The picturesque commuter town of Lewes in East Sussex has been hailed as the UK’s most beautiful town. Nestled in the South Downs, it’s just over an hour from London by train and a mere 10 minutes to the sea, making it one of the most desirable locations in the country.
But it’s not just its prime location that makes Lewes popular – the town itself is a real gem. In fact, The Telegraph even crowned it the best looking in the UK.
According to a study by Delamere Health, Lewes also ranks as the eighth most peaceful town in the UK.
READ MORE: The cosy East London neighbourhood that feels like a village despite having 2 Underground stations
The charming town centre boasts a variety of independent shops, from chic jewellery boutiques to quaint antique stores and a farm shop selling locally sourced dairy and meat products.
For those who prefer high street brands, there’s a New Look, MandCo and Waitrose for all their shopping needs. Despite its tranquil setting, Lewes is far from isolated with bustling cities like Brighton just a 16-minute train ride away, offering residents the chance to enjoy shopping, dining and seaside fun.
The town has earned the nickname ‘millionaire hotspot’, with three districts in Sussex – Rother, Arun and Lewes – listed among the top 25 local authority areas in the UK for an increase in £1 million property sales.
Rightmove reports that the average price of properties in Lewes was £516K over the past year. However, it’s the quieter surrounding villages where many of the more expensive properties are located, such as the nearby village of Newick, home to Piers Morgan.
Yet, the tranquillity of Lewes is disrupted once a year when up to 80,000 people flood the town’s narrow streets. Every November 5, the serene town transforms into a bustling hub of Bonfire Night celebrations.
Lewes is renowned for hosting one of the UK’s largest Bonfire Night parades.
In a tradition dating back to the 19th century, Bonfire Societies march through Lewes’ charming cobbled streets in a spectacular torch-lit procession commemorating Guy Fawkes’ foiled gunpowder plot.
Never miss a London story again
Approximately six societies participate each year, resulting in around 3,000 people marching through the streets and at the town’s fire sites.
Despite the local authorities’ efforts to limit the influx of visitors to Lewes by closing nearby roads early in the day and halting train services, thousands still flock to the tranquil town for their Bonfire Night celebrations. The town’s pubs are brimming with party-goers who come to witness the procession and marvel at the spectacular firework display that concludes the evening.
Get the biggest stories from around London straight to your inbox. Sign up to MyLondon’s The 12 HERE for the 12 biggest stories each day.