Lewes

Lewes, the historic county town of East Sussex, is a mixture of the impressive, the unusual and the intriguing. Situated on the banks of the river Ouse and surrounded by the South Downs, Lewes is a picturesque town steeped in history.

The Norman built Lewes Castle still dominates the townscape. Adjacent to the Castle is the Barbican House Museum and just a short walk through Southover Grange Gardens is the beautiful 15th century timber-framed Anne of Cleves House and the remains of the Lewes Priory.

There are many places to visit in Lewes, so take the time to stroll through the mediaeval heart of the town with its twisting streets and tiny twittens exploring the towns rich heritage. With a great range of independent shops, antique centres, art galleries and a tempting variety of local eateries and restaurants on offer its 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.

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.

Nearby Charleston Farm, home to Bloomsbury group painters Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell (whose sister Virginia Woolf lived in Monk’s House, Rodmell) was visited by John Maynard Keynes, Roger Fry, Lytton Strachey and E.M. Forster. Glyndebourne Opera House, Brighton, (with its annual Music and Arts Festival) and Eastbourne are within easy reach.

Lewes is a great centre for visiting famous gardens: Sheffield Park, Nymans, Leonardslee, Borde Hill, Wakehurst Place with its Millennium Seed Bank, Denmans, Great Dixter and Pashley Manor. It’s a good centre, too, for historic houses: Firle Place, Glynde Place, Michelham Priory, Preston Manor, Brighton Pavilion, Petworth House; and Herstmonceux, Bodiam and Arundel castles.

For walkers there is the South Downs Way winding through the planned South Downs National Park, the white cliffs of the Seven Sisters between Eastbourne and Seaford, Ditchling Beacon, Devil’s Dyke, Birling Gap, and Arlington Reservoir.

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