Lewes hotels

Hotels in Lewes

Located in the historical town of Lewes in East Sussex, Lewes Hotels offer access to an ancient and beautiful part of the country, boasting dramatic cliffs, charming market villages and fantastic places to eat and drink.

History

Lewes town takes its name from the Old English word for hills, ‘hlaews', and the town is indeed built on the slopes of the Ouse Valley. One of the oldest landmarks in the area to visit is Lewes Castle, built by general William de Warenne soon after the 1066 Norman invasion. It was one of the few in the country to feature two mottes, and you can still climb the surviving one of these. From the top of the tower you can enjoy breathtaking views of Lewes and the surrounding area.

For more history, pop to the nearby Barbican House Museum, featuring a variety of fascinating artefacts as well as a scale model of the town itself. Also nearby is an interesting museum, set up by the Sussex Archaeological Society, housed in a medieval building that was once bequeathed to Anne of Cleves.

Culture

Lewes is an excellent destination for culture, with a thriving arts scene and a number of prominent local artists. The Hop Gallery showcases regular exhibitions of local and international artworks and is well worth popping into. St Anne's Gallery and Chalk Gallery are similarly well worth paying a visit. If you're visiting during the late summer, the Artwave visual arts festival is a lively event with over 100 different buildings in the towns turning into mini venues.

Shopping

Lewes has a number of excellent independent shops dotted throughout the town. Whether you're in the market for an antique clock, an old teapot or a new pair of dancing shoes, you could happily spend hours travelling from one shop front to another.

Outdoors

The Ouse Valley boasts a wide variety of walks for all ages and abilities. A short hike will take you to Mount Caburn, an ancient Iron Age fort with the foundations still apparent. The Railway Land Nature Reserve is a good place to go if you're in the mood for an adventure, or for something a little more laid-back unwind in the beautiful Grange Gardens – the perfect place for a summertime picnic.

Further afield

A short drive from Lewes towards with coast will take you to Brighton, perfect for beachside strolls along the promenade, historical trips to Brighton Pavilion and shopping ventures to the famous Laines. Apart from Brighton, the area is mostly home to small, sleepy villages and the best way to explore these is to rent a bike and follow one of the many local trails.