alongside the meandering River Ouse through the Railway Land Wildlife Trust Reserve
The Fifteenth Century bookshop Specialising in illustrated in children's books, housed in a 15th Century, beamed building
The Fifteenth Century Bookshop
99-100 High StreetThe Fifteenth Century bookshop Specialising in illustrated in children's books, housed in a 15th Century, beamed building
Pubs
Enjoy great food and a great selection of beer at The Snowdrop Inn. You’ll find free range produce in a home cooked pub menu (with veggie options) at this relaxed boozer
20 locals recommend
The Snowdrop Inn
119 South StEnjoy great food and a great selection of beer at The Snowdrop Inn. You’ll find free range produce in a home cooked pub menu (with veggie options) at this relaxed boozer
The Swan Inn
30A Southover High StA Harvey’s pub serving good quality pub food at reasonable prices
You’ll enjoy a traditional pub with a rustic feel in the heart of the historic town of Lewes
John Harvey Tavern
You’ll enjoy a traditional pub with a rustic feel in the heart of the historic town of Lewes
Featured in the Telegraph's list of Britain's best pubs, The Lewes Arms has a great reputation for hearty, home-cooked food
15 locals recommend
The Lewes Arms
1 Mount PlFeatured in the Telegraph's list of Britain's best pubs, The Lewes Arms has a great reputation for hearty, home-cooked food
Just steps from the Castle, The Brewers Arms is an authentic pub steeped in tradition. The pub consists of two contrasting environments. Those seeking a cosy, quiet atmosphere will feel at home in the front bar. The back bar features a selection of recreational entertainments, including pool, darts, a jukebox and the old Sussex game of Toad in the Hole
8 locals recommend
The Brewers Arms
Nettlesworth LaneJust steps from the Castle, The Brewers Arms is an authentic pub steeped in tradition. The pub consists of two contrasting environments. Those seeking a cosy, quiet atmosphere will feel at home in the front bar. The back bar features a selection of recreational entertainments, including pool, darts, a jukebox and the old Sussex game of Toad in the Hole
Food scene
Bun + Bean
8 Mount PleasantChaula's Indian Restaurant Lewes
6 Eastgate StTrading Post Coffee Roasters
18 Cliffe High StFuego Lounge