Now a peaceful and picturesque community of 600 people, Winchelsea was once a major hub for the medieval wine trade and a town of national importance.
A rare example in England of a settlement laid out on a grid pattern, offering vistas along wide, straight streets even to this day. Winchelsea’s medieval stone-vaulted cellars are famous, with regular guided tours throughout the summer months.
Explore a townscape rich in characterful houses, with three medieval gates, one of the best medieval church buildings in Sussex, a museum, primary school, pub, shop and beautiful views of the sea and open country on all sides.
Use this website to find out more about our history and our status as the smallest town in England to have its own mayor. Find more about our role in the life of the Cinque Ports. You can book cellar tours and look up contacts for all the organisations and activities that flourish in this far from sleepy place.
