Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Overview
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
What's included
Bottled water
I can alter the itinerary slightly to accomodate particular interests and requests
What to expect
Priory Ruins
15m
Walk the grounds of one of England's greatest medieval monasteries, demolished by Henry VIII in 1537
25m
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
Bull House, Lewes
15m
See where Tom Paine, one of the founding fathers of the American revoloution, lived, married and debated the ideas which changed the world
Pass by
Explore hidden passages and Saxon lanes
Lewes
15m
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
Lewes
15m
Read the town's many hidden layers: disguised medieval timber frames, Georgian facades over Saxon street plans and re-used monastery stones
Meeting and pickup
Meeting point
When facing the station, I'll be slightly to the right of the entrance with a blak bag and small orange flag
End point
When facing the station, I'll be slightly to the right of the entrance with a blak bag and small orange flag
Additional information
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
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
