Private Guided Walking Tour of Historic Lewes East Sussex

Explore the rich history of Lewes on a two-hour guided walking tour that takes you through Saxon lanes and past the ruins of a significant medieval monastery. Discover pivotal moments such as the Battle of Lewes, which led to England's first elected parliament, and visit the site where brave martyrs were executed. Stroll along a High Street steeped in history, seeing landmarks connected to Thomas Paine and the Bloomsbury Set, including Virginia Woolf's former residence. This intimate tour is led by local resident and amateur historian Richard Paterson, offering personalised insights into Lewes's fascinating past. - Two-hour guided walking tour through historic Lewes - Learn about the Battle of Lewes and its impact on democracy - Discover sites related to Thomas Paine and Virginia Woolf - Led by local historian Richard Paterson with tailored itineraries available

1. 1

   Priory Ruins

   15 min

   Walk the grounds of one of England's greatest medieval monasteries, demolished by Henry VIII in 1537

2. 2

   Stop 2

   25 min

   Walk past a house given by Henry VIII to one of his wives, the building where Queen Camilla attended school, a manor house built from recovered Priory stones and one of England's best preserved medeavil streets

3. 3

   Bull House, Lewes

   15 min

   See where Tom Paine, one of the founding fathers of the American revoloution, lived, married and debated the ideas which changed the world

4. 4

   Stop 4

   Pass by

   Explore hidden passages and Saxon lanes

5. 5

   Lewes

   15 min

   Walk through the Barbican gate, admire the Norman castle and trace the Battle of Lewes where Henry III's defeat in 1264 gave England its first Parliament - and ordinary people a voice in government for the first time

6. 6

   Lewes

   15 min

   Read the town's many hidden layers: disguised medieval timber frames, Georgian facades over Saxon street plans and re-used monastery stones

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• The walk incudes one steep but relatively short hill, narrow paths and un-paved areas and is only suitable for those with good mobility

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.