Attractions and Days Out
Lewes and Surrounding Area
Monks House
Virginia Woolf’s country retreat - National Trust
Rodmell BN7 3HF
01273 474760.
About 2 miles South
Lewes Castle and Museum
1000 year old Norman Castle with spectacular views of Lewes and surrounding area, including the Lodges! Museum holds collections of local Archaeology including finds from Iford and Swanborough, also the story of Lewes
01273 486290
Priory Ruins
Once the largest Cluniac Monastery outside France, subsequently destroyed in the dissolution and now a peaceful place to wander around and marvel at the scale of what was once there.
Also a pleasant route to walk to Lewes. Ask for directions
Anne of Cleves House
15th Century town house, part of the divorce settlement from Henry VIII, now housing museum of furniture and artefacts of Sussex interest. Also a nice tea room.
52 Southover High Street, Lewes BN7 1JA
01273 474610
Charleston Farmhouse
Home of the Bloomsbury group and transformed during their residence from ordinary farmhouse to lavishly decorated and painted work of art.
Charleston, Firle, Near Lewes BN8 6LL
01323 811626
Booking essential.
The Depot Cinema
A beautiful new independant cinema with three screens, showing a wide range of films. A lovely Restaurant, cafe and bar. Generally a lovely place to hang out!
Pinwell Road, Lewes BN7 2JS (near the Station)
01273 525354
Further Afield
Sheffield Park and Garden
Capability Brown gardens, parkland and lakes. Particularly stunning in Autumn with a vivid display of colours.
National Trust, TN22 3QX,
About a 30 mins drive
Wakehurst Place
Extension of Kew Gardens, over 500 acres of gardens, woodlands and nature reserves, also home to the Millennium Seed Bank project.
Ardingly, RH17 6TN,
About a 30 mins drive
Nymans
Intimate garden set around a romantic house and ruins.
National Trust, Staplefield Lane, Haywards Heath, RH17 6EB
About a 30 mins drive
Bordehill Gardens
A great English garden with rare plants and stunning landscapes.
Borde Hill Lane, Haywards Heath, RH16 1XP,
About a 30 mins drive
Arundel Castle and Arundel
A restored medieval castle and stately home, nestled against the beautiful town of Arundel.
Arundel, BN18 9AB
About a 1 hour drive
Chartwell
Home of Winston Churchill, stunning house and gardens.
Mapleton Road, Westerham, TN16 1PS
About a 1 hour drive
Bodiam Castle
A classic and picturesque 14th Century moated castle, the making of 1000 postcards!
Robertsbridge, TN32 5UA,
About a 1 hour drive
Ideal For Families
Bluebell Railway
Steam heritage railway line, 11 miles long running between Sheffield Park (see above) and East Grinstead.
Regular special events.
Sheffield Park Station, TN22 3QL
About a 20 mins drive
Drusillas
Zoo and amusement park, the “best small zoo in Europe.”
Aimed at children 2-10 years.
Alfriston Road, BN26 5QS
About a 20 mins drive
Raystead
Animal Sanctuary and café.
The Broyle, Ringmer BN8 5AJ
01825 840252
Hurstmonceux Science Centre
Hands on science exhibitions and world famous observatory.
BN27 1RN,
01323 832731
About a 45 mins drive
Knockhatch Adventure Park
Adventure playground, mini Go-Karting and dry ski centre.
Hailsham, BN27 3GD
01323 442051
About a 30 mins drive
Pitch and Putt, Roedean
Mini golf and café overlooking Brighton Marina and the sea.
Roedean, Brighton, BN2 5RL
about a 20 mins drive
Skyhigh Trampoline Park
Indoor trampoline centre,
Meridian Way, Peacehaven, BN10 8JQ
01273 580029
about a 20 mins drive
Brighton Pier
Traditonal seaside fun on world famous pier.
Maderia Drive, Brighton, BN2 1TW
Middle Farm
Open farm, petting, farm shop, café and home of National Collection of Cider and Perry. Something for everyone!
West Firle, BN8 6LJ
01323 811411
About a 20 mins drive
Bentley Wildfowl and Motor Museum
Wildfowl reserve and historic motor museum. Also home to Branching Out (see below)
Harveys Lane, Ringmer, BN8 5AF
01825 840573
About a 20 mins drive
Branching Out
Climbing, zip wires and tree top adventures, located at Bentley Wildfowl
(see above)
Newhaven Fort
19th Century fort to defend the port of Newhaven, explore the tunnels and defences and enjoy the museum.
Fort Road, Newhaven BN9 9DS
01273 517622
about a 10 mins drive
Monkey Business
Indoor childrens amusement centre with café.
Cliffe Industrial Estate BN8 6JL
01273 311560
about a 10 mins drive