Lewes Castle
A castle with twin mounds built after the Norman Conquest. Climb the tower for views over the old streets of Lewes, the county town of East Sussex, and the South Downs.
Lewes Castle was begun around 1069 by the Norman noble William de Warenne. It is unusual in having two mounds. The surviving structures include a tower and a 14th-century gatehouse, and you can climb to the top for views over the old town's red rooftops and the South Downs. Admission includes the local history museum at Barbican House opposite, and costs about £10. In the steep lanes of Lewes you'll find antique shops, Harvey's Brewery and Anne of Cleves House. Every year on 5 November, the Bonfire Night procession is the largest in Britain. The journey from Brighton by train takes about 15 minutes.
Opening hours
Approx. 10:00–17:00 (shorter in winter; may close Mon)
Nearby sights
- Undercliff Walk & Rottingdean
- Charleston
- Ditchling Beacon
- Brighton Marina
- Bluebell Railway
- Sheffield Park and Garden
- Volk's Electric Railway
- SEA LIFE Brighton