Lewes Castle & Museum

I've always wanted to visit Lewes and specifically the castle as a pivotal battle in British history occurred just outside of the town, and of course into the town. It did indeed not disappoint. I was still very impressed with how much of the castle remains and infact the location it presides. You can get some fantastic views of the whole valley that the town itself resides in. The museum staff were polite and friendly. I would say however the museum is quite small, and can easily be done in about 20 to 25 minutes. The admission prices I would say were a fair price. With any piece of history in the UK, I would strongly recommend anyone who loves history to pay this location a visit.

A really enjoyable visit, lots of stairs to the top of the keep but well worth it for the views. The museum was very good with artefacts relating to the area. A reasonable price as well, and you can save by purchasing a ticket that covers the castle and Ann of Cleaves House.

A fantastic museum and castle across the road. You buy tickets to the castle from the museum and they go across the road and let you in when you are ready ( so quaint!) the museum is over two floors and has some great exhibits. There is also a small shop with trinkets and other souvenirs. The castle ruins is wonderful. You can climb two of the towers and the views are spectacular. The gardens is the ruins are well maintained and the whole experience is delightful.

Had a day trip from Brighton to Lewes - this castle is really beautiful and a great visit. First we went up the castle and took some photos, before visiting the actual museum in another building.

What a friendly welcome! Informative and hospitable. Leading to the well presented experience through these incredible castle remains. An all round informative journey through history of building and the people who lived in it. Brilliant! A must-do! Finally the museum is the perfect finish. One gets a fine sense of life, equipment and weapons of Lewes. Thank you for your care and wonderful exhibit.

The castle includes the museum and ruins. The ruins can be seen in about 15 minutes (though longer if seeing the various exhibits and information signs), and have genuinely have lovely views from the top of the town. The castle’s museum is ok - about 5 rooms across two floors with some decent signs plus a model of 1880s Lewes, which we say in about 15-20 minutes. There is also a 12 minute video presentation within the model room that plays every 30 minutes and provides interesting information. The toilets just off of the ticket area are adequate - not great, but usable. There is also a small gift shop.

Visit the shell keep with tall tower and the barbican tower, the remains of the 11th century Norman motte (mound) and bailey castle located in Lewes town centre. Splendid views of the town and surrounding countryside, but many steps to climb to the top of the motte. Interesting small museum where you buy tickets to visit the castle. Introductory video sets the historical scene for your visit to both.

Interesting and informative museum experience, castle is interesting and offers a lovely historical insight into the people and place. Recommended

After seeing the other castles throughout Europe, Lewes Castle was not memorable or breathtaking. The area was not that big and there was not much to do. The city of Lewes is a small quaint town and you can explore all of it in less than a day. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes cuz you'll be doing a lot of that around town. I explored this area during my summer abroad at University of Sussex and it is only a train stop away from Falmer Train Station. Tourists, if you don't have time, you can skip out on this.

Lewes Castle is one of the oldest Norman castles, built immediately after the conquest between about 1069-1070, although its reconstruction in stone may not have been completed until 1100. It was built by William de Warenne, a close associate of William the Conqueror, who also founded nearby Lewes Priory. The original castle was much larger than the remains we see to-day: it originally had two keeps, each built on artificial castle mounds ('Mottes') at either end of the fortified compound. The reason for this unusual design is not known, but to-day only the southerly mound and keep survive, though they are impressive enough. Equally impressive, especially as you approach it, is the 14th century barbican (gatehouse), added to improve the fortifications. The castle played host to Henry III during one of the pivotal battles of English history, when his troops were defeated by Simon de Montfort in 1264, just north of the town. Although killed a year later by Henry's son, the future Edward I, de Montfort is regarded by many as the originator of representative Parliamentary government. Over the years the town has encroached on the castle, and to-day the site is a delightful mix of castle, houses, gardens and lanes. A charge is levied to visit the gatehouse and keep, and the small museum adjacent. In summer, the gardens are lovely, and the views from the Keep and Gatehouse over the town and to the South Downs beyond are stunning.

As an activity leader for an international language school, as part of the role, I have to take students to a variety of 'educational' places, this being one of them. Having taken the kids here once, I really don't see myself doing it again. It isn't that Lewes Castle is bad particularly, it is actually relatively interesting. However, if you've been to more well known castles, Lewes won't exactly knock your socks off. It is quite small and nothing out of the ordinary, although that is really Lewes all over.

Its very easy to view this castle from many angles around Lewes. It cost £4.50p for an adult to actually walk around the interior, well whats left of it. I didn't pay that. I thought it very expensive. This town is lucky to have such an ancient relic. I enjoy the rawness of the stonework. Its so rugged and stubborn to look at. I don't know much about its history but guess its at least 400 years old.

The castle is one of those features that not many cities can boast of, let alone small towns! The castle is set at the top of the high street on the high ground (guess that makes sense when it was originally built). Sadly, compared to a number of the more impressive castle's in he country, Lewes castle is in a state of semi ruin. This in no way detracts from the overall magic of exploring the remains off our cultural history (well Norman cultural history). There is a museum which you get to see, as well as your exploration of the castle proper. What is still remaining gives enough fuel for the imagination to picture the ramparts in their full glory. The gate house and such is still okay, so you do get to see some castle. If you have never been to the castle, then it is well worth a visit to appreciate how the country changed post 1066 and also because it personifies the spirit of Lewes residents. The staff and guides really do care and are proud of their local heritage. Children will especially have a good time and a welcome break from high street shopping.

Previous reviews say it all, in particular dmj1962 The stonework is interesting and there is so much potential for Black/White/Monochrome photography. Some angles are extreme giving great contrast against some alterantive softer backgrounds. Prices up now to £6.40 and £3.30 for adults and children respectively. Not much of concession at 50p ie £5.90 for those that qualify

Let's start off by saying that Lewes Castle isn't the most impressive castle I have ever seen. I mean, it fits nicely in Lewes, but Edinburgh this is not. Saying this, it is still interesting to see a proper old castle and transport your mind back to those Medieval days when it was all pillaging, bows and arrows. I wouldn't exactly go to Lewes Castle every week, or even go a second time for that matter, but it is definitely worth seeing if you do decide to take a day trip to the town. There is also the Castle Museum/Shop next door, when you can brush up on your castle knowledge and gain some insight into the formative years of this Sussex town. Also, you can buy some Lewes related knick-knacks for all of your loved ones - Christmas is fast approaching! Lewes Castle - it's a castle, in Lewes.

This is such an amazing Norman castle. It is the castle of storybooks and the one you imagine in Robin Hood. It dates from the 14th century and has remained intact so you get a real sense of what it was like to live there. I didn't take the tour when I visited and sort of regretted it because what I overheard of it sounded brilliant-really informative and fun. Still, they have made an effort to put up information as you go along so that you can learn about Medieval life, history and the uses of the castle. There is a great view over the town and countryside from the turrets. Turrets! What more could you ask.