A Visitor’s Guide to Lewes Castle and Barbican House Museum, East Sussex

Ever dreamed of exploring a real medieval castle perched high on a hill? If you find yourself in East Sussex, the charming town of Lewes is a must-visit. It is a place brimming with history, of historical importance and a lively independent shopping scene.

Lewes is one of my favourite places to go for a coffee, a wander around the shops, and a bit of vintage hunting, but I had never really visited Lewes as a “tourist.” Lewes Castle stands proud above the town, and although I knew it was there, I had never visited until recently. You can check out my blog post about Lewes and what this beautiful town has to offer.

Lewes Castle and the Barbican House Museum stand out as two of the most iconic and historically significant sites in the town. Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or someone just looking for a fun and educational day out, they are well worth a visit.

Lewes Castle and Barbican House Museum

This 1000-year-old Norman fortress isn’t just another dusty old building, it’s an exciting peek into history with some seriously amazing views thrown in.

A Bit of History

Picture this: it’s 1069, and William de Warenne (one of William the Conqueror’s right-hand men) decides to build not one, but two mottes (those are fancy castle hills) in Lewes. This unusual design makes Lewes Castle one of only two “double motte” castles in England.

It was strategically positioned to control the area and assert Norman dominance following the invasion. Over the centuries, the castle has been expanded and modified, but it has retained much of its original character.

The castle’s structure is a mix of Norman and Medieval architecture, and its keep (the main tower) is one of the best-preserved examples of Norman military architecture in the country. Originally, the castle was made of timber, but after a fire in 1264, it was rebuilt in stone and continues to stand proudly to this day.

The castle has seen its fair share of drama over the centuries, from medieval battles to Victorian picnickers. These days, it’s managed by the Sussex Archaeological Society, who’ve done an amazing job keeping this historical gem alive and kicking.

The Barbican House Museum

It is best to visit the Barbican House Museum (also known as the Museum of Sussex Archaeology) first as it helps you understand the history of Lewes and the castle itself. The castle reception is inside the museum with a little shop so I started my visit here.

Barbican House is believed to have been built in the Elizabethan period, though the site itself has medieval origins. Over the years, it has served various purposes, including being a residence and a merchant’s house.

Thomas Kemp, who gave his name to Kemptown in Brighton, was an MP for Lewes and lived in the house until 1816 before the Sussex Archaeological Society purchased the property.

Today, it’s home to historical artefacts, local excavations and the archaeological history of Sussex, including pottery found in my home town, Shoreham-By-Sea. It’s a great place to understand the town’s important role in England’s history, especially during the Norman and Tudor eras.

One of the highlights of the museum is its focus on Lewes’s involvement in the English Civil War, with detailed exhibits about the Battle of Lewes in 1264, a significant event in the town’s history. I also enjoyed the film they put on for visitors, although there was a school trip visiting, there was enough room for us all (and some very patient teachers keeping the kids quiet!)

The museum also features exhibitions about the local industries, including brewing (Lewes is known for its beer), lace-making, and the agricultural industry. There are often changing displays and special exhibits that focus on different aspects of Lewes’s history, making it an ever-evolving place to visit.

There is also a wonderful little town model with lots of detail that shows what Lewes looked like in the 18th century, although I don’t think it has changed much today!

What to See at Lewes Castle

I bought my tickets online, so once I picked them up from the reception and spent around an hour in the museum, I headed over to the castle after purchasing a little tour guide for £1.50 from the shop. There is a little gate directly opposite that the staff will open to let you in.

Gun Garden

This takes you into the Gun Garden, where a Russian Canon is displayed. It was captured by the British forces during the Crimean War (1853-1856) and presented as a trophy of the war.

The Gun Garden would have been the former moat to the castle and the original entrance was through the archway of the Norman Gate. Today, it’s the perfect place to catch your breath and imagine what life was like when archers practised their skills here.

Barbican and Norman Gatehouse

I headed to the Barbican and Norman gatehouse first, which is up a flight of stairs and across a path directly above the Gun Garden. The Barbican is a towering and impressive structure built in the 14th Century as a new entrance to the castle. You can explore the Barbican, it has plenty of information inside on the history of Lewes Castle and different views of the whole estate.

The Main Keep

The keep is the main attraction, and climbing to the top is definitely worth the effort. The stairs to the keep itself are easy to climb up and give you amazing views of the castle’s surroundings and Lewes itself.

It comprises of two towers, the West Tower and South Tower, which are accessible from the Shell Keep. In the early 19th Century, Thomas Friend rented out the Barbican House and turned part of the Shell Keep into a Pleasure Garden where local people could visit.

I took time to read the maps and information that were dotted around the Shell Keep, pinpointing important areas of Lewes such as where the Battle of Lewes in 1264 took place and where Brack Mount still stands, the first motte built by William de Warrene before he built the bigger and taller motte that I was standing on.

There are several floors to visit within the West Tower, with exhibits on each floor that take you through the castle’s history and the role it played in the town’s development. The staircase is very narrow and steep, but it is worth climbing to the top where you can enjoy panoramic views of Lewes, the South Downs, and the surrounding countryside.

It would be a nice idea to put a telescope in the Shell Keep to get a better look at Lewes, but you could still see many landmarks and all the way down to what was once Lewes Priory (which was also created by William de Warrene, he would have had a good view!)

Family Time at Lewes Castle

If you’re visiting with kids, I’m sure they’ll find the narrow spiral staircases, gardens and views interesting enough to keep them entertained. The castle runs regular family events, especially during school holidays.

There are activity sheets for different age groups, and kids can dress up in medieval costumes in the museum. Nothing beats running around (safely!) on the castle grounds pretending to be knights and princesses.

I spent around 3 hours at the Castle and Barbican House Museum and although small, you are rewarded with the best views in town and a fascinating insight into Lewes’s history. You can combine your ticket to visit Anne of Cleves House, which is a 10-minute walk away and I thoroughly recommend doing this.

Each season offers something special at Lewes Castle. I visited in the Autumn when I think Lewes looks its best in the glow of autumnal shades. The winter provides wonderful misty mornings because of its proximity to the River Ouse and the spring and summer bring wildflowers and better daylight, although it tends to get busier.

And while there is no café in the castle itself, you’re right in the heart of Lewes, which is packed with charming cafés and pubs. The nearby Cliffe High Street has plenty of options, Bills being one of my favourites.

Whether you’re a history buff, a family looking for a fun day out, or just someone who enjoys amazing views, Lewes Castle and Barbican House Museum won’t disappoint. It’s a place where history feels alive and accessible, not stuck behind glass cases.