Lewes - Priory Park & Castle

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Lewes Priory Park & Castle, with Explorers following a whispered local tale that rebel preacher Ivor Secret-Congregation hid a sack of donated gold coins after discovering a spy in the crowd, then tracing the clues to find where he planned to bury the treasure.

The quest covers approximately 1.5 miles and should take around 2 hours to complete. You'll begin outside the main entrance to Lewes Town Hall on High Street, pass Lewes Castle on a hill, follow the winding path through the ruins and past the green in Priory Park, cross a railway bridge section near the station building, visit Southover Grange Gardens after Clue 11, then climb cobbled Castle Gate towards the castle before returning to the High Street.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route has some steep hills, steps, stretches with little or no pavements, and a cobbled lane at Castle Gate.

Take care on roads throughout, especially where there are stretches with little or no pavements, when crossing roads without a marked crossing, and on the cobbled Castle Gate where vehicles may be present.

Getting There

By car: Start outside the main entrance to Lewes Town Hall on High Street (BN7 2QS). The recommended parking is the long stay car park on Little East St. (BN7 2LJ), which is close to the start point.

By public transport: The area is easy to reach by bus or train. Make your way to outside the main entrance to Lewes Town Hall on High Street to begin the quest.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

If your four-legged Explorers are joining the hunt, plan ahead for the Southover Grange Gardens section, also referred to as Southover Gardens, where dogs are not allowed. 🐾

The route also includes roads, steep hills, steps, a railway bridge section, stretches with little or no pavements, and cobbled Castle Gate where vehicles may be present, so keep canine companions close and under control throughout the adventure.

Food & Drink Stops

Gold-coin hunting is hungry work. Snacks and refreshments are available at the start, and there are cafes and pubs close to Clue 15 or at the end of the Trail.

If you're packing your own provisions, Priory Park at Clues 06-08 and Southover Grange Gardens after Clue 11 are the picnic spots to aim for.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Priory Park

The Trail passes through Priory Park, following a winding path through the ruins and past the green. You can also find information about the Battle of Lewes here, making it a strong spot to pause, picnic and let the local history settle before the treasure hunt continues.

Priory of St Pancras

Within the Priory Park area, the Priory of St Pancras adds some serious historic weight to the quest. It was the first Cluniac house in England and one of the largest monastic churches in the country. Cluniac priories originated in Cluny, France, and were known for their independence, opulence and generosity.

Southover Grange Gardens

After Clue 11, the route takes you into Southover Grange Gardens, following a left-hand path and a little bridge inside the gardens. It's also named as a picnic spot, though Explorers with dogs will need to remember that dogs are not allowed there.

Lewes Castle

Lewes Castle keeps a watchful eye over the route from its hilltop position. The quest passes by the castle before heading towards Priory Park, then later climbs up Castle Gate towards it, with a vista and information describing the Battle of Lewes near the top.

Anne of Cleves House

Anne of Cleves House brings a royal twist to the adventure. It is described as part of a settlement made when Henry VIII and his fourth wife Anne of Cleves parted. She was the second queen to be divorced, and although the house is named after her, she is said never to have visited.