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There are many Places for you to visit in Lewes and District we will be more than happy to take you there. We have also provided a list of events in and around Lewes below, please click on the event which interests you to view more details about the event.
“You can see Lewes lying like a box of toys under a great amphitheatre of chalky hills.” So wrote William Morris, one of the many to comment on the idyllic setting of this historic town.
Getting Out And About
Lewes Taxi Services have an extensive fleet of various size vehicles to accommodate any number of people you may have travelling together to and from or in and around Lewes All the drivers have excellent knowledge of the local area and the places to visit in East Sussex.
Firle Place has been the home of the Gage family for over 500 years. Set at the foot of the Sussex Downs within its own parkland, this unique house (originally Tudor) is built of Caen stone and was remodelled in the 18th Century.
The house contains a magnificent collection of Old Master paintings, fine English and European furniture and an impressive collection of Sèvres porcelain.
Events:
Events and wedding receptions can be held in the parkland throughout the year or in the Georgian Riding School from April to October.
The Great Tudor Hall can, on occasion, be used for private dinners, with drinks on the Terrace or in the Billiard Room.
Please contact the Estate Office for all event and wedding reception enquiries on 01273 858567 or visit the website for further information.
A short distance from the county town of Lewes is the world renowned Glyndebourne Festival Opera, which runs from May to August.
When founder, John Christie, set up a professional opera house nestled in the South Downs in the 1930s he wanted to create something totally unique. Any visitor will agree that he succeeded in his mission. The utterly distinctive atmosphere of Glyndebourne and the long evening interval makes the experience unforgettable. Set in the most beautiful surroundings, the original theatre was replaced with award-winning architecture in 1994. The current opera house has fabulous acoustics and offers an intimate experience for those fortunate enough to get tickets.
Lewes Bonfire Night is the biggest 5th of November celebrations in the world – totally transforming the usually peaceful town of Lewes. There are more than 30 processions through the narrow streets, starting at around 5 p.m. and going all night. Each procession has their own traditions, costumes, bonfires, fireworks and fire displays. The friendly rivalry between the processions keeps the night interesting, as they spend the whole year preparing in advance.
The modernist home and studio of the painters Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, Charleston was a gathering point for some of the 20th century’s most radical artists, writers and thinkers known collectively as the Bloomsbury group. It is where they came together to imagine society differently, and has always been a place where art and experimental thinking are at the centre of everyday life. Today, we present a dynamic year-round programme of exhibitions, events and festivals. We believe in the power of art, in all its forms, to provoke new ways of thinking and living.
Discover how the Tudors and Elizabethans lived, worked and relaxed at home. An impressive 15th century timber framed Wealden hall -house, it was given to Anne as part of her divorce settlement from Henry VIII. This atmospheric house displays authentically furnished rooms and its garden uses traditional plants and Tudor planting. It also contains the Museum of Lewes history, Tom Paine and the Wealden iron industry.
The house and enclosed gardens are available for weddings and functions and family events are held throughout the year including a Tudor Day in October where you can find out what the Tudors liked to eat, music, refreshments & a chance to meet the resident Tudor Housewife.
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.
High above the medieval streets stands Lewes Castle, begun soon after 1066 by William de Warenne as his stronghold in Sussex and added to over the next 300 years, culminating in the magnificent Barbican. Steep climbs to the top of this and the adjacent keep are rewarded with spectacular views.
Next door, in Barbican House Museum, explore the archeological history of Sussex and the changing exhibitions in the upper gallery and visit the specialist history and archeological bookshop on the ground floor.
Plumpton is a hidden gem in the world of horseracing. The thrill of Jump racing, the joy of a win, delicious food and drink, and stunning rural backdrop provide a memorable sporting experience for everyone from novice to racing expert. We race 17 times a year between September and May, and with a course just over a mile round (one of the smallest in the country) we offer great viewing of the whole course.
You feel as though you can almost touch the horses as they thunder past the winning post on each circuit. You are also likely to be rubbing shoulders with the UK’s top trainers and jockeys who regularly come to Plumpton, and we are renowned as a nursery ground for the equine stars of the future.
Nestling at the foot of Firle Beacon on the South Downs in Sussex, Middle Farm is a 625 acre working family farm. We offer a warm countryside welcome, with something for every member of the family to enjoy.
Six generations of farming have given us a unique insight into British food production. The highest standards of animal welfare and environmental care show in our milk and meat products. We demand those same high standards from everyone whose produce we stock.
Blackberry Farm is an open farm set within 18 acres of beautiful Sussex countryside in the village of Whitesmith.
The farm collection of different farm animals and a large children’s play area.
Enjoy a great family day out at one of the top kids days out in Sussex. Widely regarded as the best small zoo in the country we’ve created an animal and child friendly environment where the focus is always on fun finding out. However, animals are only half the fun; Go Wild!, Get Wet!, Go Safari!, Amazon Adventure, Mungo’s Adventure Maze and all our children’s rides are paradise for anyone wanting a theme park experience. It’s no ordinary zoo, it’s no ordinary day out!
The Bluebell Railway runs steam-hauled passenger trains across 11 miles from Sheffield Park to East Grinstead, calling at Horsted Keynes and Kingscote. In addition to regular passenger services, the Railway also offers the Golden Arrow Pullman dining train, the Wealden Rambler lounge car service, Fish & Chip and Rail Ale evening trains, and many other family events.
Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare is a charity that aims to give animals a better life through rehoming, rehabilitation and sanctuary. Caring for more than 400 animals every day, including cats, horses, donkeys, goats, alpacas, dogs, rabbits, hens, tortoises, terrapins and exotic birds, Raystede helps most of the animals find new homes, but also provide life-long sanctuary for elderly horses, donkeys and other animals that cannot be rehomed. Open every day from 10am to 4pm, there is free parking, a café, shop and activities, such as Wednesday Walkabout and Family Learning Days, and a dog-friendly trail.
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