Lewes Castle, a Norman fortress in the county town of East Sussex, can be hired for meetings, away days, weddings and civil ceremonies. The Saxon Gallery serves as an indoor meeting room, and the castle gardens take up to 80 guests. Hire is run by Sussex Past, the trading arm of the Sussex Archaeological Society, and the whole hire fee goes toward protecting Sussex history.
Seminars and company events
Corporate hire at Lewes Castle covers meetings and away days. The Saxon Gallery is the indoor space, with chairs included, and the site presents it as a room that inspires for an in-person meeting. The castle gardens take up to 80 people, and garden hire includes the use of a pavilion and a marquee, which suits an away day with a picnic. Guided tours of the castle can be added on request. Sussex Past states that all its sites have fast WiFi, that catering is available, and that audiovisual facilities can be arranged, with details to be checked for each site. Free parking on site or public parking within an easy walk is offered, and staff are on hand during the event.
Weddings and receptions
Sussex Past states that all its venues are licensed for weddings and civil ceremonies. At Lewes Castle, the outdoor spaces are used: the West Tower Gardens at the top of the castle, the Gun Gardens at the bottom with a pavilion, and the Keep Garden under the West Tower archway, with roses and views of the town and the countryside. Up to 80 guests are possible. The castle can be hired year round, with exclusive hire available. The Keep Garden is reached by 125 steps, so check that this suits your guests. Traditional and non-traditional ceremonies are welcomed. Weddings are handled by a coordinator through the enquiry form.
Rooms and capacities
The Saxon Gallery is the main indoor space, with chairs included. The castle gardens hold up to 80 guests. The site does not state the gallery's capacity or dimensions, so ask when you enquire. Because the castle is also a museum, the layout of your day depends on the dates agreed with the team.
Catering
Sussex Past says catering is available at all its sites. The pages read do not name caterers or say whether you can bring your own, so ask the team.
History and setting
Lewes Castle was built after the Battle of Hastings by supporters of William the Conqueror and is about 950 years old. Visitors climb the keep for views across Sussex. The castle stands beside the Museum of Sussex Archaeology on the High Street at number 169, with gardens in the grounds. Access is limited to ground level for guests who have difficulty walking, and there is no lift.
Getting there
Lewes railway station is a five minute walk from the castle, with a taxi rank outside the station. Buses stop in the High Street close to the castle. By car, the town is reached from the A27, A26 and A275, and car and coach parking are available in the town. The address is 169 High Street, Lewes, BN7 1YE.
