Location: Lewes
Top Things to do in Lewes
What to do and see in Lewes, England: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
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
5.0 based on 421 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 15traveladdict9 - Horsham, United Kingdom
What an amazing experience. The tour was both informative and unbelievably interesting. We learnt about the history of the theatre. We visited the stage, behind the stage, rehearsal areas, the new prop assembly area, the green room and the auditorium. At the end you had a very clear idea of the effort and hard work put in to deliver a performance. A truly enjoyable morning out.
2. Branching Out Adventures
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 80 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!
3. Monk's House - National Trust
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 205 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 vivendumuk - Brighton, United Kingdom
Monks house is a wonderful place to visit. The staff are friendly and knowledgable. The gardens are magnificent. The history of the house and it's famous owners and visitors is amazing. Top place to visit in Sussex
4. Charleston
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 452 reviews
Charleston is temporarily closed until further notice in line with official government advice to support efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Charleston is a House, Garden and art gallery located in the South Downs National Park. Charleston also has a restaurant, The Threshing Barn, located in a newly restored 18th century barn. OPENING TIMES The Galleries, Garden and Threshing Barn Weds-Sunday 10am-5pm. House 1 March - 31 October Weds-Sunday 11:30am-5pm Sunday & BH 12-5pm 1 November - 28 February Weds-Sunday 11:30am-3pm. Charleston was the home and country meeting place of 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.
Reviewed By outandaboutwithbob - Ringwood, United Kingdom
Always wanted to visit this stunning place and was one of the items on my bucket list , You will not be dissapointed if like me you are a follower of hidden arts , Do allow yourself plenty of time to relax and take into account the beautiful wall gardens during your visit , the tour of the house is with a guide who given their vast knowledge of the house and its occupants gives you and insite as to the way they lived durring this period of history (Blomsbury era )( quote of the day They Lived in Squares, painted in Circles , and Loved in Triangles ,) Questions were asked and the appropriate answers given although when you are first given a brief history it is said treat the place as if they have just step out so please do not touch the fragile items , yes you can see this in a lot of the rooms untill you get to the finale room the famous studio with its lovely light filled area and artist easels the only thing missing was the large amout of paint splashes on the floor , but that was only my observation , well done and will visit again soon Possibly not suitable for young children
5. Malling Down Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By alan2303 - Shoreham-by-Sea, United Kingdom
Being an absolute novice to the world of butterflies I found this place a marvellous area of unspoiled downland to spend a few hours wandering around. I did find the multitude of paths a bit confusing but half an hour sitting on the grass enabled me to spot several species for my first time. I’ll definitely be making more return visits.
6. Southover Grange Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 252 reviews
Reviewed By Tigerfeet9 - Seaford, United Kingdom
Southover Grange gardens are peaceful and busy at the same time. It can be full of children playing, picnicking families and newly married couples enjoying the sunshine for photographs and sharing with friends there is a hole in the wall for tea and coffee in the summer
7. Anne of Cleves House
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 383 reviews
Reviewed By 181PeterL181 - Malua Bay, Australia
The outside gives some idea of what lays within. This wooden structure was gifted to Anne by King Henry as a divorce settlement in 1541. Inside, the ceilings show how the design and building skills were so brilliant. All rooms are impeccably furnished and decorated. Stained glass window panes of showing the history of various Kings are spectacular. Outside, iron forging works from the local are displayed. Allow a few hours, visit Lewes Castle (built 1069 AD) and get discounted entry to this house. Then walk downhill 15-20 minutes (take a map!).
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