Lewes Town

If you’re looking for ideas for things to do in Lewes in East Sussex, please read on for some of the best! Lewes is the county town of East Sussex with a population of under 20,000. It’s a perfect destination for a day out or as a base from which to explore the Lewes district.

Lewes is a small town with a big heart. Most historians agree that Lewes’ name derives from the Old English ‘hlaews’ (‘hills’ or ‘mounds’) as Lewes is built into the slopes either side of the Ouse Valley, giving its inhabitants sturdy legs to go with their stout hearts. It was here that Simon de Montfort fought the Battle of Lewes against the King and where Tom Paine, author of ‘The Rights of Man’ once lived. Lewes has long been known for its spirit of independence and the inhabitants are proud of its significant history stretching back to Saxon times. But it’s not all about the history

Image © Xavier Dom Buendia

There are lots of things to do in Lewes in East Sussex. Lewes is a great place to shop with so many independent, antique and quirky shops. It’s also the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat or a drink in one of our historic pubs. Lewes also boasts a working brewery situated in the heart of the town. If you are visiting on a Tuesday, you may be lucky enough to see the Harveys dray horses delivering the beer.

Image © Xavier Dom Buendia

Anne of Cleves House

At Anne of Cleves House you can explore how the Tudors and Elizabethans lived, worked and relaxed at home. Find out about the part played by this beautiful medieval house in the story of one of England’s most famous kings, Henry VIII. Other highlights include the authentically furnished kitchen and the garden which uses traditional plants and Tudor planting schemes.

Lewes Castle and Barbican House Museum

High above the medieval streets stands Lewes Castle, begun soon after 1066 by William de Warenne as his stronghold in Sussex and added to over the next 300 years, culminating in the magnificent Barbican. Steep climbs to the top of this and the adjacent keep are rewarded with spectacular views.

Southover Grange Gardens

Grange gardens were once the private garden of the grange built in 1542 by William Newton and briefly the home of John Evelyn the diarist. The gardens are a little piece of heaven on earth right in the centre of Lewes town, a lovely peaceful thing to do! ‘The Grange’ as it is known by the locals, is a public walled garden split by the Winterbourne stream. It is a delightful labyrinth of nooks and crannies including a peace garden, fountain and disused well.

Priory of St Pancras

There is much to see at Priory Park. Impressive interpretation panels allow you to walk in the footsteps of medieval monks and imagine how the buildings once looked. A recreated herb garden grows plants that monks would have used for medicinal, culinary and ceremonial purposes.

Markets

Lewes has a number of small and larger markets happening in the town. There is a small food market selling fresh, local produce, takeaway nibbles and light meals suitable for a picnic. As well as a craft market.