Private Guided Walking Tour of Historic Lewes East Sussex

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2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

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

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Lewes Railway Station

When facing the station, I'll be slightly to the right of the entrance with a blak bag and small orange flag

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours (approximately)
  • 1

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

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2

    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

    25 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3

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

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Explore hidden passages and Saxon lanes

    Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Lewes

    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

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    Lewes

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

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • 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
Supplied by Hidden Lewes

Tags

Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

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