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 Historical Meander

Lewes is steeped in history and visits to our Norman Castle, the St Pancras Priory ruins, and Ann of Cleves House are a must. All three sites are near to each other and offer a fascinating insight into the history of the town. If you feel thirsty you could pop into The Rights of Man pub to enjoy a tipple on the rooftop garden overlooking the castle. Just across the road at the White Hart Hotel, you'll see a plaque dedicated to the town's famous former resident, Tom Paine, who formed the ‘Headstrong club’ debating society which met regularly in the hotel. Further up the High Street, you can see Bull House where Paine lived while he was writing his revolutionary works.

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 an arrow's shot of the castle, this historic pub is a taste of old Lewes with annual events such as dwile flonking, 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 and want to take in some natural beauty, you could visit the Lewes Railway Land Nature Reserve, 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.

Or you could take the short walk to the Southover Grange Gardens. Built in 1572 by William Newton, and later the home of diarist John Evelyn, it was sold to Lewes Council in 1944 and is now open for residents and visitors to enjoy. The gardens are seasonally planted with a stunning array of plants and flowers and boast a peace garden and rare trees. During the summer months, the tea hatch sells hot drinks, ice creams, homemade cake and sandwiches.

Seaford

Set against the backdrop of some of the most stunning coastline in the country, Seaford offers an unspoilt tradional British seaside experience . In town, you can enjoy friendly and delicious tea rooms, coffee shops, bistros and independent shops. 

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. 

Where to stop for lunch: Frankie's Beach Cafe

A town favourite, Frankie's Beach Cafe is situated on the beachfront, serving 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.

Grayson Perry's Favourite Museum 

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, with equally delicious dairy-free and vegan alternatives. 

Peacehaven

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

Hunting 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. 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, providing 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 . Here you can take a short break full of stunning countryside and creative inspiration.

Get to Know the Bloomsbury Group

Charleston is the former home of the Bloomsbury set including Virginia Woolf, Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, and was 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 stop for lunch: Middle Farm 

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

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. 

Afternoon Tea

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 enjoys the peace and tranquillity of the English countryside, beautiful views of the South Downs, and offers traditional cream teas, glorious home-made cakes and locally sourced food. Relax and listen to the surrounding wildlife, including the resident peacocks. It's a very special place. 

Visit a Historic Cottage

Monk's House is a delightful 17th Century cottage and was once the home of Virginia and Leonard Woolf. Located in the beautiful country lanes of Rodmell, this modest house is full of many of their favourite things, and the garden still blooms with a mix of flowers and vegetables planted by the couple. You can 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.