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!

Cambridge is gorgeous. I don’t get the love for Lewes! It’s a slightly better than average high street with a too crowded bonfire night.

I used to live in Lewes and loved it when I was there. But we went back recently and I thought it had changed - not as many independent shops and the bottom end of the town looked quite scruffy. Much prefer the northern towns I mentioned upthread.

I’ll comment on the ones I know well. If you like rye but want better shops do not consider Deal. Seaford also does not have the shops you would be after, I was there just a few months ago and we struggled to even find anywhere for some food ended up with an icecream from a kiosk and a choc bar from a garage forecourt further on. Neither of those places are anything like rye.

Lyme and bridport in Dorset only have a few shops not a big selection as they are very small places, Bridport does have a market. Lyme gets beyond heaving in the holidays. But lots of beautiful coastal things to do instead.

I've taken note of the northern towns, thank you! I was in Lewes last June and I think it is fantastic, I can't imagine what it would have been like when it was better.
I love the size of it, the weather has always been warm and mostly dry when I've been in the summer, the people are friendly, and I've found some gems in the charity shops. I love the originality of some of the shops too.

Agree with the many mentions of Bath. Loads for the whole family.

If you want something more small town try the Cotswolds. Lechlade or Burford are great, with the Cotswold Wildlife Park nearby for family friendly entertainment.

You would not like the shops in Stroud. Tetbury is small and boring. It has a few nice cafes and pubs, but otherwise just antiques shops.
Cirencester has great shopping, great places to eat, and is beautiful. For the kids there is a large softplay, and in Summer, the outdoor pool and the lakes. It also has a good museum.
Bath shopping is brilliant, and it is a great little city with all the Roman history.
Cattle Country is not far from Tetbury/Stroud, and is a great place for kids.
Malmesbury is quite nice.
Malvern is lovely. It has an ice rink and nice swimming pool, and lovely walks as well as shops.
Hay on Wye is a great suggestion. Beautiful river and countryside, amazing town.

dorking
norwich
chester
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The pub under the cliff is the Snowdrop! Or at least, it used to be. The King’s Arms under the castle was always great as well. Love Lewes and personally have never found anywhere quite like it - such a beautiful and dramatic setting. (Not to say other places aren’t wonderful in their own ways.)

What is Arundel like to live in?

I’m from York. There’s not that many independent shops and the surrounding countryside is very meh. There are better places.

Is this Malvern the same as Great Malvern? I've actually been wondering about it! Is the town itself nice? Would there be much to do for children nearby?

Would you recommend York for children though? I was actually thinking of a trip there but more for the kids enjoyment than for my own!

York is fantastic for children. You could stay close by and do Knaresborough, Harrogate (although I find Harrogate a bit bland but others love it) and pop across to Haworth and Saltaire. Skipton is also nice and my dd loved the castle.

Yes, Great Malvern. Google it, loads to do with kids.

If you are driving Winchester is a complete nightmare but the nearby New Forest is wonderful so I would consider Lymington instead.
Lots of little individual unique shops, lovely restaurants, right on the Beaulieu river and the sea.
Plus nearby Beaulieu itself is idyllic, has the motor museum for the children and the trip to Peppa Pig at Ower is a easy short drive.

I’m surprised there has been so little mention of Chester. It went downhill but seems to have bounced back

Shhhhh, we have enough tourists in Chester 🤣🤣🤣

I think Hastings has a very similar vibe once you get away from the run down part

Winchester for independent shops, historic buildings beautiful cathedral and probably no more than 30 minutes from Paultons Park which has Peppa Pig land. Also close to New Forest, beaches and a whole lot more.

Some great suggestions on here but I have to say I visited Deal recently and found it quite depressing - The Rose is great and a couple of lovely independent shops but other than that it felt rundown. Certainly no Lewes.