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. Once the home of Tom Paine, the author of the Rights of Man, and the home of Harveys Brewery, Lewes has long been known for its spirit of independence and the inhabitants are proud of its long history as administrative capital of East Sussex, stretching back to Saxon times, which is reflected in the eclectic architecture of the place. It remains a great town to visit, full of independent shops, imaginative eateries and fascinating monuments. Although surrounded by chalk cliffs, the Norman Castle of William de Warenne dominates the townscape, especially when illuminated at night. Its keep overlooks the Barbican House and museum and a short walk leads to a handsome townhouse, gifted by Henry VIII to his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, as part of her divorce settlement. Many other fine houses, timber framed and 'mathematically tiled', line the streets allowing residents and visitors a glimpse into the true essence of bygone Lewes. It was Lewes resident and American art dealer, E.P. Warren, who commissioned Rodin to create his famous sculpture 'The Kiss', which was then gifted to the town. Scandalised Lewes residents banished the sculpture to a stable block where it remained hidden for 20 years until purchased by The Tate Gallery. There is much to see and do in the town and explorations of the medieval twittens will uncover all the specialist retailers that can be found: unique bookshops, boutiques and antique shops adjacent to contemporary art/craft workshops. The Needlemakers centre houses a collection of small craft based outlets selling jewellery, toys, pottery, candles and much more. Lewes is home to an unusally large number of traditional and extraordinary pubs, as well as restaurants and eateries. The aroma of malt and hops from Harvey's Brewery, Sussex's oldest operational brewery, wafts over Cliffe Bridge and the river Ouse, and down to the pedestrian precinct at the lower end of the High Street. Nearby Glyndebourne offers world class opera from early May to late August and in October before the annual tour.
Attraction
Anne of Cleves House
Bentley Wildfowl & Motor Museum
Breaky Bottom Vineyard
Charleston
Firle Place
Glynde Place
Harvey & Son (Lewes) Ltd
Lewes Castle, Barbican House Museum
Lewes Priory
Monks House
Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare
Thebes Gallery
Wellingham Walled Herb Garden
Care Home
Claydon House
Lydfords Care Home
Charity
Cottage
Decoy Cottage
Pekes
Vane Cottage
Council
Dentist
Albion Street Dental Practice
Dental Surgery
Lewes Dental Clinic
Doctor
Dr Crean & Partners
Dr Hempshall & Partners
School Hill Medical Practice
Estate Agent
Clifford Dann
Gorringe Rowland & Co
Strutt & Parker
Wycherley A
Farmers Market
Lewes Farmers Market
Lewes Food Market
Golf Club
Health and Fitness Club
Inn
Crown Inn
Newmarket Inn
The Roebuck Inn
Market
Lewes Farmers Market
Lewes Flea Market
Lewes Food Market
Pub and Bar
Anchor Inn
Chalk Pit
Dorset Arms
Five Bells Restaurant & Bar
Fountain
Gardeners Arms
Kings Head
Lamb
Meridian
Pumphouse
Royal Oak
Snowdrop
Swan Inn
The Black Lion Inn
White Star Inn
Restaurant
Anchor Inn
Chalk Pit
Circa at Pelham House
Dorset Arms
Five Bells Restaurant & Bar
Guido's
Kings Head
Lazzati's
Long Room
Pailin Restaurant
Panda Garden
Pumphouse
Seasons Of Lewes
Si Eaterie
Snowdrop
School
Lewes Old Grammar School
Northease Manor School
Self-Catering
Decoy Cottage
Freedom Holiday Homes
Lewes Townhouse
Pekes
Solicitor
Taxi
G M TaxisLewes Taxis
Phoenix Cars
Ringmer Cabs
S & G Taxis
Theatre
Glyndebourne Festival Opera House
Vet
Sports Clubs
Bridgeview Judo Club (Martial Arts)
Lewes (Men's Hockey)
Lewes (Women's Hockey)
Lewes Priory CC (Cricket)
Lewes Rugby Football Club (Rugby Union)
Sussex Police Ladies Hockey Club (Women's Hockey)
Shops
Bags Of Books
Cliffe Bookshop
Jarman David
Unicorn Books Ltd
Riverside Flowers
Boots
Boathouse Farm Shop
Rymans
Wyevale Garden Centre
Barcombe Nurseries
Glynde Kitchen Garden
Fur Feather 'n' Fins
The Gift & Card Company
Brats
Wyborns Pharmacy
K Chapple Optometrist
JustTrade.org
Fogdens
Shoe Gallery
Townings Farm
The Lewes Gallery
Star Gallery
Michael Cooper
Holland and Barratt
Barcombe Nurseries
Full of Beans
Superdrug
Sussex Stationers
Julian Graves
Specsavers
White Stuff
Antiques
Southdown Antiques
School Hill Antiques
Pastorale Antiques
Antique Interiors
Lewes Antiques Centre
Activities
Airworks Paragliding Centre(Airsports)
Flybubble Paragliding(Airsports)
Sussex Hang Gliding & Paragliding(Airsports)
Swanborough Fishing Lakes(Fishing)
Places to Stay near Lewes
Lewes Townhouse (0.28 miles)
Nestling in the heart of the South Downs National Park, Lewes Townhouse sits in the centre of town and set over three floors. The fully equipped kitchen/diner is on the ground floor. Upstairs is the ... More | visit website
Crown Inn (0.36 miles)
Thought to be the oldest inn in the picturesque town of Lewes, this 17th century property offers comfortable B&B accommodation in a welcoming and friendly environment. The Crown is a family-run property ... More
White Hart Hotel (0.42 miles)
This charming 16th century coaching inn with Tudor beams and log fire has been magnificently extended to include a leisure complex with swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gymnasium. Enjoy historic public rooms, carvery restaurant, ... More | visit website
Pelham House (0.43 miles)
Pelham House is a 16th Century Town House Hotel in East Sussex. Restored to create a stylish venue it combines elegance and history, and is just 10mins from Brighton.
Pelham House offers 31 ... More
Shelleys Hotel (0.64 miles)
The Blacksmiths Arms (1.69 miles)
Newmarket Inn (2.78 miles)
With a convenient location, right on the A27 between Brighton and Lewes, this comfortable hotel, bar and restaurant offers a mix of traditional values and modern facilities. Newmarket Inn offers excellent access ... More
Decoy Cottage (3.89 miles)
Click here to book this cottage with Hoseasons
In a lovely rural situation, close to the South Downs, this very comfortable, single storey cottage lies within grounds boasting a beautiful fishing lake and a charming ... More
The Downs Hotel (5.02 miles)
The Roebuck Inn (5.36 miles)
The Roebuck Inn is family run and has a homecooked, locally sourced menu. Each room has ensuite facilities : Individual key card room entry system : Tea and Coffee facilities ... More
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