Lewes (pop. 15,000), 8mi/13km northeast of Brighton, is the county town of East Sussex. It is magnificently situated on the Downs, at the point where the River Ouse has cut its way through the hills. Lewes is noted for the many restaurants, cafes, and antique shops as well as the market on the first Saturday of each month.
Lewes Castle was
built around 1088 to defend this passage. It has a ruined keep (views) and fine flint masonry. The picturesque old town with its steep streets, old half-timbered buildings, Georgian houses and typical flint masonry surrounds the castle.
The most interesting churches are St Anne's (mainly Norman) and St Michael's, with a round tower. The Town Hall, with a fine oak staircase (1893), contains the Municipal Museum.