The White Hart - A Heartwood Inn Lewes Exterior photoThe White Hart - A Heartwood Inn Lewes Interior photoThe White Hart - A Heartwood Inn Lewes Interior photo

Book The White Hart - A Heartwood Inn in Lewes, East Sussex

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From$89 /night
Check-in
09Jun
Check-out
10Jun
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

High Street, Lewes, BN7 1XE
-
Near Lewes Castle
Great
8.7
9.4
/10
1.0
/5

Historic 16th-century coaching inn in central Lewes

History and Character

The White Hart is a 16th-century former coaching inn that served as the cradle of American Independence. Thomas Paine forged his radical policies in the inn's debating club, and his pamphlet "Common Sense" inspired the Declaration of Independence. The building's listed status means there is no lift and no on-site parking.

Dining and Entertainment

The hotel offers a restaurant set within a Georgian antique oak-panelled room that serves British cuisine. Guests can enjoy characterful lounges with open fireplaces and live music throughout the week. An outdoor terrace provides views of the South Downs.

Leisure and Wellness

An indoor heated swimming pool and a well-equipped gym are available for hotel guests. The on-site leisure club offers spa treatments and aqua fit sessions. These facilities are separate from the historic main building.

Accommodation and Rooms

Rooms include four-poster beds and have been refurbished while retaining original wood beams and sloping floors. The hotel offers categories such as Snug, Comfy, and Really Comfy rooms. Guests receive a handwritten welcome note, Roberts radio playing classical music, and pillow spray in the room.

Location and Nearby Attractions

The White Hart sits centrally on Lewes High Street, a short walk from Lewes Castle & Barbican House Museum. South Downs National Park and Brighton Marina are within a few miles. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from Lewes railway station, which connects to Glyndebourne via a bus service.

Highlights

History: Cradle of American Independence (Thomas Paine)

Leisure: Heated indoor pool, gym, spa treatments and aqua fit

Dining: Georgian oak-panelled restaurant with British cuisine

Location: Central Lewes, near castle and railway station

Pet-friendly: Pet baskets and bowls provided

“The recent refurbishment is evident throughout, creating inviting spaces from the bar to the dining terrace where the views are truly something to behold. Rooms are a calm sanctuary, thoughtfully appointed with incredibly comfortable beds and quality touches, while the staff consistently prove attentive and genuinely welcoming. It's a place that feels both characterful and expertly managed, making for a thoroughly pleasant stay.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Ukeastsussex

Select your room type

The White Hart - A Heartwood Inn offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
  • Really Comfy
    2 persons
    22 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Heating
    Coffee machine
  • Snug
    2 persons
    18 m²
    1 Double bed
    Heating
    Shower
  • Comfy
    2 persons
    20 m²
    1 King-size bed
    Heating
    Coffee machine
Show all rooms

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!
June 2026 - June 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

The White Hart - A Heartwood Inn offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences
Facilities: Great
8.7/10Review score

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi in public areas
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • Pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access

Sports & Fitness

  • Golf course

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Pet amenities available
  • Housekeeping
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Restaurant
  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Special diet menus

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

  • Sun terrace

Room features

  • Heating
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
Show more

Dining Onsite

The White Hart - A Heartwood Inn offers an inviting array of dining experiences, steeped in traditional British culinary heritage. Guests can enjoy wholesome meals in a cozy setting, embracing comfort and authenticity across all meal times.
The White Hart - A Heartwood Inn Lewes Restaurant photo
The White Hart - A Heartwood Inn Lewes Restaurant photo
The White Hart - A Heartwood Inn Lewes Restaurant photo

Restaurant

British
Ambiance
Traditional with beautiful stone fire places and exposed wooden beams.
Key Offerings
Enjoy a hearty continental breakfast or delightful options for lunch and dinner, catering to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free preferences.
Reservation
Not required.
Breakfast served on weekdays from 7:00 AM to 9:30 AM; lunch and dinner available throughout the day.

The White Hart - A Heartwood Inn Location

High Street, Lewes, BN7 1XE
Explore Lewes
Local Highlights
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Lewes Castle & Barbican House Museum
5-minute walk
Historic castle offering insight into local heritage. Features exhibitions and panoramic views from the battlements.
Southover Grange Gardens
6-minute walk
Beautiful gardens with a mix of historic and modern design. Ideal for a peaceful stroll among the flowers.
Priory Ruins
10-minute walk
Remnants of the medieval priory showcasing stunning architecture. A captivating site with rich history.
Lewes Priory Park
11-minute walk
Spacious park perfect for family picnics and leisure. Features paths for walking and beautiful green spaces.
Cliffe Hill Hiking
25 minutes' walk
Challenging hike offering breathtaking views of the South Downs. Ideal for adventurous travelers.
Malling Down Nature Reserve
25-minute walk
A serene escape to enjoy gentle walks amidst diverse wildlife. Perfect for relaxation and nature lovers.
Ask Italian
1-minute walk
Casual dining with a vibrant atmosphere. Known for its wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta dishes.
The Rights of Man Pub
1-minute walk
Traditional English pub with hearty meals. Specializes in local ales and classic pub fare.
Carafe Coffee Roasters
2-minute walk
Cozy café offering artisanal coffee and baked goods. A great spot for a relaxing morning or afternoon break.
The Depot Cinema
10-minute walk
Independent cinema showcasing a mix of mainstream and indie films. Family-friendly and hosts special events.
Cliffe High Street
6-minute walk
Vibrant street with shops and cafes. Hosts occasional live music events, perfect for an all-age outing.
Getting around
  • City Centre
    Lewes 9 min  ·  700 m
  • Airports
    London Gatwick (LGW) 74 min  ·  49 km
    Southampton (SOU) 172 min  ·  114.6 km
  • Train
    Lewes Train Station 5 min  ·  400 m
    Southease Train Station 8 min  ·  5 km
  • Bus
    Bus stop 8 min  ·  5.3 km
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 15:00-23:59
Check-out
until 11 am
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of GBP16 per person per day.
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are allowed on request.
Year renovated:
2012
Number of rooms:
23
Former name
The Legacy White Hart Hotel

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The White Hart - A Heartwood Inn from previous guests about their experience.
Review score
Based on 615 verified reviews
9.0 /10
Perfect
90 %
Recommend
Breakfast
8.9/10
Cleanliness
9.0/10
Comfort
9.1/10
Facilities
8.7/10
Free WiFi
9.0/10
Location
9.5/10
Paid Wi-Fi
8.7/10
Staff
9.2/10
Value for money
8.2/10
Pros
Period hotel character
Comfortable beds
Thoughtful personal touches
Excellent restaurant food
Cons
Warm rooms
Cramped bathrooms
Stair accessibility
Inattentive staff
Guest reviews
based on 425 reviews
8.7/10
No reviews yet on our siteUnfortunately, our guests have not yet left any reviews for this hotel, but you can read reviews from Booking.com.
Open reviews
Check-in
09Jun
Check-out
10Jun
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room