Sport & Leisure

Walking

From riverside walks, coastal routes and hikes across the South Downs National Park, we have a variety of terrains and views for you to enjoy. You can also explore the cultural landscape with specially themed history and art walks as well as taking in some of our local vineyards and eateries.

If you need any help planning a walk, please visit one of our Tourist Information Centres based in Seaford and Lewes Town where our staff will be happy to help you with the best route.

THE BATTLE OF LEWES WALK

Follow in the footsteps of barons and kings with a walk through the historical sites of the Battle of Lewes taking in Lewes Castle and The Cluniac Priory. Held on 14 May 1264, the Battle of Lewes  resulted in the defeat of the king and is seen as an important event in the fight for democracy.

FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF A LOCAL ARTIST

A spectacular circular walk through landscape near Seaford which inspired Eric Slater. A keen walker, Slater developed an intimate knowledge of the countryside and loved to observe the cliffs, sea and sky. You can also pick up a copy of the trail at the Seaford Tourist information Centre.

A WALK TO THE SEA

Here is the Lewes District, we have some beautiful coastline, much of which is accessible from the South Downs National Park. From Seaford Head you can walk across the downs, past the coastguard cottages onto the beach or head inland to Seaford beach for a less demanding promenade. If you fancy something more challenging, you can always take a day trip to Brighton on foot, crossing the downs to reach our neighbouring city.

VISIT A VINEYARD

Situated just 5 miles outside Lewes town is one of the most beautiful vineyards in the uk. Situated in The South Downs National Park, Breaky Bottom is an isolated farmstead set in a beautiful secluded valley. Here you will find six acres of vines and a flock of 40 ewes graze the surrounding steep banks.  If you call ahead you can arrange a visit to Breaky Bottom Vineyard which is situated in a fold in the South Downs National Park. This is a four mile walk taking in the sights of Telescombe Tye along bridleways. The route is accessible by the Brighton & Hove bus route no. 27

Cycling

Cycling is a popular mode of transport and leisure activity in the Lewes district. Be it in our towns, up on the downs or out to our villages, we have trails and routes for cyclists of all abilities. 

LEWES TOWN PARTNERSHIP CYCLING ROUTE MAP

Lewes is surrounded by a wonderful network of country lanes and off-road routes, leading to dozens of interesting places to visit, eat and drink. The Lewes Town Partnership has put together a handy map to guide you along the way to finding these routes.

You can pick up a copy from the Lewes Tourist Information Centre.

THE LIVING COAST BY BIKE

The Living Coast is a UNESCO World Biosphere that encompasses the chalk block of the South Downs, stretching from the River Adur in the west to the River Ouse in the East, and with the city of Brighton & Hove at its heart. It’s a place where people and nature come together in a world class environment of Downs, Towns and Coast. Its mission is to connect people and nature to inspire a positive future, today. You can explore much of The Living Coast by bike.

Wave Leisure

Fancy a swim, or need your daily fix at the gym? Wave Leisure have centres in Lewes, Peacehaven, Newhaven and Seaford. They also run a series of summer clubs and activities across the summer.