Sussex


<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://instagram.com/nigelfrenchphoto?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y="><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="663" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Lewes-1000x663.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62623" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Lewes-1000x663.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Lewes-800x530.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Lewes-768x509.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Lewes-792x525.jpg 792w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Lewes.jpg 1231w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://instagram.com/nigelfrenchphoto?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=">@nigelfrenchphoto </a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Lewes has always been a town for spirited radicals, former citizen Tom Paine’s writings inspired the French Revolution, American independence and the US Constitution. The resident Bloomsbury Group scorned social and sexual convention and were anti WWI. Suffragette Pleasance Pendred moved to Lewes after her incarceration at Holloway Prison and De Montfort captured King Henry III at Lewes Castle in 1264 which continues to stands guard over the town. And, take a breath. That&#8217;s not all, Lewes still has radical leanings, they are evident at the annual (and famous locally) Bonfire procession, in the quirky shops, pubs and characterful faces about the town. A magnificent spot to sate your inner cravings and explore your inner radical.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="946" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Flint-Owl-Bakery-1000x946.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62620" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Flint-Owl-Bakery-1000x946.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Flint-Owl-Bakery-800x757.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Flint-Owl-Bakery-768x727.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Flint-Owl-Bakery-555x525.jpg 555w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Flint-Owl-Bakery.jpg 1284w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Try the incredible cakes and bakes at <a href="https://flintowlbakery.com/">Flint Owl Bakery</a>, it&#8217;s the kind of place that allows you to eat with your eyes first before delivering such a hit of intense pleasure to your mouth that you will be hooked for life. Worth going in to simply dribble over the offerings. The coffee isn&#8217;t bad either. Or try one of the many new caf<em>é</em>s and restaurants that appear to be popping up all over Lewes, <a href="https://www.cafedujardin.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Café du Jardin</a> has the prettiest of courtyards, <a href="https://www.squisito.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Squisito</a> in The Needlemakers is a great child, wine and dog friendly cafe, <a href="https://www.fork-lewes.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fork</a> on Station Street offers more formal dining.</p>



<p></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="808" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Lewes-Pakora-808x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62624" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Lewes-Pakora-808x1000.jpg 808w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Lewes-Pakora-646x800.jpg 646w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Lewes-Pakora-768x951.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Lewes-Pakora-1241x1536.jpg 1241w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Lewes-Pakora-424x525.jpg 424w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Lewes-Pakora.jpg 1256w" sizes="(max-width: 808px) 100vw, 808px" /></figure>



<p>Stationed outside Waterstones in Lewes is a mobile caravan <a href="https://www.facebook.com/motherbhumi/?locale=en_GB">WhamBam Mother Bhumi’s</a> famous pakoras with home-made lime pickle &#8211; your taste buds will never forget. What could be better than watching the steam rise from your perfectly battered affordable organic veggie pakoras whilst you perch on a bench watching the river pass and Lewes throng.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="635" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Gorringes-Auctioneers-1000x635.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62621" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Gorringes-Auctioneers-1000x635.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Gorringes-Auctioneers-800x508.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Gorringes-Auctioneers-768x487.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Gorringes-Auctioneers-827x525.jpg 827w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Gorringes-Auctioneers.jpg 1177w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Get your antiques mojo back by visiting <a href="https://www.gorringes.co.uk/">Gorringe’s Auction House</a> pre-sale or on the day. Auctions are weekly on a Monday with viewing over the weekend. You can always leave a bid or watch the sale online. Check out the mid-century furniture and neighbouring antique shops on Cliffe High Street, Lewes has long been part of the antiques and collectables trail. <br></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="992" height="758" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Cliffe-High-Street.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62619" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Cliffe-High-Street.jpg 992w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Cliffe-High-Street-800x611.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Cliffe-High-Street-768x587.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Cliffe-High-Street-687x525.jpg 687w" sizes="(max-width: 992px) 100vw, 992px" /></figure>



<p><br>The town is teeming with independent shops, indoor markets and furniture traders. Muddy loves <a href="https://belleandcompany.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belle &amp; Co</a> which sells all manner of stylish mid-century furniture and is flanked by a good few other wonderful shops.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-walks">WALKS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Ouze-View-Lewes.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62625" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Ouze-View-Lewes.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Ouze-View-Lewes-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Ouze-View-Lewes-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Ouze-View-Lewes-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Ouze-View-Lewes-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Ouze-View-Lewes-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>At the end of Cliffe High Street wends a wonderful curly cobbled lane named Chapel Street. Walk up past the pretty houses and keep on slogging up the hill. When the view opens up you’ll hit the golf course. From here the footpath connects to a network that can take you anywhere you wanna go Baby, Glyndebourne? Firle Beacon? Charleston? Just bring your trainers, a thermos and a mutt for company.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Castle-View-Lewes.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62617" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Castle-View-Lewes.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Castle-View-Lewes-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Castle-View-Lewes-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Castle-View-Lewes-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Castle-View-Lewes-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Castle-View-Lewes-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Slap bang in the centre and with a small museum attached, <strong><a href="https://sussexpast.co.uk/attraction/lewes-castle/">Lewes Castle </a></strong>and its ramparts are just begging to be assailed &#8211; so steel your buttocks and get climbing. It’s a short but steep schlepp to the top and we defy anyone of any age not to marvel at what must be one of the most gawp-worthy views in Sussex.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-things-to-do"><strong>THINGS TO DO</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="749" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Southover-Grange-Gardens-1000x749.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62628" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Southover-Grange-Gardens-1000x749.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Southover-Grange-Gardens-800x599.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Southover-Grange-Gardens-768x575.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Southover-Grange-Gardens-701x525.jpg 701w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Southover-Grange-Gardens.jpg 1156w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Anne of Cleves back garden, <a href="https://www.visitlewes.co.uk/things-to-do/southover-grange-gardens-p1096611">Southover Grange Gardens</a> is a truly wonderful park is within a stone’s lob of Lewes Station. The Grange was built with stones from Lewes Priory and owned by Anne of Cleves post Reformation and annulment. The only ex-Queen to survive Henry VIII, she had friends in high places. The gardens are beautiful, perfect for little children, rich with rocks, ruins and tiny streams. A magical spot for a picnic. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Pells-Pool-Lewes-1000x667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62627" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Pells-Pool-Lewes-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Pells-Pool-Lewes-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Pells-Pool-Lewes-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Pells-Pool-Lewes-788x525.jpg 788w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Pells-Pool-Lewes.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The oldest documented freshwater outdoor pool in the UK is<strong>  <a href="https://www.pellspool.org.uk">Pells Pool </a></strong> it&#8217;s unheated and therefore seasonal but wow, is it worth a swim there in the summer months. With 160 years behind it, this public pool is community run and really encapsulates the Lewes spirit. Beautifully situated next to the River Ouse, it’s a real one off.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="846" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Harveys-Brewery-846x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-62622" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Harveys-Brewery-846x1000.jpg 846w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Harveys-Brewery-677x800.jpg 677w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Harveys-Brewery-768x908.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Harveys-Brewery-444x525.jpg 444w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/sussex/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2023/02/Harveys-Brewery.jpg 1284w" sizes="(max-width: 846px) 100vw, 846px" /></figure>



<p><strong><a href="https://www.harveys.org.uk">Harveys Brewery</a></strong> is so picturesque a place that its hard not to imagine Oompa-Loompas living within and no I haven’t been scoffing too many ever-lasting gobstoppers. Harveys Brewery lies in the centre of the town on the River Ouse and is the oldest Brewery in Sussex. Incredibly it is still privately owned by the original Harvey family and is still very much a part of Lewes life. There are 45 pubs in the Harveys stable. Morris Dancing Wicker Man fans (not the remake) should frequent The Gardeners Arms on Cliffe, The John Harvey Tavern is another great one for local life. Lewes pubs play a big roll in Bonfire Night and the six rival Bonfire Societies in the town are each affiliated with specific hostelries. Choose you allegiance with care or fall foul of rivals on Bonfire Eve.</p>


Insider guide to Lewes

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