The town of Lewes is a popular tourist destination and dates back to before the Domesday Book. The narrow alleyways called ‘twittens’ are said to be Saxon and appear unchanged by the centuries, making the town a fun place to explore. Nestling on a spur beside the River Ouse as it meanders through the South Downs to Newhaven, Lewes has been a busy port for many centuries and is home to the famous Harvey’s Brewery. It has a rich history with a good number of listed buildings. For shoppers, Lewes offers an impressive range of speciality shops, galleries and antique emporia, with a good selection of restaurants, cafes and pubs. Lewes has a busy year-round calendar of artistic, musical and theatrical events. Summer highlights include swimming in Pells Pool, the UK’s oldest fresh-water lido, and paragliding off nearby Mount Caburn.
GOLF BREAKS IN SUSSEX
If you are looking for somewhere to stay for golf breaks in Sussex, look no further than Skyhouse Eco Chic B&B. We are ideally located just 5 minutes walk from Lewes Golf Course, a beautiful rolling downland course with magnificent views of the South Downs (nearly as good as ours!) There are no less than 27 golf courses within 20 miles of Skyhouse including East Sussex National Golf Club, Mid Sussex Golf Club and Piltdown Golf Club, all circa 8 miles from us. We are very happy to make arrangements for you to tee off at your preferred location. For further information on our local courses, visit Golf Courses near Skyhouse
In Lewes
Lewes Castle
This Medieval Castle was begun soon after 1066 by William de Warenne as his stronghold in Sussex but not completed until 300 years later with the building of the magnificent Barbican. Barbican House Museum now houses the Sussex Archaeological Society’s archaeology collections, a changing temporary exhibition gallery and a specialist bookshop providing books on all aspects of history and archaeology. During the summer, the castle garden provides a magnificent stage for theatrical, musical and interpretation events for all the family.
Lewes Bonfire Night
On November 5th, Lewes celebrates the UK’s largest Guy Fawkes Night, an extraordinary pageant and spectacle that embraces the entire town. It really has to be seen to be believed! The views from Skyhouse over the entire town take in the numerous firework displays and are quite exceptional – book early to avoid disappointment!
Lewes Food Market
Lewes’s excellent weekly food market, every Friday 9.30am – 1.30pm at Market Tower near The Needlemakers. The market is the first project of the Lewes Local Community Interest Company which is a not-for-profit company with the broad aims of developing sustainable local food systems and making it easier for more people to buy good, healthy, seasonal food. Foodies take note!
Priory Ruins
Lewes Priory was founded in 1077 by William de Warren and his wife Gundrada, and richly endowed by them and became very wealthy. It was the first Clunian Foundation in England. The church was 420ft long by 69 feet wide, a whole host of eminent men became Priors of Lewes. Eventually in 1537 the Priory was demolished by an Italian Engineer on the orders of the Royal Vandal Henry VIII. Today the Ruins make for an atmospheric stroll, and there is a playground for children in neighbouring Convent Fields.
Anne of Cleves House
Anne of Cleves House is a 16th century timber-framed Wealden hall-house that formed part of Anne’s divorce settlement from Henry VIII in 1541. The house contains wide-ranging collections of Sussex interest, including Sussex pottery, and the bedroom and kitchen are furnished to reflect an earlier period.
Near Lewes
Glyndebourne
The world-renowned opera house of Glyndebourne is just 15 minutes’ drive from us. The Festival runs from March to September and is not to be missed if you want to experience world-class opera in quintessentially English surroundings.
The Royal Pavilion
Iconic home of the ultimate ‘party Royal’, the Prince Regent (later King George IV), The Royal Pavilion is an extraordinary and opulent pleasure palace in the centre of Brighton. Built in stages between 1787 and 1823, the Royal Pavilion is remarkable for its exotic oriental appearance both inside and out. This magnificent royal pleasure palace was revered by fashionable Regency society and is still a distinctive landmark for vibrant Brighton & Hove today. The Royal Pavilion is also home to some of the finest collections and examples of the chinoiserie style in Britain.
Middle Farm
A 625 acre farm with its shop that stocks a wide range of organic and home-produced meat, home-cured bacon and hams, seasonal venison, pheasant, wild boar and game, a large selection of pickles, sauces and chutneys, fruit and vegetables and other fresh produce including 50 different varieties of British cheese and 20 different varieties of sausage. Great for kids as you can walk round the farm and interact with farm life and animals. On the A27 towards Eastbourne.
Charleston
A unique and fascinating house and country retreat of the artists, writers and intellectuals who became known as the ‘Bloomsbury Group’. Charleston was the home of the English painter, Vanessa Bell and her unconventional family. Don’t forget to visit Berwick Church, where the work of Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant can be seen in the beautifully painted biblical scenes, which adorn the interior walls.
Monks House
Virginia WooIf`s country home situated in the village of Rodmell. There’s a lovely walk along the river which brings you back to Lewes.
Green Tourism
We are lucky to be near many wonderful and inspiring ‘green’ tourist destinations in the South East. Like us, these organisations have put actively caring for the environment at the top of their business agenda. Just a small selection of these include:
Glyndebourne Opera (2 miles from Skyhouse, see above)
WWT Arundel Wetland Centre (29 miles)
Bough Beech Visitor Centre & Wildlife, Kent (29 miles)
Denbies Wine Estate (45 miles)
Birdworld, Farnham (61 miles)
The Sustainability Centre, Petersfield (62 miles)
The New Forest Outdoor Centre, Hampshire (86 miles)
For more information on visitor attractions and local events in the South East, go to Visit South East England