Lewes, Sussex (castle, pubs and South Downs views)

Lewes is one of England’s oldest towns, with the ancient buildings and castle. The River Ouse makes for lovely walks, or pop to the monthly farmers’ market, for Sussex produce and fresh bread.

It even had until recently its own local currency. The beautiful notes were used like gift vouchers to support independent shops, it’s a shame they are no longer in use.

Out walking? Follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms (and other toxic plants/trees) and on leads during nesting season (and near barnyard friends and wild ponies).

Known for its Bonfire Night, it’s best to avoid fireworks. If you are to light a bonfire, gently lift the base with broom handles, and shine a torch to check for hedgehogs. If it’s clear, light from one side only, so anything in the heap has chance to escape.

Bookshops, lanes and independent charm

The centre of Lewes is compact (although hilly) and you can while away the hours wandering the old streets and discovering antiquarian bookshops and old inns that look like they have been there forever. There are few big chains and supermarkets, and a mildly quirky air, with lots of old pubs with musicians.

Anne of Cleves House and surrounding streets

Anne of Cleves House is a 15th century Wealden hall house, gifted to her by Henry VIII in 1541, as part of their annulment settlement (she was one of the fortunate wives who was not beheaded). There is however no proof that she ever actually visited it, but it still houses a nice museum. She was also gifted Hever Castle in Kent.

Anne was a German protestant, so it was a political marriage (as you likely know, Henry VIII tried to destroy the Catholic church). She was just 24 when she married him – twice her age and already severely overweight from his life of excess.

The story goes that when he met her for the first time, he burst into her apartments and tried to kiss her, and when she pushed him away demanding to know who he was, he raged ‘I like her not!’ The marriage lasted just six months.

Near the South Downs National Park

The South Downs near Lewes are full of chalk paths, rolling slopes and grazing land. The Ouse Valley is here, for short but beautiful walks.

How to upright an overturned sheep

If when out walking you see a sheep on its back (due to pregnancy or rain-soaked wool), just firmly right it back (or it will die) then stay with it, until the rain has drained off.