Lewes Castle Lewes Town Centre LEWES Lewes Castle is great little Norman castle that is over a thousand years old, with a series of spiral staircases leading to the highest tower, which has seriously stunning views across Sussex from the top, a fantastic backdrop. The Barbican House just next door is home to the BISC fascinating Museum of Sussex Archaeology and a Lewes is the county town of East Sussex. little mini cinema, which Minibus Destination tells the story of Lewes The settlement is a traditional market town and and the Castle from centre of communications and in 1264, it was the site of the prehistoric through to Battle of Lewes. medieval times. Highlights to look out for include The town's landmarks include Lewes Castle, the animal skulls and tusks, Anglo Saxon clothing and jewellery, plus a remains of Lewes Priory, Bull House, Southover Grange and human skeleton! public gardens, and a 16th century timber-framed Wealden hall house known as At the Anne of Cleves Anne of Cleves House. House Museum you can explore how the Tudors Other notable features of the area include the and Elizabethans lived, Glyndebourne Opera House and festival. worked and relaxed at home. Discover the part played Lewes was founded around the 6th century. by this beautiful medieval The name Lewes is probably derived from a house in the story of one Saxon word, 'hluews' which meant slopes or of England’s most famous hills. Later the Saxons made Lewes a town kings, Henry VIII. Other and in the late 9th century King Alfred made highlights include the a network of fortified settlements across his authentically furnished kingdom called burhs. kitchen and the garden which uses traditional plants and Tudor planting https://www.queensu.ca/bisc/current-students/getting-around schemes. How far? Harveys of Lewes Lewes Priory 40 minutes’ ride. Drop off and pick up point– Tesco Car Park. What’s there? A very old town that tumbles down a hill. Lots to see and do, or just wander the interesting and narrow streets. Lewes Castle – built just after the Battle of Hastings. Learn the story of the Battle of Lewes in 1264, climb the steps and check out the amazing views. Shopping – the major banks, post office and drug stores are here. In the 11th century, monks came from Cluny in France to Lewes has a fantastic Plus clothing shops including ‘Fat Face’. Plus, lots of small variety of restaurants, establish the first Cluniac priory in England. The Priory independent shops. cafes, bistros, pubs and survived for 450 years until the hotels, something to suit Places to eat – a wide variety: British – ‘Bill’s’, great quality; Dissolution of the Monasteries everyone's taste. Italian – ‘Prezzo’, often do vouchers for cheap meals; Indian – in 1537. ‘Shanaz’, friendly service, good Indian food’. Plus many The site with its evocative Pop into Bills for a cuppa more choices. or something more remains retains an air of substantial from the Lewes is the home of the famous Harvey’s beer – lots of pubs to try it tranquillity and serenity. The mouth watering menu. and even if you don’t drink the beer, they’re good places to eat! sweep of the South Downs Have a pint of Harveys, the local brew, and take in some music in which frame the site provides a Railway – trains to Brighton, Gatwick Airport, London, Polegate, one of the many friendly pubs in the area. spectacular setting for an afternoon out. Eastbourne, Hastings, Ashford International and Seaford. There is much to see at Priory Park. Impressive interpretation panels allow you to walk in the footsteps of When can I go there? medieval monks and imagine how the buildings once looked. A recreated herb garden grows plants that monks Depending on demand, usually once a month. would have used for medicinal, culinary and ceremonial Shopping in Lewes is a You can jump on a minibus going to purposes. pleasure, browse the antique Polegate or Eastbourne and catch the The Park is open throughout the year and entrance is free. shops of the Cliffe, visit the train. Please remember the minibus Farmers market on the first may not be at Polegate or Eastbourne You could also embark on a walk around the Lewes Saturday every month to pick up when you come back, so allow for taxi Battlefield, pick up a map from Student Services. some delicious local fare. fare back to the Castle. Who do I ask if I want a special trip? E-mail: [email protected] Lewes Battle Field .