Information

The Charleston Trust, Charleston, Firle, Lewes, East Sussex BN8 6LL

Events: Small Wonder main events are held in an atmospheric grade 2 listed barn. Events in the barn last just over an hour, unless otherwise stated, and will normally be followed by a book signing session.

Outsider Events: ‘Outsider’ events have been designed to complement the main festival programme. Our Arabian tent is the creative hub for these fringe, family-friendly events.

What to Bring: Due to the nature of both venues it can become slightly chilly, particularly for evening events, so warm clothing is recommended.

Book Shop/Author Signings: Run by City Books, Hove, and stocking a wide range of related book titles. Most speakers will be signing after their event.

Festival Bar & Charleston Café: A range of refreshments, including light lunches, warming soups, drinks and delicious cakes, will be available from the fully-licensed festival bar in the barn and also the main Charleston café. The bar will remain open until the end of the last event.

Charleston Shop: Open throughout the festival and stocking a wide range of Bloomsbury-inspired books, ceramics, textiles, jewellery, prints and gift ideas.

GETTING HERE

Charleston is halfway between Brighton and Eastbourne, only six miles east of Lewes, off the A27

Minibus shuttle service: Our festival shuttle bus, runs to and from every event (including Outsider events) from Lewes train station right up to our front door. Tickets are just £3 return and can be exchanged for a free bottle of Harvey’s beer on arrival. Shuttle Bus Timetables & Information (incl. connecting train times) available HERE.

Rail: There are regular trains from London Victoria, Brighton and Eastbourne to Lewes. Visit www.nationalrail.co.uk. Taxis are available at Lewes station.

By car: Look out for signs along the A27. Allow some additional time for parking – access to Charleston is via a single lane farm road and traffic flow will be controlled at peak times.

Car parking is free but can be a short distance from the festival venue, so practical footwear is advised. As on-site parking is limited visitors are encouraged to think green and car share where possible or consider using the minibus shuttle service.

Access: There are designated disabled parking spaces. The barn (including the box office, bar and bookshop) is accessible to wheelchair users, though some surfaces may be slightly uneven. An induction loop is fitted in the barn auditorium for the hard of hearing.

The Arabian Tent is in an orchard with no footpath. For further information or to request assistance please contact 01323 811626 or email festivals@charleston.org.uk

Local Information: For accommodation and other local information contact the Lewes Tourist Information Centre on 01273 483448.