Lewes is an outstandingly lovely little town located in East Sussex on the river Ouse, surrounded by the luscious South Downs countryside. It got its name from an old word in Saxon meaning ‘sloping hills,’ and has well over a thousand years of history to its name, including the battle of Lewes in 1264. It’s believed to have been first established during the dark ages in the 6th century.
It’s also famous for having housed none other than Anne of Cleves, Queen of England, who was Henry the VIII’s 4th wife. Her timber framed 15th century house is only a 10 minute walk away from Lewes Castle and the Barbican Museum, and even closer to the ruins of the 9th century Lewes Priory.
Lewes is only a 40 minute drive north east from Brighton, and is packed full of veterans from the art and music scenes. It’s got a really friendly feel, and some cute little cafes and art shops. If you fancy donning your best suit, there’s the internationally renowned Lewes Glyndebourne Opera House. If opera isn’t your bag and you want to pick up some interesting gifts, make sure you visit the Lewes Flea Market. Lewes has some really lovely old English pubs including The Dorset, which is over 300 years old.
All that sounds lovely, but Lewes does have its dark side: Lewes bonfire night. It has to be seen to be believed. With its 60,000+ visitors and parade, fireworks are just the tip of the iceberg. The police try hard to dissuade huge amounts of people from turning up each year, and each year they fail. It’s a truly apocalyptic looking Guy Fawkes night, including burning effigies of hated politicians, genuinely terrifying looking people in costumes carrying burning crosses, boarded up shops and wild anarchistic behaviour. We strongly recommend not trying to park in Lewes on that night!
Lewes attracts around 3 million tourists annually, and has a population of 104,000. We’ve found some free overnight and residential parking spots for you, so read on and save yourself some time and money. Pay and display options in the centre are pricey, and if you park on residential streets you could save yourself more than £10 a day.
Free Parking in Lewes
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Free, unrestricted residential street parking in Lewes
Don’t want to spend a penny on parking? You can simply use residential streets. You won’t be breaking any rules, because we’ve found you all the available free parking options in Lewes. Save yourself the bother of driving around looking for free parking. We’ve organised it into the two main areas of the town: northern and western Lewes. The list includes addresses and postcodes, including distances to the centre.
Please park responsibly. Don’t block anyone’s driveway, double park, or park up too close so that you block other cars. Remember, it’s residential parking, so that means people will be at home, and don’t want to hear car stereos or other forms of noise. Also, check for any notices written by neighbours, or other sign posts about parking before you leave your car.
North
If you’re heading down south from London on the A26, there are lots of residential parking options available. You can admire the beautiful countryside as you wander down the peaceful residential streets towards the centre. After a simple 15 or 20 minute walk you will be standing on the bridge in the centre of town gazing at the river Ouse.
- Stansfield Road BN7 2SL – 0.5 miles
- Newton Road BN7 2SH – 0.5 miles
- Kingsley Road BN7 1BY – 0.6 miles
- Baxter Road BN7 2SP – 0.6 miles
- Lee Road BN7 2SE – 0.6 miles
- Eridge Green BN7 2SG – 0.7 miles
- Landport Road BN7 2SX – 0.8 miles
West
If you’re driving in from Brighton in the west, there are some nice free residential parking spots that will bring you really close to Anne of Cleves’ house, as well as Lewes Castle. Lewes is such a warm friendly place that simply walking through it can be a joyful experience.
- Fitzjohns Road BN7 1PP – 0.9 miles
- Mildmay Road BN7 1PJ – 0.9 miles
- Christie Road BN7 1PL – 0.9 miles
- Southdown Avenue BN7 1EL – 0.9 miles
- Barons Down Road BN7 1EY – 0.9 miles
Overnight/Weekend/Sunday Parking
Here’s a list of places that are only free after 5pm and on the weekends. Remember to get the car out of there by 08:00 to avoid traffic wardens, so you definitely won’t pay any penalties.
- High Street BN7 1XE – 0 miles
- Southover Road BN7 1AB – 0.1 mile
- East Street BN7 2LJ – 0.1 mile
- Pelham Terrace BN7 2DR – 0.2 miles
- Phoenix Place BN7 2QG – 0.2 miles
- The Avenue BN7 1QT – 0.3 miles
- Morris Road BN7 2AT – 0.4 miles
- South Street BN7 2BU – 0.5 miles
- Brooks Road BN7 2BY – 0.5 miles
- De Warrenne Road BN7 1BP – 0.5 miles
Free parking after 6 pm and at weekends
- Cleve Terrace BN7 1JJ – 0.5 miles
- Cluny Street BN7 1LN – 0.5 miles
- Abergavenny Road BN7 1SN – 0.5 miles
- The Course BN7 1JL – 0.5 miles
- Winterbourne Lane BN7 1HW – 0.8 miles
Cheapest Paid Car Parks
Some people may feel like skipping all that walking, and simply paying for a car park in a central location. Here’s a definitive list we’ve put together to give you the cheapest and most central paid parking options in Lewes, starting from the lowest to highest prices.
- Wharf Car Park BN7 2PJ – £1.00 for 2 hours
- The Maltings Car Park BN7 1YT – £1.40 for 2 hours
- Pinwell Road Car Park BN7 2LW – £1.40 for 2 hours
- Phoenix Causeway Car Park BN7 2JW – £1.40 for 2 hours
- East Street Car Park BN7 2LJ – £1.70 for 2 hours
- Little East Street Car Park BN7 2NU – £1.70 for 2 hours
- Westgate Car Park BN7 1YG – £1.70 for 2 hours
- Lewes West Street Car Park BN7 2NZ – £1.80 for 2 hours
Free short-term parking (2h or less)
We could only find one option here, as there are lots of actual pay and display car parks in Lewes. Still, as long as you leave before your 2 hours is up to avoid possible penalties, Tesco car park’s a good option, and it’s only a 10 minute walk to the centre.
- Tesco Superstore BN7 2BY
Free and Paid Parking Near Popular Lewes Locations
Free & paid parking near Lewes Town Hall (City Center)
