Lewes is one of the finest walking towns on the South Downs — a historic castle town set in a gap in the chalk ridge where the River Ouse cuts through to the sea. The South Downs Way passes through the town, and the downs rise immediately north and south offering outstanding ridge and valley walking.

A proper town with excellent independent shops, pubs and restaurants, Lewes makes a superb base for South Downs walking. The South Downs Way is accessible on foot from the high street, and the train to Brighton and Eastbourne makes linear walks easy.