With its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, one-of-a-kind shops, and centuries-old inns, Rye charms at every turn. If you’re planning a holiday in Rye, the following guide will help you enjoy the perfect day in this captivating medieval town.
Morning
In our opinion, all Rye short breaks should start at The White House where you can order the best coffee in town. Enjoy the aroma of freshly baked bread while you plan your day in this charming town – this contemporary cafe has its own in-house bakery. Be sure to try the sourdough!
Next, make your way to Rye Heritage Centre. It’s home to the unique
Story of Rye Town Model Sound and Light Show, which tells Rye’s history with a beautifully crafted model of the town.
Mid-Morning
Hunt for speciality gifts among Rye’s quaint boutiques, antique shops, and bookstores where you can shop for souvenirs as a memento of your rye holiday. There’s a treasure trove waited to be discovered!
At the eclectic home furniture store Mccully & Crane (on Cinque Ports Street), you’ll find everything from religious artefacts and taxidermy to furniture, posters, and original artwork.
If you’re looking for one-of-a-kind antiques and upcycled furniture, try Halcyon Days on The Strand. Vinyl collectors will love Grammar School Records – located on High Street in a red-brick building (previously a school), this musical mecca has around 20,000 LPs!
Midday
Rye’s history-filled streets are just begging to be explored. Start at The Ypres Tower at Rye Castle, believed to date back to the early 14th century, then wander along the cobbled streets of Mermaid Street, gazing up at its creaking half-timbered houses.
Next, head towards West Street and stop by Lamb House. This Georgian manor is the former residence of author Henry James, who was visited here by literary acquaintances, including HG Wells and Rudyard Kipling.
Steps away, you’ll find the 12th-century St. Mary’s Church where you can climb up the bell tower for sweeping views across Rye’s red-tiled rooftops.
Lunch
After a morning of sightseeing, you’re bound to have worked up an appetite, so why not treat yourself to lunch in one of the town’s charming pubs. Head to The Ship Inn for wonderful fish and chips, or The Standard which is renowned for its amazing Sunday roasts. The Rye Waterworks Micropub is a must-visit for its fantastic selection of local beers and ciders.
Afternoon
Walk off your lunch with a stroll around Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. This wildlife haven is home to 4,500 species of plants and animals – including over 150 rare or endangered species.
Bird watchers are in for a treat, too. There are more than 280 bird species to look out for here, with famous feathered residents including breeding colonies of the rare Little Tern, the Common Tern, and the Sandwich Tern.
Alternatively, a 10-minute drive to Camber Sands will provide you with the perfect setting for a coastal walk along the golden shores. This beach was recently voted by Time Out magazine as one of the best 25 beaches in the UK. This huge route sprawls for nearly five miles, and it’s been used as a location for Hollywood blockbusters, including Dunkirk and The Monuments Men.
Evening
As the light fades and a chill sets in, explore the dark and mysterious streets of Rye on a guided ghost walk. Tours can be booked at Rye Heritage Centre and will take you through 900 years of history in one of England’s most haunted towns.
Here, you’ll learn about the town’s grisly murders, haunted buildings, and spooky sightings that will be a memorable activity during your Rye holiday. The tour also includes access to the 18th-century Town Hall and Attic, where you’ll come face-to-face with the skull and gibbet cage of the infamous Rye murderer John Breeds.
Holidays in Rye
Inspired to take a holiday in Rye? Our stylish cottages are the perfect home base for your next trip. They’re situated just a 10-minute drive from Rye and just a stone’s throw away from the beach. Book your stay with us today!
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