Living in Lewes
Nestled in the South Downs National Park, Lewes is one of East Sussex’s most characterful towns, full of history, independent spirit, and that rare balance of countryside calm with city access.
Known for its cobbled streets, creative energy, and world-famous bonfire celebrations, Lewes attracts families, professionals, and artists moving from Brighton or London.
If you’re planning a move, our Lewes removals team makes the process smooth and efficient, from single-item moves to full family relocations across East Sussex.
The Area, The Vibe and Community
Lewes feels distinctly Sussex, full of heritage, sustainability, and individuality. The community is friendly, open-minded, and active, with a strong focus on local business and green living.
We moved to Lewes with ESV Removals last summer and couldn’t be happier. Everyone’s friendly, and the cafés are amazing. – Lewes resident
Popular areas like The Wallands, Southover, and Cliffe all have their own feel, from historic homes to riverside cottages. It’s a town that blends tradition with progress.
Housing and Property Prices
According to Rightmove (2025), the average property price in Lewes is around £550,000, reflecting steady demand and limited supply.
- £300,000 usually buys a one- or two-bedroom flat or smaller home.
£500,000 can secure a three-bedroom semi or detached family house with garden and parking.
Statistic: Homes in Lewes sold for an average of £550,245 in 2025, up 5% year-on-year, showing consistent long-term growth.
With its charm and easy access to Brighton, Lewes is one of the most desirable East Sussex property markets for buyers and families.
Cost of Living in Lewes
Lewes sits slightly below Brighton for day-to-day expenses but higher than nearby villages. Everyday costs like coffee, groceries, and transport are reasonable, and the town’s strong focus on local produce keeps prices competitive. The weekly farmers’ market offers affordable, high-quality food, while the walkable town centre helps many residents save on fuel and parking.
Like much of Sussex, Lewes has felt the effects of rising living costs in recent years. Local employers have responded positively, and we’re proud that we recognise those pressures and pay the Living Wage to our team. Supporting fair pay helps strengthen the local economy and ensures our staff can live comfortably within the community they serve.
You can read more about our approach to the Living Wage in our blog here.
Getting Around
Lewes is extremely well connected. Trains reach Brighton in 17 minutes and London Victoria in around 65 minutes. Drivers benefit from the A27 and A26, giving quick access to the coast, Tunbridge Wells, and beyond.
Our removals company in Lewes often handles moves around Lewes Castle, The Railway Land, and The Wallands, so we know the challenges of parking and access better than most.
Coffee, Breakfast, and Local Spots
Lewes is renowned for its independent cafés and brunch culture. Locals start their mornings at Ground Lewes, Flint Owl Bakery, or Café du Jardin, each offering artisan coffee and homemade food.
Local Spotlight: Ground Coffee Lewes offers 10% off your first drink with their loyalty app, a great way for new residents to get to know the community.
At weekends, locals head to the farmers’ market or relax in The Grange Gardens, a perfect reflection of the town’s easygoing, sociable rhythm.
Shops and Everyday Essentials
There are 60+ independent shops across the High Street, Cliffe High Street, The Needlemakers and Riverside - Sussex Express
Lewes’s high street mixes independents with essentials. You’ll find everything from bakeries and butchers to refill shops and boutiques.
Larger stores like Tesco and Waitrose are just outside the centre, and there’s a thriving culture of supporting local businesses, part of what makes Lewes stand out.
Lewes High Street is about 65% independent retailers - Lewes Chamber
Schools and Education
Lewes is known for strong education options. Priory School, Southover CE Primary, and Lewes Old Grammar School are all rated highly by Ofsted.
For post-16 options, Sussex Downs College provides a range of courses close to the town centre.
Things to Do and Local Highlights
There’s plenty to enjoy in Lewes, from exploring Lewes Castle to visiting Anne of Cleves House or strolling along the River Ouse.
Each November, Lewes hosts its world-famous Bonfire Night, a spectacle that captures the town’s community spirit. And for outdoor enthusiasts, the South Downs National Park offers some of the best walking and cycling in the country.
Site of Interest, Lewes Castle and Museum
Standing proudly above the town, Lewes Castle is one of Sussex’s most striking landmarks. Built shortly after the Norman Conquest, it offers panoramic views across the South Downs and the River Ouse.
The adjoining Barbican House Museum showcases the area’s history, from early settlement to the present day and gives a real feel for how Lewes has evolved through the centuries.
For anyone moving to the area, it’s the perfect introduction to what makes Lewes special: a deep sense of heritage combined with a creative, modern energy.
Our Lewes removals team often passes the castle on local jobs, it’s a constant reminder of how much history is packed into this small, vibrant town.
After exploring Lewes Castle and the town’s historic charm, it is worth discovering the creative side of the community too. Lewes has long been home to artists, makers and independent studios, each adding to the town’s vibrant character. One of the best examples of this spirit is Star Pottery.
Local Business Spotlight: Star Pottery, Lewes
We often provide Lewes removals for art studios and creative spaces, and Star Pottery is one of the most rewarding local partnerships we have built.
If you’re looking for something creative to do in Lewes, Star Pottery is a hidden gem. Tucked just off the High Street, it is a well-established pottery studio offering classes for beginners and experienced makers alike. Visitors can learn the art of wheel throwing, glazing and ceramics, a hands-on way to experience Lewes’s artistic side.
We have worked closely with Star Pottery for several years, providing specialist transport and logistics for ceramics, kilns and studio equipment. Moving delicate, high-value items such as pottery wheels and clay materials requires care and precision, something our team takes pride in.
Our partnership with Star Pottery reflects the kind of work we do beyond Sussex house removals, supporting the region’s creative studios, artists and independent makers with reliable, careful transport solutions.
Whether you are moving art supplies across town or planning a full studio relocation, we have the experience to make sure everything arrives safely and on time.
Learn more about our specialist removals and logistics services for creatives and artists across Sussex and beyond.
After exploring Lewes’s creative side through its studios and workshops, the town’s food culture is just as much a part of its identity. From cafés and bakeries to weekly markets, Lewes celebrates local produce and the people who make it. Among the most popular are the independent cheese stalls on Lewes High Street.
Local Business Spotlight: Lewes High Street Cheese Stalls
A walk down Lewes High Street would not be complete without stopping by one of the town’s independent stalls. Cheese is our favourite and the smell alone is enough to make you stop, but the variety is what keeps people coming back, everything from soft goat’s cheese to mature Sussex Charmer and hand-ladled Stilton.
We have helped several local traders with market-day logistics, transporting chilled displays, gazebos and stock safely between Lewes and nearby markets in Brighton, Uckfield and Hailsham. These moves may be small in scale, but they are an important part of what we do, supporting Sussex’s independent businesses and the people who keep local high streets alive.
Next time you visit Lewes, take a few minutes to explore the market stalls, chat with the traders and try a few local samples. It is one of the simplest ways to get a real taste of the community that makes Lewes so unique.
Learn more about our pop up stalls and events logistics across Sussex.
Beyond the markets and small traders, Lewes is also home to a thriving network of creative workshops and independent makers who work on a larger scale. One of the best examples of this is Smith and Jake’s Workshop, based just outside the town.
Local Business Spotlight: Smith and Jake’s Workshop, Lewes
Just outside Lewes you will find Smith and Jake’s Workshop, a creative metal and fabrication studio producing custom furniture, art installations and event structures. We have worked with their team for several years, providing commercial transport and event logistics for projects across the UK.
Our collaboration has taken us to major venues including London Olympia, Birmingham NEC and ExCeL London, helping move large-scale metalwork and exhibition pieces safely and on time. These projects require careful planning, reliable scheduling and attention to detail, qualities that apply just as much to a commercial job as to a family home move.
Working with Smith and Jake’s Workshop is a reminder that removals and logistics in Sussex extend far beyond house moves. From transporting handcrafted pieces to full event setups, we are proud to support local makers and tradespeople as they showcase their work across the country.
Working with local businesses like Star Pottery, the High Street traders and Smith and Jake’s Workshop has given us a real insight into what makes Lewes special. Behind every home move or delivery, there is a community of creative people keeping the town alive. From art studios to event spaces, our removals work connects us to the people who make Lewes such a distinctive place to live and work.
Hidden Gems and Local Favourites
Beyond the high street, you’ll find peaceful walks at Cliffe Hill, secret gardens behind Southover, and stunning views from Mount Caburn.
Locals recommend The Snowdrop Inn and The Rights of Man for good food and atmosphere, two of the town’s best-loved pubs.
Neighbouring Areas Worth Exploring
Lewes sits at the heart of East Sussex, close to Ringmer, Barcombe, and Cooksbridge, each offering quiet countryside living.
For those who crave more nightlife and variety, Brighton is only a 20-minute train ride away, while Glyndebourne nearby offers world-class opera and scenic countryside.
Environmental and Green Living
Lewes has long been a hub for eco-conscious living. The town’s Transition Town Lewes initiative promotes sustainability, renewable energy, and waste reduction.
Local refill shops, bike paths, and green initiatives make it one of the most environmentally progressive towns in the region.
Moving to Lewes: What to Know Before You Arrive
Parking can be limited in central Lewes, particularly around Cliffe High Street and the castle area. Many roads require residents’ permits, which should be arranged with the council ahead of moving day.
Weekday moves are generally easier, and early morning slots often mean less congestion.
Lewes at a Glance
Average House Price (2025) - Around £550,000 (source: Rightmove Lewes)
Travel Connections -17 minutes by train to Brighton, around 65 minutes to London Victoria
Popular Areas - The Wallands, Southover, Cliffe, Malling
Nearby Towns and Villages - Ringmer, Barcoombe, Cooksbridge
Local Schools - Priory School, Southover CE Primary, Lewes Old Grammar School
Cafés and Local Favourites - Ground Lewes, Flint Owl Bakery, Café du Jardin
Local Highlights - Lewes Castle, The Grange Gardens, South Downs National Park
Community Events - Lewes Bonfire Night, weekly farmers’ market, summer street fairs
Moving Tips from Our Team
- Arrange parking permits ahead of time if you’re moving near the centre.
- Pack essentials like tea, kettle, and chargers separately for your first night.
- Cliffe High Street and Southover areas can be tight for access — we’ll help manage this safely.
- We also offer temporary storage solutions through trusted Sussex partners.
Removals Services in Lewes
We provide a complete range of removals services in Lewes and across East Sussex, including:
- Full house and flat removals
- Furniture assembly and disassembly
- Local and long-distance relocations
- Goods in transit insurance up to £20,000
- Public liability insurance up to £5 million
Our experienced Lewes removals team knows every corner of town, making each move safe, efficient, and stress-free.
Our Experience Moving People to Lewes
We’ve helped countless families and individuals move to Lewes, from compact flats near Cliffe to large homes overlooking the Downs.
“We’ve moved so many people into Lewes — it’s one of those towns where, once you arrive, you rarely want to leave.” – Peter Hawes, ESV Removals Ltd
As a Brighton removals company covering Lewes, we understand access routes, parking permits, and how to make moving day smooth.
Why We Love Helping People Move to Lewes
Helping people settle in Lewes is always rewarding. From the friendly locals to the breathtaking views, it’s one of those rare towns that feels welcoming from day one.
Final Thoughts, Is Lewes a Good Place to Live?
Lewes combines history, culture, and convenience, offering the perfect blend of countryside calm and modern living. With excellent transport links, great schools, and a thriving café culture, it’s easy to see why it’s considered one of Sussex’s best places to live.
Planning a move to or from Lewes? Contact Peter at ESV Removals Ltd — your trusted Lewes removals company serving all of East Sussex.
Call 07552 555 820 or visit www.eastsussexvan.com.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Lewes
1. Is Lewes a good place to live?
Yes, Lewes offers a vibrant community, great schools, and quick connections to Brighton and London.
2. What are average house prices in Lewes?
The average home in Lewes sells for around £550,000, according to Rightmove (2025).
3. How easy is it to commute from Lewes?
Trains to Brighton take 17 minutes, and London Victoria is around 65 minutes.
4. What’s the local lifestyle like in Lewes?
Lewes is relaxed and creative, with cafés, markets, and the famous Bonfire Night festival.
5. Do ESV Removals Ltd cover moves to and from Lewes?
Yes, we regularly help customers move to and from Lewes and across Sussex.
Visit www.eastsussexvan.com or call 07552 555 820.
About the Author
This article was written by Peter Hawes, Director of ESV Removals Ltd (East Sussex Van), a family-run removals company based in Brighton and serving all of Sussex. We’re known for careful furniture handling, eco-conscious operations, and a people-first approach to moving.
We pay the Living Wage, offer full goods-in-transit insurance up to £20,000, and public liability cover of £5 million. Whether you’re moving to Lewes, Seaford, or anywhere in East Sussex, we’ll make your move safe, efficient, and stress-free.
