Traditional Lewes inn with South Downs views

The White Hart - A Heartwood Inn, Lewes, East Sussex, UK

Time-limited

Luxe room
Luxe room
Firle Beacon, Lewes
Barbican Gate, Lewes
Comfy room
Firle Beacon, Lewes
Luxe room
Luxe room

Property details

Hole up at a charming country inn in the heart of historic Lewes, with a characterful bar, hearty restaurant and a roof terrace with views over the spectacular South Downs – includes breakfast, optional dinner credit and welcome treats
  • Charm and character: Though refurbished in 2024, The White Hart is absolutely packed full of original features like oak beams, stone Tudor fireplaces, panelled walls and cosy snugs in the bar where you can sneak off for a tipple. The 16th-century inn has been restored to its heyday best, and now comes with a stylish orangery and a rooftop terrace overlooking the pretty town and out towards the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park.

  • Wining and dining: The restaurant’s seasonal menu features delectable dishes of the best of British cuisine, including sociable sharing plates, filling mains and sumptuous puddings, plus a knock-your-socks-off roast on Sundays which includes bottomless Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes and gravy – bring your appetite! There’s even a menu for pooches, who are very welcome to join their owners for dinner.

  • Designed for comfort: Each of the 23 individually styled rooms blends historic charm with modern amenities. Beamed ceilings are balanced by wonderfully comfortable beds, smart en suites complemented by pretty artworks. Some even feature rolltop baths and rainfall showers, for the ultimate luxury.

How to get there

The hotel is in the centre of Lewes, which is well-connected to the A26 and A27. It’s a two-hour drive from London or an hour on the train – Lewes has its own station with services from Victoria that's a five-minute walk from the hotel. The hotel doesn’t have parking due to its central location, but there are plenty of public car parks around Lewes offering pay and display.

Good to know

Please note, The White Hart is a Grade II -listed building and the bedrooms are only accessible via stairs. If you have any queries about the best accommodation to suit your needs, please contact the hotel before booking.


Entry requirements


The passport, visa and health requirements at the time of booking can be viewed on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for UK citizens, and on the Department of Foreign Affairs website for IE citizens. It is your responsibility to ensure that you and all members of your party are in possession of all necessary travel and health documents, and in compliance with any other immigration/entry requirements before you travel, including whether your passport must be machine readable or which visas/waivers may be required for entry, such as ESTA for USA travel and/or ETIAS for EU travel. Please also be sure to check the validity of your passport and allow up to 10 weeks for passport renewals.

  • Charm and character: Though refurbished in 2024, The White Hart is absolutely packed full of original features like oak beams, stone Tudor fireplaces, panelled walls and cosy snugs in the bar where you can sneak off for a tipple. The 16th-century inn has been restored to its heyday best, and now comes with a stylish orangery and a rooftop terrace overlooking the pretty town and out towards the rolling hills of the South Downs National Park.

  • Wining and dining: The restaurant’s seasonal menu features delectable dishes of the best of British cuisine, including sociable sharing plates, filling mains and sumptuous puddings, plus a knock-your-socks-off roast on Sundays which includes bottomless Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes and gravy – bring your appetite! There’s even a menu for pooches, who are very welcome to join their owners for dinner.

  • Designed for comfort: Each of the 23 individually styled rooms blends historic charm with modern amenities. Beamed ceilings are balanced by wonderfully comfortable beds, smart en suites complemented by pretty artworks. Some even feature rolltop baths and rainfall showers, for the ultimate luxury.

How to get there

The hotel is in the centre of Lewes, which is well-connected to the A26 and A27. It’s a two-hour drive from London or an hour on the train – Lewes has its own station with services from Victoria that's a five-minute walk from the hotel. The hotel doesn’t have parking due to its central location, but there are plenty of public car parks around Lewes offering pay and display.

Good to know

Please note, The White Hart is a Grade II -listed building and the bedrooms are only accessible via stairs. If you have any queries about the best accommodation to suit your needs, please contact the hotel before booking.


Entry requirements


The passport, visa and health requirements at the time of booking can be viewed on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for UK citizens, and on the Department of Foreign Affairs website for IE citizens. It is your responsibility to ensure that you and all members of your party are in possession of all necessary travel and health documents, and in compliance with any other immigration/entry requirements before you travel, including whether your passport must be machine readable or which visas/waivers may be required for entry, such as ESTA for USA travel and/or ETIAS for EU travel. Please also be sure to check the validity of your passport and allow up to 10 weeks for passport renewals.

Location and what's nearby

static map

The White Hart - A Heartwood Inn, 55 High St, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1XE

Perched on the High Street in lovely Lewes, the town’s charming collection of coffee shops, antique stores and quaintly traditional inns are at your fingertips. Get a taste of country life with a trip outside the town, where there are captivating walks aplenty including the South Downs Way and the Seven Sisters Cliff Walk – dreamy views on all sides. Beaches are easily accessible too: The South Coast’s dramatic chalk white cliffs and pebble beaches are a mere 20-minute drive away, or you could head into Brighton for kiss-me-quick resort activities, seaside promenades and independent shops. Glyndebourne, the world-famous opera house, is a mere three miles away and Pevensey Castle is well worth a visit, its history dating back to the Roman period.

There are also a number of National Trust properties and pretty private gardens within easy reach of the hotel too - perfect for exploring in all seasons but particularly impressive in the springtime.
Five-star booking service? You bet.

Need additional help with your booking? Call our Concierge team on + 44 2039 807 013 (Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm).