1 Week in Lewes District

Your perfect week away

If you're visiting the district of Lewes for a holiday, take the time to discover the best of our countryside, coast, towns and villages. Be it a seaside break, a family holiday or a chance to relax and unwind, we've used our local knowledge to come up with an itinerary to help you make the most of your stay. 

Lewes is our county town and is a great base from which to explore the area. It's just a 45-minute train ride away from London Victoria and a 15 minute trip to the closest beach. 

DAY ONE - Lewes Town

Take in Some Art

Known as a hub of creativity, Lewes Town boasts several art galleries, showing work to cater for all tastes. Star Brewery Gallery is tucked away in the centre of town, and hosts a busy programme of exhibitions by both established and up and coming artists. Chalk Gallery, also close to the town centre, nurtures local talent and has works for sale to suit all budgets. Combine a stroll around the beautiful Southover Grange Gardens with a visit to the Sussex Guild Shop & Gallery, which sells unique items from deisgners and makers working in a variety of disciplines. 

A Locally Produced Lunch

There are plenty of independent cafes and coffee shops in Lewes. If you fancy a spot of lunch you could visit the Flint Owl Bakery who bake their small batch bread and pastries using high quality local and organic ingredients. They also serve delicious cakes which you can take away or enjoy in the cafe or garden. 

Impressive History

Lewes is steeped in history and visiting our Norman Castle, the St Pancras Priory ruins, and Anne of Cleves House is a must. All three sites are near to each other and offer a fascinating insight into the history of the town. 
If you get a little thirsty on the way round you could always pop into The Rights of Man pub to enjoy a tipple of your choice in their rooftop garden overlooking the castle. Just across the road at the White Hart Hotel, you will see a plaque dedicated to the town's  famous former resident Thomas Paine,  who inspired the American Declaration of Independence. He also formed the 'Headstrong club' which met regularly in the hotel. Further up the High Street, you can also see Bull House where Paine lived while he was writing his revolutionary works.

An Evening Out

Situated close to the station is Symposium Emporium of fine wines. A relaxed wine bar serving a large selection of wine, gin and craft beers. The staff are friendly and have a fantastic knowledge, so you're sure to find something to suit your palette. 

just next door to Symposium is Erawan, a bijou Thai bistro. This is one of the most popular eateries in Lewes so booking ahead is a must. They serve beautifully presented Thai food and cater for vegetarians and vegans too.  

DAY TWO - The Bloomsbury Set

Monk's House

Monk's House is a delightful 17th Century cottage once the countryside home of Virginia and Leonard Woolf. Located in the beautiful country lanes of Rodmell, this modest house is full of many of the couples favourite things and the garden still blooms with a mix of flowers and vegetables planted by the couple. You can also take a peek inside the tranquil writing lodge where Virginia Woolf wrote many of her masterpieces. 

Charleston is the former home of Vanessa & Clive Bell and Duncan Grant, known as the Bloomsbury Set. The farmhouse was a hub of artistic activity in the 1930s, and is now a unique rural museum and arts venue, with beautfiully preserved walled gardens. Inside you can see the hand painted furniture and works of art including creations by Picasso and Renoir. It's worth booking into a guided tour of the house for an insight into the exciting lives of its former residents.

Out of Town Country Pub: The Ram at Firle

The Ram Inn has been at the heart of the vibrant farming community of Firle for over five hundred years. A rambling old brick and flint building with a  walled garden, perfect for a peaceful summer supping under their greengage trees. They also serve seasonal produce from the local estate and seafood from local fishermen. 

DAY THREE - Seaford

Just 15 minutes by train, Seaford is a coastal town with beautiful beaches and a town centre full of independent shops and cafes. 

Seaford Head

A visit to Seaford is not complete without a visit to Seaford Head. Just a short walk from the car park at South Hill Barn takes you to a breathtaking line of chalk cliffs. Take in the magnificent views of the Seven Sisters Cliffs and the Cuckmere Valley on this beautiful walk that meanders down to the sea. 

Lunch: A Meal With a View

The View is a great restaurant, bar up on the cliffs at Seaford Head beside Seaford Head Golf Course. With stunning views across Seaford Bay, they offer a warm welcome to everyone.  Stop here for cream tea or lunch from an extensive menu served in the lounge, on the patio or viewing terrace.

A Spot of Shopping

Pop into Seaford Town for a spot of shopping before you head back to Lewes. It's full of independent shops selling local produce and gifts. If you want to pick up a souvenir, visit our Tourist Information Centre for prints, cards and maps. 

DAY FOUR - A Trip to France

If you fancy a day trip to France, Newhaven is the closest ferry port to London in the UK. DFDS operate a ferry service three times a day between Newhaven & Dieppe and in under just four hours you can travel from Sussex to Upper Normandy. If you're feeling really adventurous, Dieppe has fast and convenient links to Paris.

DAY FIVE - Explore the Countryside

Lewes Town is set in the heart of the South Downs National Park, and is a great starting point for walks through some exceptionally beautiful countryside.

For a moderate walk, you could take a ramble to The Juggs in Kingston village. This five-mile walk takes in stunning views of the South Downs, a windmill and four pubs. You can stop for bar snacks or lunch at the Juggs, and when the weather is fine you can eat in the lovely garden. For a more detailed description click here. 

If you fancy a longer walk, Lewes to Glynde is a popular route taking in the beauty of Mount Caburn. If you don't want to walk back, there are plenty of trains from Glynde village back to Lewes Town. For a detailed description of the walk click here.

A Historic Pub

After all that exercise a quiet drink in Lewes' most historic pub is a must. There's nothing better than a good pub meal, and the food at the Lewes Arms is hearty and reasonably priced. This 200-year-old pub is a taste of old Lewes with annual events such as dwile flonking, pea throwing and a bawdy pantomine. They have a wide selection of real ales and serve bar snacks and meals until 9pm most days.

DAY SIX - Ditchling Village

The district of Lewes is scattered with villages full of character and charm. Situated just outside Lewes Town is Ditchling, home to an award-winning rural museum, independent shops and cafes. 

A Crafty Museum

If you fancy a spot of local culture, Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft is an award-winning contemporary museum and is well worth a visit. It holds a permanent collection of works of artists and makers who were drawn to the village, as well as hosting special exhibitions, workshops and events. They also have a small cafe and gift shop.

Where to Eat : The Bull Ditchling

Gourmet British food, inventive fusion dishes and lighter veggie fare, all cooked to order. On Sundays, there's a wide choice of traditional roasts with all the trimmings and you'll always find a grazing board menu of dishes to share. At The Bull you can eat in their cosy snug or soak up the views of the South Downs from their large garden.

A Hidden Gem

If you like orchids, you'll love McBeans Orchid Nursery just outside Lewes. Pop in on your way back into town and marvel at their stunning award-winning blooms. You can pick up an orchid to take home or simply ask advice on how to care for the ones you already have. 

A Night at the Movies

Lewes Town is home to the Depot, a cutting edge three-screen cinema and restaurant, it's perfect for a night out. Choose from a programme of blockbuster and art house films at reasonable prices. They also serve light bites, meals and drinks. If the weather is fine you can enjoy your refreshments in their garden. 

DAY SEVEN - Independent Shopping in Lewes

Take it easy on your last day in our district with a spot of shopping in Lewes Town. Famous for it's independent shops, it's the perfect place to pick up gifts and mementoes. From Harvey's Brewery shop to Closet & Botts quirky homewares store, we have traditional and contemporary traders selling unique and locally produced goods. To find out more about shopping in Lewes Town download a copy of our Independent Shopping guide or pop into the Tourist  Information Centre and pick up a copy. They also sell stylish souvenirs, cards and posters, many designed by local artists.