Charleston
Charleston
4.3
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Opening times 10am–5pm, Wednesday–Sunday/Bank Holiday Monday About Charleston Charleston is a place that brings people together to engage with art and ideas. The modernist home and studio of the painters Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, Charleston was a gathering point for some of the 20th century’s most radical artists, writers and thinkers known collectively as the Bloomsbury group. It is where they came together to imagine society differently, and has always been a place where art and experimental thinking are at the centre of everyday life. Today, we present a dynamic year-round programme of exhibitions, events and festivals. We believe in the power of art, in all its forms, to provoke new ways of thinking and living.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.3
522 reviews
Excellent
312
Very good
122
Average
35
Poor
34
Terrible
19
Mick D
Chichester, UK8 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
OK let me get it off my chest right away. It's too expensive. Entry for my wife and I to the house and gallery was £51 before a single cup of coffee, food or guide book let alone the cost of actually getting there. Charleston Enterprises do offer concessions but not for OAP's which I would have thought formed a major element of their foot-fall. They obviously know this too and price accordingly. But was it worth it ? Get past the unwelcoming smell of septic tanks and the answer for me was yes.
The house and contents are of course totally unique. A seemingly untouched time capsule of a period and life style so highly regarded by today's computer driven and pressurised society. It felt spiritual; akin to entering an old, slightly run down village church. It immediately says welcome and please treat me seriously as I am very special.
It's quite a small house and merits the timed viewing schedule they impose ( with sensible flexiblity ). There's lots to see and intrique. Paintings and painted decoration surround you in a delightfully laid back way. No glossy retouching and picture varnishes here just the honest patina of lives well lived and now carefully maintained.
There are no intrusive modern interpretations within the house. No signage, spotlights or " Do not touch " signs with reliance placed instead on a team of friendly room guides who are equipped to deal with any questions and obviously love the house and their roles in it.
The decoration is naturally the principal attraction. It really is as if the occupants had just popped out and you half anticipate their return. Furniture, crockery, pictures, blankets, thread bare carpets etc etc are all there and each with an intimate association with their original owners. A time warp is the best description and which no TV production or theatre set can adequately replicate. If you enjoy the period it is a must see.
The tour of the house ends with the entrance to the walled gardens. They are absolutely delightful. Quite compact they are expertly and casually laid out with fruit trees and shrubs with almost every inch filled wth traditional country garden varieties of flowers with Hollyhocks in particular ( early July ) looking quite stunning.
The Galleries disappointed. I was expecting to at least see some examples by the very famous artists who lived at Charleston and who forged its international reputation. Instead the two new gallery rooms ( very modern and well lit ) were showing work by the celebrated British painter Matthew Smith ( beautifully presented cascades of colour and movement ) together with work by modern artist Anne Rothenstein.
The cafe is housed in a separate converted building adjacent to the house and offers an excellent range of beverages and snacks.
All in all a very enjoyable visit but rather too expensive for this Senior who would also have liked to see better examples of the work of the artists who lived, worked and played there.
The house and contents are of course totally unique. A seemingly untouched time capsule of a period and life style so highly regarded by today's computer driven and pressurised society. It felt spiritual; akin to entering an old, slightly run down village church. It immediately says welcome and please treat me seriously as I am very special.
It's quite a small house and merits the timed viewing schedule they impose ( with sensible flexiblity ). There's lots to see and intrique. Paintings and painted decoration surround you in a delightfully laid back way. No glossy retouching and picture varnishes here just the honest patina of lives well lived and now carefully maintained.
There are no intrusive modern interpretations within the house. No signage, spotlights or " Do not touch " signs with reliance placed instead on a team of friendly room guides who are equipped to deal with any questions and obviously love the house and their roles in it.
The decoration is naturally the principal attraction. It really is as if the occupants had just popped out and you half anticipate their return. Furniture, crockery, pictures, blankets, thread bare carpets etc etc are all there and each with an intimate association with their original owners. A time warp is the best description and which no TV production or theatre set can adequately replicate. If you enjoy the period it is a must see.
The tour of the house ends with the entrance to the walled gardens. They are absolutely delightful. Quite compact they are expertly and casually laid out with fruit trees and shrubs with almost every inch filled wth traditional country garden varieties of flowers with Hollyhocks in particular ( early July ) looking quite stunning.
The Galleries disappointed. I was expecting to at least see some examples by the very famous artists who lived at Charleston and who forged its international reputation. Instead the two new gallery rooms ( very modern and well lit ) were showing work by the celebrated British painter Matthew Smith ( beautifully presented cascades of colour and movement ) together with work by modern artist Anne Rothenstein.
The cafe is housed in a separate converted building adjacent to the house and offers an excellent range of beverages and snacks.
All in all a very enjoyable visit but rather too expensive for this Senior who would also have liked to see better examples of the work of the artists who lived, worked and played there.
Written 6 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beverly
27 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
This is a must visit for anyone interested in the Bloomsbury circle or 20th century British art generally, and the garden even in late August was still a riot of colour and joy. This is a unique experience, with much left exactly as it was when Quentin Bell last lived there. I've seen many photographs of the painted rooms and the art collection, but none prepared me the real thing. I've been to other artists' homes, but Charleston is very special.
I paid extra for the morning guided tour (9.45am), and highly recommend. We were a group of 10, and the guide was very knowledgable and able to answer all questions. She was excellent. She also recommend Berwick church, which is only a few minutes away. I hadn't know about it, but it has wonderful murals by Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell. Well worth a detour.
I paid extra for the morning guided tour (9.45am), and highly recommend. We were a group of 10, and the guide was very knowledgable and able to answer all questions. She was excellent. She also recommend Berwick church, which is only a few minutes away. I hadn't know about it, but it has wonderful murals by Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell. Well worth a detour.
Written 28 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pauline H
11 contributions
Jul 2024 • Friends
We loved the whole experience! Went as part of a group which was split into two to view house and gardens. Thought the room stewards were very knowledgeable and of course very protective of the interior which cannot be replaced (see other negative reviews). Loved the menu on offer at the cafe and would visit again if in the area even though not visiting the house. Try to combine with a visit to the nearby Berwick Church with the art of Bloomsbury artists interior.
Written 27 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The_Coach55
Ruislip, UK1 433 contributions
Feb 2025 • Solo
Charleston is situated in the village of Firle which is just off the A27 around seven miles to the south east of Lewes.
I took the ‘Art Bus’ from outside the Charleston in Lewes, which took around 15 minutes.
I purchased a day bus ticket for £3.50 and I returned to the Towner in Eastbourne on it after my visit.
The house was inhabited by the Bloomsbury Set and there is plenty to view in the rooms especially paintings, ceramics and furniture.
There were guides in most rooms who were able to answer any questions.
Unfortunately none of the paintings are labelled so it wasn’t possible to discover the artists although I imagine most were by Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell.
The surrounding gardens are pleasant with an allotment style plot with a scenic pond.
I visited the exhibition by Cedric Morris and Arthur Lett-Haines in an adjacent building which was good which included paintings by their pupils from Benton End including Maggi Hambling.
The on-site cafe was reasonably good too.
The previous day I visited the Charleston property in Lewes which had an even better collection of art.
The two exhibitions currently on show are Collecting Modernism : Pablo Picasso to Winifred Nicholson and Grayson Perry : A Temple For Everyone.
Both were excellent especially the Grayson Perry ceramics, maps and tapestries.
Great value for £7.50 with an Art Fund card.
Unfortunately the same cannot be said for Firle. Despite having the aforementioned Art Fund card, I appeared to be charged the full price of £26.50.
I queried this with the lady on the desk at the
special exhibition and she initiated a partial refund for me (not sure how much as it hasn’t come through as yet).
In any event, I found the admission prices generally quite steep at Firle and it wasn’t altogether clear what you were entitled to view for your admission fee.
I took the ‘Art Bus’ from outside the Charleston in Lewes, which took around 15 minutes.
I purchased a day bus ticket for £3.50 and I returned to the Towner in Eastbourne on it after my visit.
The house was inhabited by the Bloomsbury Set and there is plenty to view in the rooms especially paintings, ceramics and furniture.
There were guides in most rooms who were able to answer any questions.
Unfortunately none of the paintings are labelled so it wasn’t possible to discover the artists although I imagine most were by Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell.
The surrounding gardens are pleasant with an allotment style plot with a scenic pond.
I visited the exhibition by Cedric Morris and Arthur Lett-Haines in an adjacent building which was good which included paintings by their pupils from Benton End including Maggi Hambling.
The on-site cafe was reasonably good too.
The previous day I visited the Charleston property in Lewes which had an even better collection of art.
The two exhibitions currently on show are Collecting Modernism : Pablo Picasso to Winifred Nicholson and Grayson Perry : A Temple For Everyone.
Both were excellent especially the Grayson Perry ceramics, maps and tapestries.
Great value for £7.50 with an Art Fund card.
Unfortunately the same cannot be said for Firle. Despite having the aforementioned Art Fund card, I appeared to be charged the full price of £26.50.
I queried this with the lady on the desk at the
special exhibition and she initiated a partial refund for me (not sure how much as it hasn’t come through as yet).
In any event, I found the admission prices generally quite steep at Firle and it wasn’t altogether clear what you were entitled to view for your admission fee.
Written 17 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Judith C
9 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
Came to see the Cedric Morris/ Arthur Lett Haines exhibition. I’ve been many times to Charleston - the house, garden, festival and numerous exhibitions. I thought Charleston might have done some training with their volunteers who, locally, have become notorious for being horribly rude and patronising - My last couple of visits the staff/ volunteers were young, helpful and cheerful. However on this visit I was confronted at the gallery by what I can only call an officious gatekeeper, whose first words after Id asked for two tickets, was to pointedly say “to the exhibition?” . Well, where else, I was in the gallery foyer. Her tone was that of a reprimand to an idiot who’d used the wrong grammar. It got worse - when I came to pay by card, she demanded a surname and email, which I refused, asking why? She couldn’t say anything except I couldn’t go in without giving a name because the system required it. So I decided to pay cash and was refused. At which point the volunteer/ receptionist said in a very patronising tone “You’ve not been to Charleston before have you?”. I told her I had, many times, and had never been required to give a name to buy a ticket, which she cast doubt on. I nearly walked out at this point but was keen to see the paintings and gave my first name. I’m quite appalled that this sort of attitude passes as customer service, but sadly it’s not the first time I’ve experienced it at Charleston, having done the house tour twice with visiting friends who have been shocked at the suspicious and patronising guides who rush you through the rooms.
Frankly my viewing at the exhibition was tainted by the experience. But I’d give the art 5 stars and the gallery reception/ volunteer 1 star.
Frankly my viewing at the exhibition was tainted by the experience. But I’d give the art 5 stars and the gallery reception/ volunteer 1 star.
Written 21 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Douglas M
Nashville, TN19 contributions
Aug 2024 • Friends
Important site for lovers of British painting and the Bloomsbury Group. The garden danced in the sun, begging to be photographed and painted. We took the Surrey Art Bus from Eastbourne because we wanted to encourage Green Tourism and because the Charleston website offered a discount. We were told, however, that because we bought exhibition tickets we were not eligible, despite the clear statement on our tickets that both “entry to the house and exhibitions” would be discounted 15%. I consulted a room steward, who also stated that we were ineligible. The savings would have been only £3 or so, but the Green Discount ruse left me cross and vexed.
Written 2 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I am sorry you had this experience. You would definitely be eligible for your green traveller discount, and we would love to discuss more and rectify this for you. Please email info@charleston.org.uk so we can look into this further with you.
Best wishes
Visitor Experience Manager
Written 8 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lynne L
2 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
We visited on a warm day when the garden was in full bloom. The house is a charming time capsule as many others have commented. In the kitchen stands a large vintage Westinghouse fridge from the 1950s or 60s - it’s a brand I remember from my own childhood. It has a wonderful enormous metal lever handle - I was overtaken with curiosity to see the layout inside - so I opened it gently, then shut it gently. I heard a voice from the corridor exclaiming ‘Somebody’s playing with the fridge!’ and a guide descended to give me an apoplectic ticking off. I apologised. A few minutes later in another room, my husband backed into a wooden chair to make way for someone and got ticked off and apologised. I agree that for preservation visitors shouldn’t handle objects, but perhaps a reminder should be made at reception? And put a sign or a lock on the fridge. That would save the guides (or as another reviewer has called them ‘guards’) from the need to scold paying visitors.
Written 16 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gfsc5
Perth, Australia1 912 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
My wife had Charleston at the top of her list for somewhere to visit when we were staying in Lewes for a few days. As the driver, and husband, I also made the visit. We had booked tickets before we got there and we were one of the first into the house.
Before that, though, we had a wander through the walled garden. One word summary - stunning. Plants in bloom all over the place. A riot of colour. I took so many great photos I could fill a book. A perfect time to visit.
The house itself was fascinating and with the many rooms having friendly and knowledgeable volunteers if any information was required. I certainly learnt a lot from my questions.
Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant lived in the house for many years and it's filled with their artwork and painted furniture and the like. Very quirky. Not quite my style but I found it fascinating. Lots and lots to look at.
We didn't bother with the exhibition area or the cafe but did have a facility stop at the very clean toilets.
If you want to visit a quirky house with lots of colour and artwork, Charleston would be a good option. It's a fascinating place and with a fascinating story attached. I spent a chunk of time that night on Wikipedia checking out the life and times of all the people involved in Charleston and Bloomsbury.
Recommended.
Before that, though, we had a wander through the walled garden. One word summary - stunning. Plants in bloom all over the place. A riot of colour. I took so many great photos I could fill a book. A perfect time to visit.
The house itself was fascinating and with the many rooms having friendly and knowledgeable volunteers if any information was required. I certainly learnt a lot from my questions.
Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant lived in the house for many years and it's filled with their artwork and painted furniture and the like. Very quirky. Not quite my style but I found it fascinating. Lots and lots to look at.
We didn't bother with the exhibition area or the cafe but did have a facility stop at the very clean toilets.
If you want to visit a quirky house with lots of colour and artwork, Charleston would be a good option. It's a fascinating place and with a fascinating story attached. I spent a chunk of time that night on Wikipedia checking out the life and times of all the people involved in Charleston and Bloomsbury.
Recommended.
Written 20 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Josepha M
190 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
I have always wanted to go to Charleston after reading about the Bloomsbury Group as a teenager. I was not disappointed when I finally visited. The house is unique. It is not large. Duncan Grant and Vanessa Bell left their mark on every room ; there are hand painted walls, painted furniture, strange ceramics and original light fittings dotted among the books and paintings. A visit to Charleston makes the visitor feel they are entering the world of the Bloomsbury group. The volunteers are friendly and keen to explain. After the house we walked around the garden filled with apple trees and flowers. And then visited a temporary exhibition of Matthew Smith and Patrick Heron. And then had a delicious focaccia lunch in the cafe. On the advice of the shop assistant we then visited Berwick church nearby which is decorated by Duncan Grant, Vanessa Bell and Quentin Bell.
Written 16 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nina C
London, UK104 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
We visited on a gloriously sunny day. The house is packed with an eclectic mixture of artwork by Vanessa Bell, Duncan Grant & their friends. The volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable & contribute to the wonderful friendly atmosphere. The gardens are a real delight - lots to explore & enjoy.
Written 26 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How can you get to Charleston from Alfriston without a car?
Written 29 August 2016
I think there is a bus which runs along the main a27 road and then it's a walk to Charleston from there of about 15 minutes I would say.
Written 4 September 2016
We are staying at a hotel in Blooomsbury in London on great Queen's Street. Which train station will take us to Lewes and how often to the trains run? Once we are at Lewes Station, is it more convenient to take a bus or a taxi Vanessa Bell's house; We need to be back at Lewes Station by 3: to catch the coach to Glynedebourne for a 6;20 opera performance. It it possible to do all of this in one day?
Written 24 July 2016
Charleston
Lewes, United Kingdom
Dear Elizabeth,
Thank you very much for your question - we would be very happy to welcome you to Charleston.
Trains run from London Victoria to Lewes at regular intervals. Please look at the National Rail Enquiries website to consult for train times. Our House and Garden open from 12:00 midday. I would strongly recommend booking tickets online to Charleston to ensure you can enter the House at your preferred time; you should have no trouble going onwards to Glyndebourne later in the afternoon. While some buses run, they are not very frequent and may not co-incide well with your train time arrival - a taxi would afford greater flexibility in your schedule. They cost around £20. You might like to consider getting a taxi directly to Glyndebourne after your visit here, as Glyndebourne is located between Lewes and Charleston so this would save you doubling back on your journey. I hope this is helpful - please do get in touch again if we can help further.
Camilla Clark
Assistant Visitor Manager
Written 28 July 2016
Yes please, how long does it take from London by train and what is the cost? Cosf of entry to house?
Written 30 May 2016
Charleston
Lewes, United Kingdom
Dear Robyn,
Thanks for your question. Trains go from London Victoria to Lewes and take around 75 minutes. From Lewes you can get a bus to Charleston, but the timetable is quite infrequent so we recommend checking in advance. TripAdvisor unfortunately does not allow me to post you a link, but there is a link on our website for the bus timetable. On some days you may find it easier to take a taxi, which may cost around £20-£25 depending on traffic, etc.
We recommend booking our House tickets online, which cost £13.50 for Adults with Gift Aid. If you use Public Transport, we offer a 'Green' concession rate.
We look forward to your visit!
Written 10 June 2016
I am planning to visit on a Sunday in June from London by train. Can I get a taxi at Lewes train station and how much is the fare? Since there is no guided tour on Sunday, can one stay as long as one pleases or are visits restricted in terms of duration?
Written 5 May 2016
Charleston
Lewes, United Kingdom
Many thanks for your enquiry. There is a taxi rank from the top exit of Lewes Station. I would estimate this may cost approximately £20. You may like to book a taxi in advance with a local firm who can give you a fixed price or more accurate estimate.
On Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays the House has volunteer Stewards in each room to help bring everything to life. While we ask that you follow a particular route around the house where possible, you are very welcome to take as much time as you like while in the House.
We recommend booking your tickets online through our website to avoid disappointment on the day as we do limit the total number of visitors to the house. This both protects our fragile collection and allows visitors to enjoy the House without overcrowding.
We will look forward to welcoming you to Charleston in June and If we can help any further please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Kind regards,
Camilla Clark
Assistant Visitor Manager
Written 28 May 2016
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