Railways at Lewes walk

The walk will take in the current and previous locations of the railway stations in the town, including the site of the first terminus in Friars Walk, where a splendid ornate Italianate fronted building stood until it was demolished in 1969. The various locations of the railway stations will be highlighted along with the evolution of the platform layouts and associated signal boxes. Lewes also had an important goods yard and associated goods lines, including the marshalling yard closed in 1968 which helped to supply materials for the many industries in the county town, as well as service the cattle market at different times. The physical remnants of abandoned lines will be unmasked along with some of the key features of the operational railway lines. The route of the walk will be westwards along the High Street and then down Watergate Lane to look at the tunnel mouth and the site of the former goods line, then to the front of the current railway station, followed by a walk along Mountfield Road to access the footbridge over the railway, and see the remains of the embankment for the Uckfield line. It will then continue along Pinwell Road to the site of the first Lewes Railway Station, now occupied by a Premier Inn, where the tour will end.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

1015 & 1415

Location & directions

Lewes House, 32 High Street, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2LU

Directions:

The walk commences at Lewes House, which is located at 32 High Street, on the south side just to the east of the town's war memorial. Please gather in the garden to Lewes House accessed through the house. Participants are asked to go through Lewes House to the garden where the leader of the walk and stewards will be there to greet you. There are toilets at Lewes House and refreshments are being served by the Lewes House Garden Group. Within the house there are exhibitions prepared by the Friends of Lewes about its work in the town and also Lewes History Group, who have an exhibition about its activities and a display showing the results of street stories work undertaken by its members, some of which will reflect the architectural theme of the festival.

Contact on day:

Peter Earl

Telephone number:

+447772031269

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

You can book the free of charge by clicking on the appropriate link to the Eventbrite website. You will need to set up a user name and password if you have not booked through Eventbrite before. Booking opens on 21 August and closes the day before the event. For venue tours which happen more than once, you will be able to select the day/time you want during the booking process. You will receive confirmation of your booking by email. Please let us know at [email protected] if you cannot come.

Booking website:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/railways-in-lewes-walk-tickets-1556711639419

Booking opens:

21 Aug 2025 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

12 Sep 2025 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

The walk takes place along public streets where there are areas of unevenness and narrow pavements. the walk includes the use of some steps over the railway footbridge, and uneven ground. Being outside, inclement weather may be encountered and all participants should wear suitable clothing and footwear.

Additional information

Max no of people per tour:

15

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 15 minute(s)

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