24 Hours in Lewes District

A Wonderful Day Out

With just 24 hours in the district of Lewes, you’ll want to plan ahead to make the most of your visit.  With so much to see and do it can be tricky to fit it all in, especially if you don’t know the area. To help you plan a day trip manageable in the time you have, we’ve used our local knowledge to create some itineraries, all you have to do is relax and have fun. 

Lewes Town

A.M - A Historical Meander

Lewes is steeped in history and visiting our Norman Castle, the St Pancras Priory ruins, and Ann 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 most famous former resident Tom Paine who frequently visited the Inn. 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.

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WHERE TO STOP FOR LUNCH: The Lewes Arms

There's nothing better than a good pub lunch, and the food at the Lewes Arms is hearty and reasonably priced. Within arrows shot of the castel, this historic pub is a taste of old Lewes with annual events such as pea throwing and pantomine. They have a wide selection of real ales and serve lunch from 12pm every day. 

A GENTLE AFTERNOON

If you are short of time yet want to take in some natural surrounds, you could visit the Lewes Railway Land Nature Reserve which is situated a few minutes walk from Lewes railway station alongside the River Ouse. This 25-acre nature reserve boasts four different water habitats and an abundance of wildlife. Perfect for a relaxing stroll before you start your journey home.

Alternatively you could take a short walk to the Southover Grange Gardens, built in 1572 by William Newton it was sold to Lewes Council in 1944 and is now open for residents and visitors to enjoy. The gardens are seasonly planted with a stunning array of plants and flowers and boasts a peace garden and rare trees. During the summer months you will find a tea hatch selling hot drinks, ice creams and reasonably priced sandwiches.

SEAFORD 

Set against the backdrop of some of the most stunning coastline in the country, Seaford is often overlooked by tourists. Locals, however often travel in by train to enjoy a seaside experience unspoilt by modern attractions. In town, you can enjoy friendly and delicious tea rooms, coffee shops, bistros and independent shops. 

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A Morning at the Beach

The beach at Seaford is peppered with brightly coloured beach huts and is full of unspoilt British charm. Ideal for taking a dip in the sea,  a level stroll, cycling or simply relaxing in the sun. Here you can hire beach huts, have access to convenient public toilets and free parking! 

The water quality in Seaford Bay is regularly checked by the Environment Agency and the results are published weekly. In recent years Seaford Bay has regularly had water recorded in the cleanest categories. Seaford is classified as a rural beach and there is no lifeguard present. 

WHAT TO EAT: Frankie's Beach Cafe

In Seaford, there are plenty of lovely places to eat close to the seafront. A town favourite is Frankie's Beach Cafe, Situated on the beachfront, they serve hot drinks for cold days and ice lollies during the summer months. A really friendly bunch, they set out deckchairs for you to enjoy the magnificent view, and have created a sandpit for the little ones complete with buckets and spades.

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WHAT TO DO: Grayson Perry's Favourite Museum 

Situated on the seafront the Seaford Local History Museum is housed in the Martello Tower (no 74). The museum is a great day out for all ages and members of the family with displays including shops, tableaux and a fascinating collection of material from past times to the present day.

Time for an Ice Cream

You can't beat a good ice-cream when you're at the seaside. If you head back into Seaford Town you will find Holy Cow, a local artisan parlour creating mouthwateringly good homemade ice cream. Handmade on the premises they offer classics like strawberry, rum and raisin as well as salted caramel and maple syrup. If you are looking for dairy-free/vegan ice cream they make a delicate and velvety rose along with a rich chocolate ice cream and mango and fresh raspberry sorbets. 

Peacehaven

Famous amongst fossil hunters, Peacehaven is also the point where the Greenwich Meridian crosses the English Channel. 

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WHAT TO DO: Hunt for Fossils

Between Peacehaven Cliffs and Castle Hill in Newhaven has one of the best and most important fossil sites in the UK. You can access the undercliff by walking down the Bastion Steps or via a ramp from the West End. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty and you may see huge fossils here if you are lucky as well as peregrines and families of Kittiwakes. 

Explore the Big Park

Situated at the foot of the South Downs National Park is Centenary park, locally known as the Big Park. Here you will find two natural playgrounds, a skate park and engraved wooden totem sculptures carved by a local artist. If you fancy a light bite or coffee while the children play, the award-winning Gateway Cafe has stunning views across the park. 

WHERE TO EAT:

The Smuggler's Rest pub restaurant is situated on Telscombe Cliffs, The Smuggler's Rest provides an ideal place to enjoy the sunset over the sea. The perfect end to an active day.  

Glynde, Firle and Rodmell

The rural part of our district is scattered with villages and famous cultural venues and residents including the Bloomsbury set. Here you can take a short break full of stunning countryside and Artistic Inspiration.

DAY ONE

Charleston is the former home of the Bloomsbury set including Virginia Woolf, Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, a hub of artistic activity in the 1930s. The farmhouse is now a unique rural museum and arts venue preserving the beautiful walled gardens and house. 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. 

WHERE TO EAT: MIddle Farm 

Close by you will find a 625-acre working family farm nestled at the foot of Firle Beacon on the South Downs. Visit Middle Farm,  the award-winning farm shop for picnic items or to sample Cider and Perry from their national collection. Alternatively, you can pop into their cafe serving home-made cakes and light lunches. If you have the little ones with you, you may enjoy visiting the open farm to meet the llamas, pigs, goats and chickens. 

WHERE TO STAY: UPPER LODGE

The Tack Barn at Upper Lodge is a beautiful and sustainable self-catering cottage, ideally located for Charleston and the South Downs. It is tucked into woodland overlooking the pond. Stroll in the main garden and watch the sunset from the jetty. Although the Tack Barn is self-catering, the owners can arrange breakfast and meal hampers from local suppliers for you, all you have to do is cook.

DAY TWO

WHAT TO DO: Visit a Country House

Firle Place has been the home of the Gage family for over 500 years. The house is open to the public from June to September along with its tea room and gardens. It has a fascinating history and houses a collection of well-known master paintings and objects of art. 

WHERE TO EAT

If you’re visiting Firle or Firle Place take the footpath leaving the southern end of the village turn east and after a mile you’ll find yourself by the Beanstalk Tea Garden. You can also approach by car on the Old Coach Road off the A27. This unique venue offers the privacy and tranquillity of the English countryside and offers a homely atmosphere, traditional cream teas, home-made cakes and locally sourced food.Sit and relax and listen to the surrounding wildlife including the resident peacocks. It's a very special place. 

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WHAT TO DO: Visit a Vineyard

Breaky Bottom is an isolated farmstead set in a beautiful secluded valley in the South Downs. There are six acres of vines and a flock of 40 ewes graze the surrounding steep banks. Although Breaky Bottom is a small scale family-run business it is able to produce top quality wines which have gained a reputation for excellence in the sparkling wine and Champagne market.
Visits are by appointment and can usually be made at short notice.

Visit a Historic Cottage

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. You are welcome to relax in the garden, a perfect end to a wonderful visit.