Book Club Weekend In Lewes
Join us for a lovely weekend of literary chats. This weekend getaway will give you a chance to get together with other book-lover members and spend a few days in a cosy house.
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DATE
3rd - 5th October 2025 -
DURATION
2 nights -
ANNUAL LEAVE
1 day off work -
GROUP SIZE
up to 8 women -
LOCATION
Lewis, United Kingdom
WHAT WE LOVE ABOUT THE BOOK CLUB RETREATS
Our Book Club retreats have been so lovely, so it was obvious that we wanted to create a weekend for our book lovers again! We loved the engaging discussions, the chance to reconnect with friends, and meeting new faces. The cozy atmosphere and lively conversations made it all unforgettable. We can’t wait to create more great memories with you this October!
THE PLAN
ITINERARY
THE AREA
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEET YOUR HOST
THE PLAN
Do you ever feel that there is so much more you could discuss about the novel you’ve just read? Do you want to spend more time chatting to fellow members but the regular book club events are just not long enough? Or are you completely new to the book club and never attended an event before?
This weekend getaway will give you a chance to get together with other book-lover members and spend a few days in a cosy house in Lewes. The conversation can keep on going while sitting around the dinner table, or over a glass of wine.
Lewes is full of antique emporiums, boutique shops, and bustling cafes. From the house to the centre of Lewes is just a 15 minute stroll and you are just a 5 minute walk away from the stunning South Downs National Park.
ITINERARY
Day 1 – We are aiming to take the same train from London to Lewes, East Sussex. Once the group is confirmed we will try to find a suitable train for all attendees. We will spend the late afternoon settling into our charming accommodation, then walk to the centre for a drink and a bite to eat. If you can’t take time off from work, you are of course also welcome to join in the evening.
Day 2 – We will stock the kitchen for you with all breakfast essentials, so you can start the day as slowly as you wish. In the morning there is a chance to wander around town or visit the Lewes Castle, you may also go for a shorter or longer walk in the Southdowns National Park.
In the afternoon, we will have a conversation about the book.
You may want to book dinner at The Dill, one of Lewes’s standout new restaurants – the chef brings experience from top London kitchens, and the menu celebrates seasonal ingredients with a creative twist.
Day 3 – Enjoy breakfast at the house. Go for a walk or explore the independent shops of Lewes. Have a pub lunch locally before heading back to London on the train.
THE AREA
Lewes Town is full of quirky, independent shops, so you’re sure to find some unique finds or antique treasures. From flea markets to design-led lifestyle stores, a day shopping here is a real treat.
There is a small food market selling fresh, local produce, takeaway nibbles and light meals suitable for a picnic. From smoked fish to homemade bread, from local cheese to oriental dim sum.
Lewes Castle is a small but perfectly formed Norman castle set above this delightful Medieval town.
Lewes Town is situated close to the South Downs National Park and is a gateway to several country walks from each end of the town. It’s the perfect starting point for walks over the South Downs and along the banks of the River Ouse. For a detailed guide to country walks, pick up one of the free “Lewes Walks – Town & Downs” maps from the Tourist Information Centre.
For a less of a hike, you may visit the Lewes Railway Land Nature Reserve which is situated a few minutes walk from Lewes railway station alongside the River Ouse. This 25-acre nature reserve boasts four different water habitats and an abundance of wildlife. Perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Some local dining options:
Enjoy the Swan Pub for local dining, visit Ground Coffee House, a tiny but excellent independent coffee shop or Flint Owl Bakery for lovely cakes.
You may want to book dinner at The Dill, one of Lewes’s newest upmarket joint – the chef worked previously at The Ledbury, a 2 Michelin star restaurant.
As always, we will give you the opportunity to explore on your own or with the group. And of course, we have some great recommendations for you.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
What’s included:
2 nights in a house
Breakfasts
Breakfasts
Snacks for the house
Hosting by the lovely Denise
Not included:
Train tickets
Insurance
Lunches and Dinners
Lunches and Dinners
MEET YOUR HOST
Denise is the current host of the Merit Book Club, and has been an avid book lover for years. She is so excited to share her love of books about empowered women with the Merit Club community. She is a native New Yorker who moved to London in 2019. Outside of Book Club, she loves culture trips, food and watching figure skating.
SEE WHAT THE LADIES SAID OF OUR PREVIOUS TRIPS
I had such an amazing experience in Morocco with the girls! I wanted to visit this country for years and good time never came up. I was also conscious of travelling there by myself, so when the chance came along to do so with the Merit club, I could not refuse it. The thorough organisation by Nati and Krisztina left me in full confidence that we will be in good hands and will have the best time, and so we definitely did! I will go on the next trip in a heartbeat 💛 huge thank you! 🙏
Nati and Krisztina planned the most amazing holiday! All the women who attended the trip were truly wonderful, and I felt so comfortable with everyone, even though we were strangers! The locations selected were gorgeous, and the activities were fun, accessible, and affordable. I'd happily go on another Merit Club trip!
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ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
The house hosting our Book Club weekend is located in one of the most sought after areas of Lewes, a beautifully furnished property, intimate yet spacious. Thanks to its location on a cul-de-sac, it provides tranquility and privacy.
With two reception rooms downstairs, the house has a lovely generous feel to it, and there are large flat screen TV’s in two different rooms, both with complimentary Netflix and Amazon Prime video. 250mb internet allows those needing to work, a reliable high speed connection.
There is off-street parking for one car, and easy free parking on the street outside for further parking (no permit required).
There are 6 bedrooms in total, with two large bathrooms and a downstairs toilet. The kitchen and the dining room can easily accommodate our group.
PRIVATE ROOM
Double Bedroom
PRIVATE ROOM
Single Bedroom
SHARED ROOM
Twin Bedroom
The Shared room is £320, the Private single room is £370. while the Private double room is £430. The Prices quoted are per person.
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