Lewes Castle crowns the hill above one of the prettiest small towns in the South East, a short train ride from Brighton. Built soon after the Norman Conquest, it is a 1,000-year-old site with a stone keep, a medieval gatehouse known as the Barbican, and a castle mound with views over the town, the River Ouse and the surrounding Downs. Visitors can climb to the top of the keep for panoramic views across Sussex, explore the museum of Sussex archaeology with objects from prehistoric to medieval times, watch a short film and study a model of the town, and picnic in the castle grounds. The castle is run by a local heritage charity, and admission also supports the upkeep of the site. It is a rewarding half-day trip from Brighton, especially if you combine it with a walk along Lewes's steep cobbled lanes, its antique shops and its pubs.
Plan your visit around the winter timetable. From early November to early January the castle is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4pm, with the museum staying open until 5pm, and it is closed on 24, 25 and 26 December. From early January to mid-February it opens on Saturdays and Sundays only. Last admission is half an hour before closing. Adult entry is modest for a heritage site, with reduced prices for children, students and seniors, family tickets and a combined ticket with Anne of Cleves House in the town.
The climb is the main event. The keep is reached by a flight of steps, with 125 steps up to the keep garden, and the top gives a wide view of rooftops and hills. The museum has artefacts from across Sussex's past and a town model that helps you understand Lewes's layout before you set out to explore. Note that the site has steep slopes, uneven paths and many steps, with no lift in the museum, so it is not suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with limited mobility.
Lewes is easy to reach by train from Brighton in about fifteen minutes, and the station is a short walk from the castle. After your visit, wander down the High Street, look at the antique shops and tiny alleys called twittens, and stop for lunch at one of the town's pubs. Lewes also has its own brewery tradition and a lively arts scene. Come in daylight, because winter closing times arrive early, and wear sturdy shoes for the cobbles and the castle mound.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit that climbs the Norman keep, explores the archaeology museum and gardens and watches a short film about the town.
Best time
A clear daytime visit, ideally late morning, since winter opening ends at 4pm.
How long
About an hour and a half, or two hours with the museum and a picnic.
Tips
Check the winter timetable, wear sturdy shoes for the steps and cobbles, and note there is no lift.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History fans and walkers who enjoy a hilltop view and a pretty market town.
- Families
- Children enjoy climbing the keep and finding the cannon in the grounds.
- Couples
- Combine the castle with a lunch in a Lewes pub and a walk down the High Street.
- Pair with
- A stroll through Lewes town and, if time allows, Anne of Cleves House.
- Time needed
- Allow two hours at the castle, or half a day with the town.
Good questions
What are the winter opening hours?+
From early November to early January it opens Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm, with the museum open until 5pm. After that it opens weekends only until mid-February.
Is Lewes Castle open at Christmas?+
It is closed on 24, 25 and 26 December. Check the venue's calendar for any special family days between Christmas and New Year.
How do I get to Lewes from Brighton?+
Trains take about fifteen minutes, and the castle is a short uphill walk from the station. Buses also run between the two towns.
Is it suitable for wheelchair users?+
Not fully. The site has steep slopes, many steps and no lift, so the keep and upper levels are not suitable for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility.
Can I buy a combined ticket?+
A combined ticket with Anne of Cleves House is available at the venue. It is useful if you want to see both Lewes sights in one day.
