Frequently asked questions about life in Lewes
Are you thinking of moving to the town that has often been named one of the best places to live in the UK?* These are answers to some of the questions our Lewes Property Hub often get asked about life in Lewes.
What style of property can I expect to find?
Lewes has something for everyone. There are period houses of all shapes and sizes in the town centre. In areas like Wallands & Houndean you can find more substantial properties both modern designs and period charm. In recent years there have been a number of apartment developments around the town which have also proved hugely popular.
How long does it take to get to London?
By train you can get in to London Victoria in just over an hour or Gatwick in 30 mins. However, people often overlook how easy transport is from Lewes in general. By train you can get to Brighton or Seaford in around 15 mins. If you don’t fancy the train, regular buses (from just outside the Lewes Property Hub) will take you to Brighton or surrounding villages. Lewes is just off the A27 so there are easy links for driving anywhere.
What’s it like in evenings?
At first glance the High Street can seem quite quiet after dark, but there is lots going on. Renowned as the home of Sussex's oldest independent brewery, Harvey's, it’s no surprise that there is a fantastic selection of pubs. Just opposite the station, The Lansdown is always busy with live music at the weekends, or you have the likes of The Royal Oak and Elephant & Castle for sports fans. You are spoilt for choice if you want to eat, with great food from The Swan, Rights Of Man, Black Horse and Snowdrop, to name but a few. If you are looking for a restaurant you have a selection of unique independents and popular chains to choose from.
Any leisure activities available?
If in Lewes you must take a trip to the Dripping Pan and watch the mighty Rooks in actions. The community owned football team boast an impressive Men’s & Woman’s team which are at the heart of the local leisure community. If swimming is your thing Pells Pool is the place for you. First opened in 1861 Pells is the oldest freshwater outdoor swimming pool in the UK. The season runs from May – November, it’s incredibly popular so it is worth booking online! For golfers, Lewes Golf Course founded in 1886 is a glorious downland course, challenging but fun, beautifully looked after, and offering some of the best views in town. There are plenty of other options with Southdown Tennis Club, Lewes Rugby Club and plenty more at Lewes Leisure Centre.
What’s new on the High Street?
At the moment all the talk is about Gail's Bakery. Gail's opened in the old NatWest building at the bottom of the High Street, two doors down from The Lewes property Hub, at the end of February and we think it’s fair to say that there has been a queue outside ever since! If you have ever tried their cinnamon bun its easy to see why... It seems Lewes can't get enough of bakeries with The Cornish Bakery set to open soon in precinct.
Does Lewes have a cinema?
Yes it does, but not just any cinema! The Depot is an award-winning independent 3-screen cinema with a bar and kitchen. They offer an innovative programme of mainstream, arthouse and independent films; world cinema, documentaries and classic films; alongside film festivals, live art events, Q&A's with guest speakers and educational film and creative workshops.
What is Lewes Castle all about?
Everyone who comes to Lewes needs to see the Castle. When looking at property, those with a view of The Castle always get a special mention. The Norman Castle was built after the Battle of Hastings by supporters of William the Conqueror. You can climb the steps to the top of The Keep and take in the stunning panoramic views across Sussex. As you ascend, you can explore the history of the 950-year-old fortress and how it played a key role in the development of the town. If history is your thing you will find plenty to look at in Lewes but do take time to look at Anne of Cleves house on Southover High Street. The stunning timber-framed medieval house dates back to the 15th century. It was given to Anne of Cleves at the end of her short-lived marriage to Henry VIII – although she never lived there. It seems she was one of the first to own a holiday home in the town!
What’s it like for hiking and walkers?
The options are almost endless, The South Downs are easily accessed and you can follow paths in any direction towards The Devils Dyke, Seven Sisters or through the villages towards The Ashdown Forest.
What about Glyndebourne?
Just a short distance outside Lewes is the world-renowned Glyndebourne Festival Opera house. When founder, John Christie, set up a professional opera house in the 1930s he wanted to create something totally unique. Any visitor will agree that he succeeded in his mission. The utterly distinctive atmosphere of Glyndebourne and the long evening interval makes the experience unforgettable. Set in the most beautiful surroundings, the original theatre was replaced with award-winning architecture in 1994. The current opera house has fabulous acoustics and offers an intimate experience for those fortunate enough to get tickets.
What is Bonfire all about?
We would not know where to start with this, you need to see it to believe it! Lewes Bonfire is regarded by most as the biggest November 5th celebrations in the world. The town is temporarily transformed by a number of societies (the oldest dating back to 1853) with processions, bonfire sites and firework displays. It is a totally unique experience!
*Express, Whelan, Aug. 2023