Anne of Cleves House
A 15th-century timber-framed house in Lewes, once part of Anne of Cleves' settlement, offering a glimpse into Tudor life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel
Anne of Cleves House
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate feel
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 15th-century timber-framed house in Lewes, once part of Anne of Cleves' settlement, offering a glimpse into Tudor life.
"This house is larger than you think from the front. Personally I thought the rear was more stunning."
Check Opening Times First
Hours can vary, so confirm before you go!
Combine with Lewes Castle
Consider a combination ticket for a fuller historical experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tudor Kitchen
Ground Floor
Step back in time in this remarkably preserved Tudor kitchen, complete with authentic furnishings and tools.
Furnished Parlour & Bedroom
Upper Floors
Explore rooms like the parlour and bedroom, showcasing period furniture and offering a glimpse into 16th-century domestic life.
Historic Timber Framing
Exterior and Interior
Admire the stunning 15th-century timber-framed architecture, a beautiful example of medieval craftsmanship.
The Garden Cafe
Rear Garden
Enjoy a delightful break in the charming garden cafe, offering cakes and refreshments.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
+1Beyond the Name
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Opening Times First
Hours can vary, so confirm before you go!
Combine with Lewes Castle
Consider a combination ticket for a fuller historical experience.
Explore the Garden
The rear garden offers a peaceful escape and a lovely spot for a break.
Appreciate the Architecture
The 15th-century timber framing is a highlight!
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Opening Times First
Hours can vary, so confirm before you go!
Combine with Lewes Castle
Consider a combination ticket for a fuller historical experience.
Explore the Garden
The rear garden offers a peaceful escape and a lovely spot for a break.
Appreciate the Architecture
The 15th-century timber framing is a highlight!
Learn the History
Anne never lived here, but it's a fascinating piece of Tudor history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Anne of Cleves House for its historical significance, well-preserved Tudor interiors, and charming garden cafe. While some note that Anne herself never lived there, the house offers a fascinating glimpse into 16th-century life and architecture. A few reviewers mentioned inconsistencies in customer service, but the overall sentiment is positive, highlighting its value as an inexpensive and worthwhile historical attraction.
"This house is larger than you think from the front. Personally I thought the rear was more stunning. An incredible building with an interesting history.
22 people lived the house at one point although it was divided into three and had a shop!
The cafe has a lovely garden area to sit out. Delicious carrot and orange cake available today.
A fabulous tapestry is on display, it had a Japanese/Asian style.
It was free to enter today and I believe this to be the case this weekend!"
Kay Stobbart
"Great museum that is really a preserved house of historic importance. Obviously run by volunteers who care for this house and have the passion and dedication to back it up! It was inexpensive to get in and definitely worth it. The place veritably reeks of history and each of the rooms tell their own story involved with the life and times of Anne of Cleves, who we learn, might not have been Henry VIII's type, but did survive her marriage and became a friend to the King later on in life! There is a cafe on site but it was shut on the day we visited. However, the helpful staff directed us to a nearby garden cafe where we could enjoy our tea and cakes in the sunshine and reflect on our visit to this most beautiful of 'semi-hidden' historical wonders. Worth a visit anytime."
Ade
"What a wonderful place. The house has been kept very much untouched for the most part. There is plenty to read and learn. The staff was very enthusiastic and pleasant. They did ask if I was interested in a combination ticket with Lewes Castle too. I had just been to Lewes Castle where they did not tell me about this option. The little tea room in the house too was lovely"
Jessica
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Anne of Cleves House is located in Lewes, East Sussex. It's easily accessible by car and public transport. If arriving by train, the Lewes train station is a short walk away. Many visitors find it convenient to combine a visit with Lewes Castle, as they are sister sites.
Parking in Lewes can be limited, especially in the town center. It's advisable to check local parking options in advance or consider using public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Anne of Cleves House is typically open Thursday to Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. However, it's always best to check the official website or social media for the most up-to-date opening times, as these can change seasonally.
Admission is often inexpensive, and sometimes free on specific weekends. Visitors have mentioned it being 'free to enter today' and 'inexpensive to get in'. Consider looking into combination tickets with Lewes Castle for potential savings.
While advance booking might not always be necessary, it's a good idea to check their website, especially during peak seasons or for special events. Some visitors have reported arriving during opening hours to find a locked door, so confirming entry procedures is wise.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore furnished rooms like a Tudor kitchen, parlour, and bedroom, showcasing period furnishings and crafts. The house itself is a beautiful example of 15th-century timber-framed architecture.
The historical setting and preserved interiors can be engaging for older children interested in history. The garden cafe also provides a nice break.
The house often features displays on local history and Tudor life. Keep an eye on their official channels for any temporary exhibits or special events that might be happening during your visit.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always good practice to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or tripods within the house. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a lovely garden cafe on-site that serves cakes and refreshments. Visitors have praised their 'delicious carrot and orange cake'.
If the on-site cafe is closed or you're looking for more options, Lewes town center offers various cafes, pubs, and restaurants. Staff at the house can often recommend nearby eateries.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior timber framing, the charming garden, and the well-preserved interiors like the Tudor kitchen offer great photographic opportunities. The rear of the house is noted as being particularly stunning.
While not explicitly stated, it's common for historic indoor sites to have restrictions on tripods to protect the exhibits and allow for easier visitor flow. It's best to inquire upon arrival.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider framing the visit around the stories of Henry VIII and his wives to make it more captivating for younger visitors. The house's architecture itself, with its timber beams, can also be a point of interest. It's a good opportunity to step away from screens and immerse yourselves in a different era, even if Anne herself never set foot in the building.
🏛️ History Buffs
While Anne of Cleves never lived here, her connection through the annulment settlement adds a layer of historical intrigue. The house serves as a tangible link to this pivotal period in English history. Many visitors appreciate the depth of information available and the passion of the volunteers who maintain the site. Combining a visit with Lewes Castle is highly recommended for a comprehensive historical experience in the area.
📸 Photographers & Aesthetics Lovers
The garden cafe also presents a picturesque setting for lifestyle or detail shots. The overall 'princesscore' and 'renaissance' aesthetic that some TikTok creators highlight reflects the romantic and historical charm of the location, making it appealing for those seeking visually rich content.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Tudor Connection: More Than Just a Name
+1The house's architecture is a primary draw, showcasing the intricate timber framing characteristic of the period. Inside, visitors can explore rooms that have been furnished to reflect Tudor and Elizabethan life, offering a tangible sense of the past. The preservation of these interiors, including a Tudor kitchen and a parlour, allows for an immersive experience, making it a 'well presented Tudor house' that 'reeks of history'.
Despite the lack of direct occupancy by Anne, the house's association with her story makes it a compelling historical site. It serves as a reminder of the complex personal and political landscape of Henry VIII's reign and the fates of his wives. The 'semi-hidden' nature of the house, as described by visitors, adds to its charm, offering a more intimate historical encounter away from larger, more crowded attractions.
Experiencing the House: What to Expect
The house is divided into various rooms, including a furnished bedroom, a parlour, and a notable Tudor kitchen. These spaces offer a glimpse into domestic life during the 16th century. Some visitors have noted that the presentation and customer service could be improved, but this seems to be an outlier compared to the generally positive feedback on the historical accuracy and the passion of the volunteers.
Beyond the house itself, the garden cafe is a popular feature, offering a pleasant spot to relax with refreshments. Visitors have enjoyed cakes and tea in the garden, adding a delightful dimension to their visit. The opportunity to combine a visit with Lewes Castle is also frequently mentioned, suggesting a combined ticket might offer a more comprehensive historical exploration of the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit