Near The English Channel Coast Is A Charming Town Inside A National Park With Medieval Streets And Antique Shops

It's always a wonderful experience to discover a city or town that incorporates its surrounding nature so deeply into its tapestry. If you're ever in England and want to visit a place that does this better than most, drive about two hours south of London to the historic town of Lewes. Located just inland from the English Channel, the entire town has been officially accredited as the Lewes Urban Arboretum by ArbNet, an international network focused on arboreta and trees. This may come as little surprise considering Lewes resides within South Downs National Park, a 618-square-mile landscape protecting diverse ecosystems near the English Channel Coast.

Nature is, understandably, where Lewes draws a lot of its charm. The town is wonderfully green, surrounded by rolling hills, forests, and white cliffs. Homes are often interspersed among trees, and the River Ouse flows past grassy banks, tree-lined walking paths, and homes with balcony gardens. But if nature is Lewes' charm, then history is its character. This market town has seen many centuries pass, dating back to the 11th-century Lewes Castle that still dominates the town's High Street today. Medieval influences are found throughout, including in many of its streets and buildings.

However, the life found within the town is quite modern. Although the population sits just below 16,000 people, Lewes has a lively local scene thanks to its regular markets and plenty of restaurants, cafes, pubs, and shops. Antiquing is also so popular here that bloggers have written guides on how to find the best antique shops. Built into the slopes of the Ouse Valley, this is a town with rich natural heritage, medieval charm, and enough old-world trappings and stores to keep history buffs and shopping lovers alike content.

While staying in Lewes, you're well-positioned to explore the eastern parts of South Downs National Park with its windswept cliffs and ancient forests. You don't even need a car, with many attractions and experiences accessible on foot, by bike, or by train. Lewes Castle is a great first stop, especially if you're interested in history. The ruins of this 11th-century castle are still accessible, including its keep, which overlooks Lewes and the surrounding national park. Pair your visit with a stop at the adjoining Museum of Sussex Archaeology for deeper insight into the region's history.

Fancy a stroll? Combine nature, history, and culture on the Southease, Rodmell, and River Ouse walk. The 3.5-mile loop takes you along the River Ouse before reaching Monk's House. It was in this 17th-century cottage that married authors Leonard and Virginia Woolf lived and wrote for about 50 years. You can still see many of their belongings while exploring the house and its well-maintained gardens. The trail starts at Southease train station — take a 15-minute train ride from Lewes or walk the extra 4 miles along the Literary Heroes Trail.

Adventurous travelers can see South Downs National Park and the surrounding Sussex coastline from above. Try paragliding at two schools close to Glynde Station, a five-minute train ride from Lewes. Fly Sussex offers one-day paragliding taster courses for beginners that let you soar solo above the grassy fields, hills, and groves. To fly higher without doing serious training, book a tandem experience above the dramatic cliffs and waters of the English Channel coastline. You can also see more of the national park by driving the South Downs, one of Britain's best road trips, which cuts through the park near Lewes, passing wineries, towns, and natural sights.

Lewes' atmospheric streets are perfect for a leisurely stroll. These Saxon and medieval walkways lead off the High Street, which also has historic buildings, halls, shopfronts, and churches dating between the 11th and 19th centuries. Follow Lewes' ancient streets to discover fascinating local treasures, such as The Lewes Arms. This iconic pub has been serving patrons for over 220 years. The unassuming brick facade hides a wood-paneled interior with low ceilings and cushioned stools. "A lovely old pub with nicely kept Harvey's ale and Cornish cider. There are two small [rooms] and one slightly larger [room] with traditional board games in the rear bar," shared a previous visitor.

These medieval streets also lead to Lewes' antique shops. Anyone looking for a vintage clock should visit W.F. Bruce on North Street. Local Bill Bruce owns this antique clock restoration business, using his expertise to bring a range of stately English clocks back to life. The store also repairs old watches. Lewes Flea Market sells a range of antique jewelry, collectibles, watches, cars, lights, artwork, garden and home decor, and furniture. Just don't visit in a rush. "There is a huge amount to look through," wrote one shopper. "You could easily spend quite a bit of time here discovering unusual things."

One of the best times for shoppers to visit Lewes is on the fourth Saturday of every month, when Ringmer Village Hall Market takes place. It's a popular day out, with local stallholders selling homemade cakes and honey, handmade knitwear, jewelry, candles, and more. For an overnight stay, the town has many hotels and inns close to High Street. Lewes is only a one-hour train ride from London or a 20-minute ride from Eastbourne, a coastal town with beaches.