Location: Lewes
Top Things to do in Lewes
Top 10 Things to do in Lewes, United Kingdom (UK)
Lewes /ˈluːɪs/ is the county town of East Sussex and formerly all of Sussex. It is a civil parish and is the centre of the Lewes local government district. Its population is now around 17 thousand. The settlement is a traditional market town and centre of communications and in 1264, it was the site of the Battle of Lewes. The town's landmarks including Lewes Castle and a 15th-century bookshop. Other notable features of the area include the Glyndebourne festival, the Lewes Bonfire and the Lewes Pound.
Restaurants in Lewes
1. Glyndebourne
Overall Ratings
5 based on 318 reviews
Backstage tours are available from November to March. The summer Festival runs from May to August. The autumn Tour runs through October before taking the productions to venues across the UK.
Reviewed By fritellaria - Lewes, United Kingdom
Gardens are looking better. New Rose garden is young but looks dated and messy... Path has a kink as one looks thru pathway - not straight. Blue border is gorgeous and the Terrace looks heaps better. Mildmay looking brilliant. Figaro in development. White garden a bit sad on my visit. Food is by Leiths and ages since I’ve eaten there. So no comment ... expensive. Jungle garden always good and the Echiums are back.
2. Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Reviewed By richard b - Sevenoaks
Went there today, left a small donation in box at entrance before going into café. Nice reasonably priced food. from cakes to burgers and toasties. Was really busy with families, elderly couples having snacks etc. You can take dogs into café as well! Don't be surprised if you get a wet nose snuffling you under the table after your grub!
The bird aviary is really good. But a pity so many parrots etc are being rescued, some even said good morning and hello to us. Some animals inside as it's cold today, need a few hours to walk around. You can see the dogs in the play pens at their best, loved the little Shizsu? but have cats so not very good for them. Animals well cared for and they need all your donations of money food etc it must cost a bomb to keep it running. Really enjoyable day there. Will try and keep things by to take there in future visits for their charity shop.
3. Branching Out Adventures
Overall Ratings
5 based on 68 reviews
At Branching Out there is something for everyone. Where will you start? Face your fears head on at the high ropes, or ease into the trees with our low ropes course? Or stop by the giant swing or speed zip for a heady dose of adrenaline! Then it's time to relax and delight in the beautiful woodland scenery at our HQ cafe. Age 6+/8+ see website for details. Book early to avoid disappointment!
Reviewed By Angela D
What a fantastic place. Visited with my 2 sons, granny and our trainee support dog. All the staff were really kind, helpful and very friendly. Lovely cup of coffee in the cafe too. The boys went on the high ropes and the giant swing and...MoreThank you for your review, great name for the dog to if I recall
4. Charleston
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 341 reviews
Charleston was the home and country meeting place for the writers, painters and intellectuals known as the Bloomsbury group. The interior was painted by the artists Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell, and together with their collection forms a unique example of their decorative style. Charleston is open from 1 March to 29 October, Wednesday to Sunday and BH Mondays. Please see our website for opening hours and to book ahead of your visit. During the winter months, the house museum is closed for its annual programme of conservation work.
Reviewed By Badgersbum - Tavistock, United Kingdom
Visited with my wife this house, the entrance fee to my mind was bit OTT so I chose the garden which still cost us £4. This the hideaway of some of the Bloomsbury Set a group of "artists", who are lorded by the intelligentsia. The tour of the house is guided and no other way you cannot amble at your own pace even after paying £17 with my garden ticket. My wife thought it was worth it, but if the art installations in the garden were any thing to go by, this philistine was pleased he gave it a miss.
5. The Greenman Ringmer
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By southlondonmac - Lewes, United Kingdom
On the outskirts of this village is this pub. To be honest it is so driven by food that it can feel like a restaurant with a bar, always very busy which is testimony to its friendly atmosphere and generous portions, great for families looking for a filling meal. Like a beefeater but with a more extensive menu
6. Southover Grange Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 192 reviews
Reviewed By BargeeGirl - West Sussex, United Kingdom
Wouldn't have known about these Gardens had we not walked from Castle to Anne of Cleves house, but we were really impressed with them. Beautiful planting within lots of different Gardens.Plenty of benches dotted around. Ruins to walk through and statues to look at. Small cafe come art gallery. Loved the pampas grass and dahlias.
7. Anchor Inn
Overall Ratings
4 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By JayneM366 - Eastbourne, United Kingdom
This pub is located in a beautiful area right next to a lake. There are parking facilities and many tables located outdoors and indoors. My friends and I went for a walk around the lake/surrounding area and then stopped off here for a drink before heading back to the car. The staff seemed welcoming, polite and friendly.
On the occasion we visited we did not order any food, as the prices seemed quite expensive. We did browse the menu though, and there seemed to be a variety of tasty dishes on offer.
We would return to this pub again if we are in the area.
8. Royal Pavilion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Rebuilt in the 19th century by architect John Nash, this building features a unique mixture of classical and Indian styles, which has been labeled as "Hindu-Gothic."
Reviewed By Loocol - United Kingdom
I had no idea what to expect of this pavilion, the outside looking more mosque like than palace like..but what an jar dropping experience this was.. From a rather underrated reception area, the rooms and hallways became more and more colourful, beautiful and truly amazing, I have visited many, many places but none where I have seen such splendour and work... You simply have to visit.
9. Laughton Place
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By ARTEASIAN - Worthing, United Kingdom
What a fantastic experience! Landmark Trust have done a great job of restoration. We are all pensioners but survived the ardours of living in a historic tower. The views from the bedrooms and the roof are fabulous. Why only 4 stars? Because- 1. There is 2 km of potted track to reach it.
2.one climbs 44 uneven circular stairs to the first bedroom and 19 more to the other and the toilet is on the ground floor.
NB. A bedchamber is provided at the 2nd bedroom.
10. Monk's House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 155 reviews
The home of Leonard and Virginia Woolf featuring the writing room where she created some of her best known works. A small 17th century weatherboarded cottage and large garden, Monk's House was a gathering place for many Bloomsbury Group members. Set in the beautiful South Downs , it was more importantly, a retreat for Virginia Woolf who loved nothing more than striding out across the Downs.
Reviewed By FoodCultureFun - Worthing, United Kingdom
We visited Monks House, National Trust near Lewes which is delightful.
A meeting place for the Bloomsbury Set including Virginia Woolf.
I could write a lot but suffice to say it’s worth finding and the stewards are so knowledgeable and pleasant evoking a brilliant atmosphere.
Spot the Paddington Bear!
