Other points of interest (some are in Lewes proper, just a short walk from the Inn; for destinations farther afield, it may be cost effective to split taxi fare):
Lewes Castle: originally called Bray Castle, a medieval castle guarding the gap in the South Downs cut by the River Ouse.
Bodiam Castle: a 14th-century moated castle near Robertsbridge, built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge, a former knight of Edward III, with the permission of Richard II, ostensibly to defend the area against French invasion during the Hundred Years' War.
Arundel Caslte: restored and remodelled medieval castle in Arundel, West Sussex. Established during the reign of Edward the Confessor, it is said to be haunted by a woman in white, the Blue Man, a kitchen boy, and a big white bird.
Clayton Tunnel: 23 people died in the Clayton Tunnel rail crash, which tok place in 1861, five miles from Brighton. It is said cries and the sound of the crash can still be heard. It is said this crash inspired Charles Dickens’ “The Signal Man.”
West Pier, Brighton: a phantom dog is said to roam the beach, following walkers before vanishing into thin air. And a Victorian figure has been seen on the promenade before disappearing into the mist.
Bluebell Railway (steam-hauled train running between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead in Sussex) and Ashdown Forest, home of Pooh Corner and the real life setting and inspiration for the Hundred Acre Wood from the Winnie the Pooh stories by AA Milne who lived in the area and based places in the books with real life locations nearby.
Michhelam Priory: an ancient house formed from an Augustine Priory and set on its very own island in the Cuckmere Valley. Said to be the most haunted house in Sussex.
Depot Theater: stylish local movie theater, celebrating its 5th anniversary the weeks were in Lewes with several special screenings.
Rottendean: house near Brighton where Kipling lived for over five years.
Quadrophenia Alley: located between number 10 and 11 East Street Brighton and was the location for a scene in the 1979 film Quadrophenia. The Alley has become a shrine to the Mod movement, and people come from all over the world to find this alleyway.
Anne of Cleves House Museum: 16th-century timber-framed Wealden hall house, which formed part of Queen Anne's annulment settlement from King Henry VIII in 1541.
Southover Grange Gardens: built in 1542 by William Newton and briefly the home of John Evelyn the diarist.
Horse powered beer delivery: spot the Horses and Dray cart delivering Harvey;s beer to pubs in Lewes drawn beer deliveries most Tuesdays from 12pm – 3pm:
The Fifteenth Century Bookshop: specializing in children's books, housed in a 15th Century, beamed building.
Boon Books and Skylark Books: two recommended independent bookstores in Lewes.
Bull House: home of revolutionary writer Tom Paine, the intellectual inspiration behind the American revolution.
Sherlock Holmes Retirement Cottage: East Dean, a blue plaque marks the spot where the famous fictional detective ostensibly retired.
Recommended pubs (and casual places to eat): Snowdrop Inn, The Swan Inn, The Dorset, The Lewes Arms, The Pelham Arms, John Harvey Tavern
Also, Flint Owl Bakery: regularly gets namechecked as one of Europe’s best breadmakers. Stop by the subway-tiled café for lunch in the courtyard (buttermilk fried chicken and slaw on one of its own ciabatta rolls, a falafel ‘sausage’ roll or a bowl of panzanella), and don’t leave without one of its sourdough loaves to take home.
Day to Day Helpful Places:
Laundry: Goldfinch's Dry Cleaning takes wash and fold laundry. Cost is reasonable, and we do this together on an early Saturday for pick up later in the day. Address: 14 Cliffe High Street, Lewes
Grocery Store: Waitrose & Partners grocery story is right in the middle of town and you can grab snacks and water for our hiking trips. Tesco is a short ten min walk along the river and is open late.
Farmer's Market: Every first and third Saturday on High Street. Great place to get fresh fruit, bakery goods, small gifts for family.