Lewes Castle & Museum

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Lewes Castle & Museum

Experience this historic Norman castle that towers over Lewes. Enjoy panoramic views of the South Downs from the top of the Keep Tower.

Discover Sussex Archaeology and more! Visit https://sussexpast.co.uk/attraction/lewes-castle/ for opening hours.

08/06/2026

Join us for an exclusive after-hours guided tour as we celebrate the Society’s 180th anniversary✨

Enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly on arrival from 5.00pm before the tour begins at 5.30pm. Led by expert guides, this special evening offers a unique opportunity to explore the Castle and discover the stories behind both the site and the Society🥂

🎟️£15 per person, 30 places only

Advance booking is essential. To reserve your place, email [email protected] - payment will be taken on the day.

Please note that the tour includes uneven surfaces and steps and may not be suitable for all accessibility requirements.

Follow the link below to learn more:
https://sussexpast.co.uk/event/lewes-castle-evening/

06/06/2026

As Volunteers’ Week comes to a close, we would once again like to recognise and thank the many volunteers who support our site behind the scenes and across the site🌿

From Visitor Experience and curatorial volunteers, to those working in the library, gardens and maintenance teams, every volunteer contributes valuable time, skills and expertise to help care for this historic place.

Their support is greatly appreciated, and Lewes Castle would not be the same without them🌟

03/06/2026

This Volunteers’ Week, we are celebrating the people who help bring Lewes Castle to life for our visitors🌟

Tom, one of our Visitor Experience Volunteers, shared:

“A short note to say how much I am enjoying volunteering at Lewes castle. The team are wonderful and being able to share a love of history with the wide range of visitors we get is really rewarding and fun. The site itself is fantastic and it’s great to be part of a team helping our visitors enjoy their time at the castle.”

We are proud to have such passionate and knowledgeable volunteers supporting the Castle, and we thank Tom and the entire team for their continued commitment✨

01/06/2026

As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week, we would like to recognise the incredible contribution made by the volunteers here at Lewes Castle & Museum✨

From welcoming visitors and sharing stories from the Castle’s past, to caring for the gardens, collections, library and wider site, our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Their passion, knowledge and dedication help us preserve this important historic site and create a memorable experience for all who visit⭐

This week, we look forward to highlighting and thanking the many individuals whose time and commitment make such a valuable difference at our heritage site!🎉

31/05/2026

Join us today as the Sussex Medieval Society brings the medieval world to life!⚔️

The Sussex Medieval Society is a reenactment and living history group representing both military and civilian life from the Norman Conquest in 1066 through to the end of the Second Barons’ War in 1266. Founded in 2021 by a group of friends with a shared passion for medieval history, the Society has rapidly grown into a thriving community of reenactors and historians.

Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy living history displays, discover medieval crafts and equipment, and watch exciting live combat demonstrations within the castle grounds. The reenactors are always happy to talk about medieval life and share their knowledge with visitors of all ages🛡️

Alongside the reenactment, there’s still time to enjoy our May Half Term activities, including knightly challenges, the Knight’s Shield Trail, museum displays, and spectacular views from the Keep🏰

With sunshine forecast, it’s the perfect day to step back in time ☀️

Follow the link below to learn more and book your tickets now:
https://sussexpast.co.uk/event/may-half-term-lewes/

30/05/2026

There’s not long left to enjoy our fantastic May Half Term activities!⚔️

Join us this weekend for one last chance to explore the Knight’s Shield Trail, take part in our knightly challenges and to earn your Knight Training certificate🏰

You don’t want to miss tomorrow’s live combat reenactment with the Sussex Medieval Society! Experience the sights and sounds of medieval life with living history displays, demonstrations, and exciting combat displays throughout the day🗡️

With sunshine forecast and plenty to explore, it’s the perfect family day out before half term comes to an end ☀️

Follow the link below to learn more and book your tickets today:
https://sussexpast.co.uk/event/may-half-term-lewes/

29/05/2026

Living history returns this Sunday 31st May with the Sussex Medieval Society!🗡️

Meet reenactors, discover medieval crafts and weaponry, and experience what life was really like in the age of knights and castles🏰

With demonstrations, live combat and living history displays throughout the day, it’s a fantastic chance for visitors of all ages to step back in time...

Combined with our half term knight activities, castle trails, museum displays and spectacular views from the Keep, it promises to be an unforgettable day out⚔️

Follow the link below to learn more and book your tickets today:
https://sussexpast.co.uk/event/may-half-term-lewes/

28/05/2026

With beautiful weather forecast this week, there’s no better time to enjoy a picnic in our gorgeous grounds☀️

Bring along your picnic and relax in the castle grounds while taking in the stunning views across Sussex. The gardens offer plenty of shaded spots to sit and unwind, perfect for a peaceful break during your visit🧺

And if the climb to the top of the Keep feels a little daunting, don’t worry, there are benches along the way so you can take your time and enjoy the journey up the castle’s steps at your own pace🌿

Follow the link below to learn more and book your tickets now:
https://sussexpast.co.uk/attraction/lewes-castle/

27/05/2026

One of the most-loved artefacts in our museum may come as a surprise to you!🐀

Here we have our beloved Lewes Rat and Spoon, from the 17th century. Tradition tells of a young serving girl who was accused of stealing a silver spoon from her employer. Despite protesting her innocence, she was dismissed and turned out onto the streets.

Many years later, builders carrying out repairs to the property uncovered a rat’s nest hidden within the walls. Inside was the missing silver spoon, alongside the mummified remains of the rat that had taken it!🥄

The rat and spoon were preserved as a memorial to the unfortunate maid, whose innocence was discovered far too late - it remains one of the town’s most unusual and memorable tales from the past.

26/05/2026

Looking for a family day out this half term? Climb to the top of our castle and discover stunning panoramic views across Sussex!🏰

Built nearly 950 years ago after the Battle of Hastings, the castle is packed with history to explore - from medieval towers and hidden corners to fascinating artefacts inside the Museum of Sussex Archaeology.

Bring a picnic to enjoy in the gardens, explore the model town of Lewes, and see if you can spot the castle’s very special cannon 👀

With family activities running throughout half term, there’s plenty for young knights and explorers to enjoy too!

Follow the link below to learn more and book your tickets today:
https://sussexpast.co.uk/event/may-half-term-lewes/

Address

169 High Street
Lewes
BN71YE

Telephone

+441273405730

Website

https://sussexpast.co.uk/attraction/lewes-castle/

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