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At Lewes Castle and Barbican House Museum you can:
- Climb to the top of the Castle Keep, and look out for miles accross Sussex
- Fire a crossbow, build an arrowslit, dress up as a Lady or Knight
- Watch a film about the history of Lewes
- See the Lewes Town Model
Please note the Castle closes at dusk during the winter months, with the museum and shops open until 5.30pm.
We also have a gift shop, and new and second hand bookshop, a treasure trove for historians and archaeologists - whether you're an amateur, professional or just interested!
The castle is almost 1000 years old. The land was given to William de Warenne by William the conqueror at christmas time in 1066. The building of the Castle was completed 300 years later with the magnificent Barbican. Don't expect to find a rich person's house - this is a medieval fortress!! A remarkable survival, the Castle was later turned into a Georgian 'pleasure garden' before being opened to the public in the 1850s.
Barbican House is now home to a Museum of Sussex archaeology, and changing exhibitions of historical photographs of the area.
Disabled access: All visitors are welcome; however, due to its historic nature, there are many changes of level in both the Barbican House Museum and Lewes Castle. The Gun Garden and Visitor Pavilion are wheelchair accessible and give an idea of the views from the Keep. Some interpretation panels are provided in braille and assistance dogs are welcome.
The recent improvement work at Lewes Castle were supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Wolfson Foundation, the Garfield Weston Foundation, Biffa, Viridor, Lewes Town Council and a variety of private sponsors. |
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Lewes Castle
