Are there other towns like Lewes in the UK?

[Fredflinstoneswife1]

A few years ago we stayed in Lewes for our holidays (I'm from NI), we absolutely loved it, primarily for the historic buildings, the fantastic independent shops and the antique shops, its also in quite a pretty area.

Can anyone recommend me another town similar to Lewes?
I would be happy to just go back to Lewes next summer but my husband wants to go somewhere different. Is there anywhere similar to Lewes? I have been on the hunt the last few summers, and visited Totnes, Rye and Ludlow, and, while lovely, their shops were not just as good! I really liked the shops in ashburton, Devon, but it is a bit small.
We have three young children, so extra points for big towns with days out for the kids nearby. The boys love a theme park, or of course the beach. Forests and mountains always good too!

Arundel, Stamford, Shrewsbury, Much Wenlock, Deal

Rye, not far away.

York of course, the creme de la creme of antique historical cities. Just beautiful.

You said Rye already

So not Rye then!!

I love Bath . . . lots of history, lovely shops and your children may enjoy Longleat which is about 30 minutes drive away

Narbeth in Pembrokeshire is beautiful

You would like Kent, Canterbury? it’s very historical, mix of modern brands and independent shops, cathedral, not far from Thanet for sandy beaches and plenty of castles and days out nearby.

cirencester

Lincoln?

It's a bit smaller, but Woodbridge in Suffolk might fit the bill? You'd also have access to the Suffolk Coast as well as places like Framlingham and Aldeburgh.

Winchester - close to both New Forest and Paultons Park theme park.

Chichester - can get day passes to the massive Butlins just down the road in Bognor with indoor pool with slides etc. Also close to Arundel for independent shops and antique places.

Dorking - town pretty and set in beautiful countryside and has a whole street of antique and independent shops. And makes a great base for the Surrey Hills and Guildford and the beautiful villages (Shere, Abinger Hammer, Holmbury St Mary etc). And tons to do for kids as can easily access Chessington and Thorpe Park. And London is train ride away if you get bored!

Bath. Much bigger then Lewes but the Roman baths are absolutely amazing. Also there is the Royal Crescent which ja a crescent of houses built in tbe 1700s. One of them is a museum - which is fascinating. I also love the fashion museum in Bath - it shows you how fashion has developed through the ages. I don't know about rhe shops.

Thank you! I've been to Arundel and Shrewsbury- but Stamford and Deal are new to me!

Rye is beautiful, really lovely, I just found the shops more touristy and less.. authentic? I'd still go back though 😄, but I'm looking somewhere that had shops similar to Lewes 😊

I've read about Winchester before - I'll have to check it out! Dorking I have never heard recommended before- thank you!

Deal is quite small but it’s nice to walk along the beach.

Whistable is another Kent option. Nice independent shops, harbour area, and seafront to walk along.

Bridport

Seaford

Def Canterbury

Also Stratford upon Avon

God not Seaford, really not the same vibe as Lewes! Frome perhaps, it's not quite the same as Lewes used to be but there are similarities and you're close to Bath, and close enough to Bradford on Avon, Lacock, Tetbury and Devizes which you would probably like as well for day trips. Tetbury could actually be closest to what you're looking for but it really is small.

Harrogate, Crickhowell, Knutsford

Sherborne

Petworth in Surrey

York

My error, I meant Sidmouth

Shocked at all the northern suggestions missing the point of Lewes
hence Brisport

I live in Bath - we have a great mix of independent and chains, especially if you venture up the town a bit- and you can add in trips to longleat, cheddar gorge and Bristol docks etc , I’ve also lived in Canterbury which I think you would like , coast close by , Winchester too is nice as is Cheltenham And Stroud - Stroud def has a kind of vibe a bit like Lewes - I’m interested why you didn’t rate Totnes, as to me that’s actually very similar to Lewes and hence why I haven’t suggested smaller places.