Lewes sits high on the Sussex Downs, its steep medieval streets climbing to the ruins of an impressive Norman castle. The town has a strong independent character with numerous bookshops, antique dealers, and the famous Harvey's brewery producing traditional ales since 1790. Lewes is known for its spectacular Bonfire Night celebrations, the largest in the country, and was home to Tom Paine, author of The Rights of Man. Glyndebourne opera house sits in the nearby countryside.