LEWES in East Sussex has been named the UK’s ‘prettiest town’ and its not hard to see why.
The town has winding streets, historical architecture, an award-winning brewery and stunning views of the South Downs.
Built on a man-made mound, the medieval castle of Lewes is set above the town[/caption]
The town is 14-minutes away from Brighton, and the Lewes has much to offer from Tudor history to an incredible opera house[/caption]
Anyone wanting a day trip to the south should add the beautiful town of Lewes to the list.
The Telegraph has named it the UK’s ‘prettiest town’, but the beautiful scenery is not all it has to offer.
Along with award-winning pubs, Lewes also has its own brewery.
Harvey’s regularly runs tours around the factory, so any keen brewer can learn about the brewing process and of course, sample their beers and ales.
Harvey’s has won numerous awards from CAMRA recognition to the International Beer Challenge and the World Beer Awards. It’s popular in town too with local pubs and restaurants.
Keeping up with their heritage, their drinks are still delivered to the local pubs by dray horses.
So if you visit on a Tuesday, you might spot them delivering through the town on a horse-drawn carriage.
Harvey’s Brewery shop is in the town too, where you can pick up some bottles to take home.
One of the special local pubs is The Swan Inn, it’s a great place to grab a pint, especially if the sun is shining as you can go and sit out in the beautiful garden.
The pub garden is not only a great place to relax, but it sits on the Greenwich Meridian, the invisible border which divides the world into east and west.
Harvey’s Brewery has won numerous awards from CAMRA and runs tours for visitors that include beer and ale tastings[/caption]
Every Tuesday, Harvey’s deliver their drinks to the local pubs on dray horses[/caption]
One attraction that brings people around the world to Lewes every year is their annual fireworks display and bonfire celebration which is the biggest fifth of November event in the world.
Organised by six different societies, they each they have a festival on the day with a torch-life procession and of course huge firework displays all over the town.
It can get super busy so people suggest booking hotels a year in advance if you want to stay overnight.
One woman wrote on TripAdvisor “everyone should experience the Lewes night at least once. It’s like turning time back 100 years plus with flame torches, barrel rolling “.
The Anne of Cleves House that dates back to the 15th century is a place to visit for any fan of history.
For a £6.60 ticket, you can go inside to see what Tudor and Elizabethan life was like. It also has a traditional Tudor garden and a dressing-up box for kids.
Just a 10 minute walk away from the Tudor home is the huge Lewes Castle. Built on a man-made mound, the medieval castle sits much higher than the town.
The climb up the steep staircase is rewarded with the best views of Lewes and the hills of the South Downs.
Entry tickets into the castle cost £10 per person.
Tickets into the castle cost £10, but it’s worth it for the views over Lewes[/caption]
Lewes has historical architecture with Tudor buildings and independent shops[/caption]
Lewes is also known for its shopping. They have a flea market open seven days a week that sells ceramics, clocks, furniture and jewellery. There’s also the Needlemakers indoor market that sells quirky hand-made gifts.
Lewes is also famous for housing the Bloomsbury group members, Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant in Charleston.
You have to buy a ticket to get into the house and gardens but you can easily spend hours there.
They usually have temporary exhibitions so check to see what will be on show before you go.
While it’s fairly expensive at £26 a ticket, visitors have said the home is “very special” with lots of people suggesting to book in the summertime to spend time in the walled garden.
The Anne of Cleves House dates back to the 15th century[/caption]
With an artistic history, it’s no surprise there are plenty of galleries around Lewes.
From the Chalk Gallery to St Anne’s, The Sussex Guild Shop and Skylark there is plenty of artwork to buy, or window shop.
A short drive outside of Lewes and you’ll find the incredible Glyndebourne opera house where Pavarotti once performed.
Between May and August Glyndebourne holds a summer festival of world class opera.
You can enjoy a performance in the auditorium and then either have a picnic in the gardens or dinner in their restaurant during the 90-minute interval.
Standing tickets for Glyndebourne can cost as little as £15. Take advantage of cheaper tickets if you’re under 30 or a student.
Lewes is not a seaside town, but it’s pretty close to some stunning beaches. The well-known seaside town of Brighton is just 14-minutes down the road by train.
In one day you can visit Lewes but also head into Brighton to explore the lanes, award-winning pier and enjoy fish and chips on the beach front.
Another beach close to Lewes is Seaford at just 20 minutes away. Not only is the pebble beach close to town and the downs, it has great views of the Seven Sisters chalk cliffs.
The Sun Travel were lucky enough to watch the displays at Lewes bonfire night.
And spent time on the East Sussex coastline checking out their stunning beaches.
