The pretty UK town with a unique history - including forming its own currency

Just a stone's throw away from Brighton, the East Sussex town of Lewes, famed for its own currency, offers a charming getaway. The historic town is often linked with the Lewes Pound, a local currency launched in September 2008 as a response to climate change and peak oil challenges. While this unique currency can be spent in around 100 local shops, Lewes has much more to offer.

Historical attractions

Lewes boasts a rich history waiting to be discovered. One standout location is the Round House. Bought by Virginia Woolf in 1919 for a mere £300, this former windmill was intended to be her and her husband's residence, until they bought another property nearby, reports the Mirror.

Another historical home of note belonged to Henry VIII's fourth wife. After King Henry divorced Anne of Cleves, she was given this medieval house, although she never lived there. Visitors can wander through the well-preserved interiors, which include a Tudor kitchen and a bedroom featuring a four-poster bed.

The house also features a garden, inspired by traditional Tudor planting schemes, complete with shrubs, herbs and fruit trees. General admission is priced at £6.60 per adult. Overlooking the medieval streets below stands Lewes Castle and its accompanying museum. Offering panoramic views, the castle and Barbican House Museum delve into Sussex's archaeological history.

Admission is priced at £10 per adult.

The town also boasts the renowned Bull House, once the residence of radical thinker Thomas Paine - the revolutionary writer and intellectual inspiration behind the American Revolution. The house offers pre-booked tours on Thursdays, or general admission for £5 per adult from Friday to Sunday.

Additionally, keep an eye out for twittens - narrow paths or passages iconic to Sussex - when exploring the towns' independent shops and pubs.

Other attractions

If history doesn't pique your interest, there are plenty of other attractions for visitors to explore. The Pells Pool is the oldest documented freshwater outdoor public swimming pool in the UK.

The Pells is particularly interesting as it is unheated and fed by a nearby spring. Sessions cost £3.70 per adult, per hour.

Another unique feature of Lewes is Audioways - a free QR trail around the district telling a range of stories from local ghosts and wartime pig adoption to the fascinating history of the chalk and flint local to the area.

For those with children, Blackberry Farm offers go carts, swing boats, zip slides and tractor rides for a fun-filled day out. The farm also has a variety of animals.

Alternatively, Harvey's Brewery provides a great escape for adults visiting Lewes - it is the oldest independent brewery in Sussex.

Places to stay

One accommodation option is the Hovel at Housedean, a former animal shelter that has been transformed into a self-catering holiday cottage. Nestled on a working farm in the South Downs National Park, it's just outside Lewes and a short distance from Brighton.

For larger groups, The Grain Store offers luxury holiday accommodation for up to six guests. It prioritises green energy sources where possible.

Rates vary from £365 to £625 per night, depending on the season. When it comes to dining, Lewes boasts an array of options, from quick bites to hearty pub meals. It's also home to the first Bills restaurant in the UK.

Flint Owl Bakery, located in the heart of Lewes, is a unique spot that avoids chemical additives, improvers or fats in its doughs. Visitors can enjoy their baked goods in a dog-friendly courtyard garden.

For gourmet British cuisine, visit The Bull, a historic pub dating back to the 16th century. It serves up classic pub dishes as well as specials featuring local produce.

Alternatively, The Grumpy Chef is a bistro/café offering locally sourced, ethical, sustainable and seasonal fish.

For wine enthusiasts, the Ridgeview Wine Estate is a must-visit. Known for producing some of the world's finest sparkling wines, their products have been served by the Queen and Gordon Ramsey, and were recently chosen as the official supplier for Downing Street receptions.

Tours are priced at £20 per person and require advance booking.