LEWES

Set in the glorious rolling hills of the South Downs, Lewes has a history as varied and fascinating as its architecture.  The town is still dominated by the 11th century Norman Castle, and overlooked by the memorial to the seventeen Protestant martyrs burned in the town in the 16th Century.  Saxon lanes ("twittens"), dating back to 890 AD, still cross the town, and residents have included such diverse individuals as Thomas Paine and Virginia Woolf.

Nowadays, as well as retaining its historic links as County Town, Lewes is a major centre for the antiques trade and for arts and crafts, boasting many shops and three auction houses - one of which specialises in militaria.  With these, and antiquarian bookshops, art galleries, a working blacksmith, potters, and a range of individual shops catering for every taste - all within walking distance of Berkeley House - Lewes is a gem of a destination.

Many visitors find Lewes an ideal location for following their interests based close to the town, whether it be going to the opera at Glyndebourne, visiting the nearby coastline, spending a day investigating historic houses and gardens, exploring the Downs, the Sussex Weald or the South Downs Way, or enjoying a day in London, Eastbourne, Hastings or Brighton.

WITHIN STRIKING DISTANCE

Gatwick Airport:  30 minutes by train (25 miles)
London:  70 minutes by train (48 miles)
Brighton:  20 minutes by train or bus
Glyndebourne Opera House:  3 miles by car or taxi
South Downs Way: 2 miles on foot

For train timetables, we recommend this on-line service.

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

The following web sites give general information about Lewes and its setting.  They will open in a new window of your browser.

	The Friends of Lewes
	Lewes Chamber of Commerce
	Lewes Footpaths Group

The following web sites are just a selection of the many attractions in and around Lewes.

• Charleston Farmhouse (01323 811265)
• The Monk's House, Rodmell (01892 890651)
• Glyndebourne Opera (01273 812321)
• Firle Place (01273 858335)
• Glynde Place (01273 858224)
• Bluebell Railway (01825 723777)
• Newhaven Fort (01273 517622)
• Drusilla's Park children's zoo (01323 874100)
• The English Wine Centre, Alfriston (01323 870164)
• Lewes Leisure Centre (01273 481600)