Living in Lewes

The sense of community in Lewes is often cited as one of its most attractive features. The town is known for its active, engaged population who take pride in local history, environmental initiatives, and cultural events. Established traditions such as the Lewes Bonfire, one of the UK’s largest and most elaborate festivities, inspire a strong sense of belonging and participation.

Regular markets, arts festivals, and charity fundraisers mean there is always something happening, while community spaces like the Town Hall, Lewes Community Garden, and various religious and cultural centres provide focal points for social interaction. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the many footpaths, cycle routes, and proximity to the South Downs, encouraging an outdoors lifestyle with walking, running, and family picnics a regular part of local life.

Safety in Lewes is generally perceived to be above average when compared to national and regional figures for towns of a similar size. The area enjoys relatively low levels of violent crime and is considered safe for families, students, and retirees alike. Like many historic towns, Lewes does occasionally experience petty theft or anti-social behaviour, particularly during large events such as the Lewes Bonfire Night, but such occurrences are closely monitored by local police and stewards.

Recent community initiatives have focused on making Lewes even safer, including active Neighbourhood Watch schemes, regular police presence, and outreach officers working with schools and young people. Ongoing investments in public lighting, CCTV, and local engagement maintain Lewes’s reputation as not only a picturesque but also a secure place to live.

Parking in Lewes can be limited, especially within the historic town centre due to narrow streets and high demand from both residents and visitors. Several council-run car parks surround the core shopping and business districts, while controlled parking zones (CPZ) are in force in many residential areas, requiring permits for long-term on-street parking. Short-stay and pay-and-display options are available, though spaces fill quickly during events or peak shopping times.

Congestion is modest by South East standards, but can increase during the school run, market days, or during the major local events such as the famous Lewes Bonfire. The town offers swift road access to:

• Brighton – approx. 20 minutes via A27 (9 miles)
• Eastbourne – approx. 30 minutes via A27/A22 (19 miles)
• Hastings – approx. 45 minutes via A27/A259 (25 miles)
• London – approx. 1 hour 45 minutes via A27/M23/M25 (54 miles)

The surrounding countryside is easily accessed by car, and cyclists benefit from cycle-friendly routes in and out of Lewes, including access to the South Downs Way.

Lewes has a thriving food and drink scene celebrated for its independent, often locally-sourced offerings. Traditional pubs such as The Snowdrop Inn and the historic Lewes Arms are famous for real ales, welcoming atmospheres, and community-driven events. Modern gastropubs and country eateries sit alongside authentic cafés and bistros along the high street and beyond.

For dining out, Lewes boasts a range of restaurants including modern British establishments, excellent vegetarian and vegan options, as well as international cuisine from Italian trattorias to Asian eateries. Lewes is also known for its artisan bakeries, delis, and a monthly Farmers’ Market showcasing Sussex produce.

Nightlife tends towards the relaxed and sociable, with a focus on intimate live music, open mic nights, and theatre events held at The Depot and Lewes Little Theatre. While Lewes does not have a clubbing scene rivaling larger cities, its array of late-night pubs and regular live entertainment offer a lively backdrop for residents and visitors seeking culture and conversation.

School Quality: Lewes is popular with families thanks to a good selection of highly rated primary and secondary schools, both state-run and independent. Catchment areas are clearly defined and many families move to Lewes specifically for the educational opportunities it provides.

Parks and Green Space: The town is surrounded by stunning countryside, with easy access to the South Downs, riverside walks, and several play parks and recreation grounds.

Childcare: A number of nurseries, preschools, and after-school clubs operate throughout Lewes, providing flexible childcare for working parents.

Safety: The town enjoys a generally safe atmosphere and low crime rates, making it a reassuring choice for family living.

Family Activities: A packed local calendar includes children’s theatre, music workshops, craft sessions, and sporting clubs, while the proximity to nature makes outdoor activities easily accessible on weekends and school holidays.

The Lewes area is hugely popular with pet owners, particularly dog walkers and those who appreciate outdoor living. The proximity to the South Downs National Park, along with numerous commons, footpaths, and riverside walks, provides extensive opportunities for exercise and adventure for dogs and their owners.

Several veterinary practices and pet supply shops serve the town, and many local cafés and pubs now welcome well-behaved dogs. Attitudes in Lewes towards animals and responsible pet ownership are generally progressive and positive, with local events such as dog shows and pet-friendly fairs popular on the community calendar.

For those renting or buying property, many landlords and housing providers are open to pets, though it’s always advisable to confirm policies early in the process.

Lewes benefits from a well-connected transport network, making commuting and travelling straightforward for residents. The town’s railway station is centrally located and offers frequent direct services to major destinations including London, Brighton, Eastbourne, and Hastings.

By train, Lewes connects to:

• London Victoria – approx. 1 hour 10 minutes (direct)
• Brighton – approx. 16 minutes
• Eastbourne – approx. 25 minutes

The road network is supported by the nearby A27, which provides seamless routes to Brighton (just 9 miles west), Eastbourne, and other surrounding towns. Bus services link Lewes with local villages, as well as larger centres such as Brighton and Uckfield, making public transport a practical option for journeys across East Sussex.

For international travel, Gatwick Airport is around 45 minutes by car (28 miles) or accessible by train with one change at Haywards Heath, while London Heathrow and London City airports are also viable options for longer distance travel.

Lewes offers a strong educational provision that is highly regarded locally and draws families seeking quality schooling. The area features several well-performing primary and secondary schools, as well as access to higher and further education institutions.

Primary Schools in Lewes
Southover CofE Primary School is one of the most popular local options, with a history of strong Ofsted reports (last rated 'Outstanding' in 2013). Western Road Community Primary School is another well-liked choice, praised for its nurturing environment and creative curriculum (Ofsted 'Good' in 2022). Wallands Community Primary School and St Pancras Catholic Primary School further contribute to a strong network of local primaries.

Secondary Schools in Lewes
Priory School is the town’s main comprehensive, known for its strong academic record and varied extracurricular offerings (Ofsted 'Good' in 2023). Lewes Old Grammar School, an independent co-educational day school founded in 1512, is notable for its blend of tradition and innovation.

Colleges and Sixth Forms
Sussex Downs College (now part of East Sussex College Group) in Lewes provides a wide range of A-level, vocational, and adult learning courses, with a strong reputation throughout the region.

Universities near Lewes
While Lewes itself does not have a university, it is within easy reach of the University of Sussex and the University of Brighton, both with campuses just a short train journey away in Falmer and central Brighton, providing local students with outstanding higher education options and a wealth of resources nearby.