LEWES, EAST SUSSEX

Lewes is the county town of East Sussex, England. It is situated in a gap in the South Downs where the river Ouse runs. It also serves as the administrative capital of the Lewes district.

Lewes is famous for its annual Guy Fawkes night celebrations on the 5th of November. In Lewes this event not only marks the date of the uncovering of the Gunpowder Plot in 1605, but also commemorates the memory of 17 Protestant martyrs who were burnt at the stake in the town during the Marian persecutions of 1555 - 1557.

Lewes is the seat of three administrative councils. The Town Council; Lewes District Council and East Sussex County Council.

LEWES HOTELS

Pelham House

St Andrews Lane, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1UW.
Pelham House is a 16th Century country house that was restored and rebuilt in the 1800's The two main owners have been the Pelham and the Goring families. Outside there is an extensive garden and views over the unspoilt Sussex Downs.

The Shelleys Hotel

High St, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1XS.
A graceful 17th century manor house once owned by the famous poet's family. Set in the heart of Lewes, close to the remains of a Norman castle and convenient for the South Downs and Glyndebourne

LEWES ATTRACTIONS

Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare - Visitors can see and feed the horses, pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs, exotic birds, the geese and ducks in the lakeside sanctuaries.
Middle Farm - sited in the picturesque countryside of the South Downs, is a working dairy farm open to the public.
The South Downs - Famous downland area futuring beautiful rolling hills, picturesque villages with wide reaching views of coast and country. There are many walks and the long distance 'South Downs Way' runs close to Lewes.
Glyndebourne - International opera festival held from May until August each year.Famed for its high operatic standards. The long interval with picnics taken on the lawn of this picturesque country house are a particular feature. Part of the British 'Season'.
Charcleston/Monk's House - Unusual country home of the 'Bloomsbury' group. Writers, artists and academics which included the aurthor Virginia Wolfe. Both houses are set in picturesque settings in the South Downs.
Brighton (10Km) - Seaside town with many traditional tourist attractions and a rich cultural history. It's fine architecture includes Royal Pavilion, Preston Manor, the Dome and the famous Brighton Pier.

TRANSPORT LINKS

East Sussex is served by good public transport links, including the cross Channel ferry from Newhaven to Dieppe in France. Lewes district is within an hour's drive, bus or train ride from Gatwick airport, and is well served by the nearby M23 and M25.

From London
Follow M23 to Gatwick, continue on A23 to Brighton, follow signs on to A27 just north of Brighton, continue for 5 miles towards Eastbourne. Take first turning to Lewes, follow signs to town centre

From Brighton
From town centre take A27 towards Lewes

From Eastbourne
From town centre follow A22, then A27 to Brighton. Continue to the first turning to Lewes, proceed through the road tunnel, at exit turn left into town centre and follow signs to Brighton