Best Things to Do in Rye - An Incredible Town in East Sussex
The Mermaid Inn on Mermaid Street, Rye
On the South Coast of England lays the small town of Rye, a quaint English town filled with medieval history and beautiful nature. The historic town of Rye has a wealth of adventure within its cobblestoned streets which is why tourists from all over flock to Rye to explore the beautiful town and its sandy shores. In this post, I will help you discover the absolute best things to do in Rye and guide you on creating an unforgettable trip.
A Brief History of Rye
Rye’s medieval past can easily be seen throughout the town and its designation as one of the Cinque Ports was a defining feature of this history.
The Cinque Ports were a collection of 5 Ports located in British coastal towns. They were established to defend the nation against French attacks and provide aid to the crown when necessary.
Primarily the Cinque Ports were used for military and trade purposes during the 13th century. In turn for their assistance, they were allowed special privileges, which helped the Cinque Ports develop and thrive during the Middle Ages.
Another aspect of the history of Rye is its smuggling past. Stories of smuggling along the south coast further excite the town's maritime past. Rye’s notorious smugglers were said to have used secret passages and hidden tunnels to transport their contraband. These tales enhance Rye's already extensive past with a sense of mystery.
Mermaid Street
A stroll down the picturesque Mermaid Street is an essential part of any trip to Rye. This charming cobblestone street with its row of timbered houses instantly transports you back in time. It was once the main route from the River Brede into the old town of Rye. Mermaid Street is thought often thought to have been used by smugglers as they went about their secretive business.
It's easy to get distracted by the beautiful architecture on Mermaid Street, so, don’t miss out on visiting the Mermaid Inn while walking this beautiful street. This historic establishment is a Grade II listed building that originally dates back to the 12th century. An incredible traditional interior and charming atmosphere are the most defining characteristics of this ancient inn.
The Mermaid Inn prides itself on this medieval atmosphere and has several areas where diners can enjoy their meal such as the Giants Fireplace Bar, The Tudor Bar, or the Walled Patio. These different areas of the Mermaid Inn with their attention to detail, make it feel as if you are dining in medieval England. The Mermaid Inn is a popular spot, so you might need to make dinner bookings in advance depending on the time and day.
With over 600 years of stories to share, the Mermaid Inn is one of the most historic pubs/guesthouses in England. It has become an iconic photo spot for anyone looking to visit Rye, and visiting is a must even if you just admire its beautiful exterior architecture.
Old Town of Rye
The thing I liked most about Rye is that it offers the full old town experience. Meaning that you can find historic architecture, museums, and even afternoon tea rooms. All of this is set within the beautiful cobblestoned streets of this tiny town.
Street view in the old town of Rye
The Rye old town area hosts many independent shops and small businesses. Visiting these shops and cafes is perhaps one of the best ways to enjoy the Rye old town. Some of the best places to experience afternoon tea are the Cobbles Tea Room and the Apothecary Coffee House.
If you're looking for something a bit more substantial than tea and scones, then the Mermaid Street Cafe offers delicious food with a great atmosphere. Some other awesome restaurants in Rye, are the Mermaid Inn, Hoof, and the Fig.
Antique Shops in Rye
In addition to its art galleries and tea rooms, Rye offers a delightful shopping experience, with charming antique shops and boutiques lining its cobbled streets. Some of the best antique shops are located within the old town such as Wishbarn Antiques, Rye Emporium, and Halcyon Days Rye.
These are just a few that I know of, however, Rye is well known for its antique shops and there are so many great antique shops to explore just within the town. Antique shops are the highlight of the old town area, so even if you are not a fan of antique goods, I recommend you take a look as you might find some interest in Rye's antique stores.
St Mary's Parish Church Tower
St Mary's Church is a beautiful medieval church that was built in the 12th century. The Parish Church is a Grade I listed building which is located in the old town of Rye, making it hard to miss.
A climb up St. Mary's Church Tower is a must-do activity for anybody looking for a bird's-eye view of Rye and the surrounding countryside. The top of the tower presents you with stunning views of the old town of Rye which are difficult to find elsewhere in this small town.
The price of admission is just £4 and it is a very easy sight to visit. It also presents some great photo opportunities of Rye, as you can capture some awesome moments from the unique vantage point of St Mary Church.
Rye Heritage Centre
The Rye Heritage Centre is the go-to destination for those who want to learn more about the town's rich history. A must-see attraction in the Rye Heritage Centre is the famous Rye town model, a hand-built 1:100 scale model of Victorian Rye of the old town of Rye.
The Rye Town model is displayed through a sound and light show, which tells the story of Rye Old Town during the Victorian period. The miniature representation of the town allows visitors to experience the unique charm of the old town and get a better idea of what Rye looked like during the Victorian Period.
The tickets for the sound and light show and reasonably priced at just £4.50 for an Adult ticket, so I highly recommend the Rye Heritage Centre as it is one of the best things to do in Rye, especially for those who want to know more about the history of Rye.
Rye Castle Museum: Ypres Tower
Explore Rye's history in greater depth by going to the Ypres Tower and Rye Castle Museum, which include several fascinating historical exhibits. Ypres Tower served various purposes over the centuries, including as a military fortification, a prison, and a storage facility. The tower also played a crucial role as a defensive structure during war times.
Within the museum, you can explore prisoner cells, Admire a medieval herb garden, and see old artifacts like a prisoner's lamp and other medieval exhibits. You can also learn about the history of the Ypres Tower and how it was commissioned by Henry III to assist in defense against the French.
The Rye Castle Museum and Ypres Tower offer an interactive journey through the history of Rye and are definitely worth visiting. With an adult admission fee of £5.00 and free entry for children under 16 accompanied by an adult, the museum offers an accessible and engaging journey at a great price. You can find more visitor information through their website.
Lamb House
Lamb House is a National Trust property associated with famous authors such as Henry James and E.F. Benson. While residing in Lamb House, Henry James wrote several of his masterpieces, including “The Wings of the Dove” and “The Golden Bowl”.
The Green Parlour was used by the famous authors Henry James and E.F. Benson as a writing room. It is the only room in the house that is associated with the works of Henry James. The room was continually used by National Trust tenants including many other famous authors like Montgomery Hyde, Rumer Godden, and Brian Batsford Cook.
Entry to Lamb House is £8.50 for adults and £4.25 for children, with free admission for National Trust members. This outstanding National Trust Property provides an immersive experience to learn about literary legends and the sources of inspiration for some of their most well-known works.
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve Adventures
A trip to the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is a must for anybody who loves the outdoors. This birdwatching haven is home to over 280 recorded bird species, making it one of the best places in East Sussex for birdwatching.
The Rye Harbour Nature Reserve also hosts diverse habitats such as freshwater gravel pits, lagoons, shingle ridges, woodland, and salt marshes. This unusual blend of ecosystems is what makes Rye Harbour so unique and a popular travel location for wildlife enthusiasts.
With its network of paths, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is perfect for walking and cycling, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the beauty of the landscape in Rye Bay. Keep an eye out for the famous “Little Red” hut, a landmark of the landscape that has been in the reserve since 1904.
The Rye Harbour nature reserve is Easily accessible by car or on foot from Rye and Winchelsea, the nature reserve is a fantastic day trip for those looking to connect with the great outdoors. It is easily one of the best natural landscapes in the East Sussex region. Overall, I highly recommend the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve for those looking for stunning coastal views and incredible birdwatching.
Best Places to Stay in Rye
The Mermaid Inn Hotel is housed within the same building as the Mermaid Inn, and it is a very popular place to stay in Rye. Rooms feature antique furniture and a luxury medieval atmosphere, which is unique and hard to find in hotels today. Of course, the location is great, right in the town centre on Mermaid Street, but the prices are slightly higher than some other hotels. However, I do recommend the Mermaid Inn if your budget permits it.
There are of course plenty of other guesthouses, small hotels and countryside hotels available too. Many of these hotels and guesthouses are great and the overall standard of accommodation in Rye is very good.
Local Art Galleries
Rye is home to a thriving arts scene, with numerous art galleries and antique shops lining its cobblestoned streets. Rye has several great galleries, such as the Rye Art Gallery, Purdie Gallery, and Ryebank Gallery. Many of these galleries feature work by local artists and are a great way to explore the art scene in Rye.
Camber Castle
Camber Castle, also known as Winchelsea Castle is an artillery fort built by Henry VIII. The 16th Century Device Fort was built near the town of Rye and designed to defend the East Sussex coast from French invasion.
Visitors can explore the castle's brick-vaulted tunnels and defensive fortifications while learning about the history of East Sussex. The fort is located within Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and is accessible via a 1-mile walk from Rye through the nature reserve.
Entry to the castle is cheap, at just £3.00 so it is surely worth the visit if you are exploring the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and looking for unique things to do in Rye.
Relax at Camber Sands
Camber Sands Beach is a beautiful sandy beach located along the East Sussex coastline. Despite its name, the beach is not located close to Camber Castle and is actually a bit far from the main town of Rye.
This slightly secluded beach is worth traveling to, and in my opinion, Camber Sands is one of the best beaches to visit near Rye. It's the perfect place for beach walks, picnics, and building sandcastles.
Camber Sands has the only Sand Dune system in the East Sussex region. This means it's a great opportunity to experience a different type of beach, as most beaches near Rye are pebble beaches.
Camber Sands Beach is more on the quiet side and the sand dunes and natural beauty make it a great place to get away from the business of nearby towns. Overall Camber Sands is the perfect beach day location, whether you want to hang out in the sun, play in the sand, or simply take a stroll down the shore.
Hastings - East Sussex
Hastings is a historic seaside town in East Sussex which is conveniently located within a short drive or train journey from Rye. The beautiful town offers a day trip filled with adventure and history, including a charming old town, scenic beach, beautiful pier, and scenic hilltops. I highly recommend visiting Hastings if you're looking for things to do in Rye.
A day trip from Rye to Hastings is a very popular way to experience Hastings. By car, the journey is only 30 minutes and by train just 20 minutes. This makes it super convenient to visit Hastings from Rye and if you have already seen everything in Rye then why not venture out to Hastings.
Is Rye UK worth visiting?
Rye is a beautiful and well-preserved medieval town packed with things to do. It is within easy reach of London and makes a great day trip or weekend getaway. Overall I think Rye is certainly worth visiting.
What is the famous street in Rye?
Mermaid Street in Rye is one of England's most picturesque streets, it is renowned for its 15th-century timber-framed houses. This famous street has become Rye's most popular tourist attraction.
Does Rye have a market day?
Yes, Rye has a market day. It takes place every Wednesday at Strand Quay.
What is Rye Town Known For?
Rye is widely known for two aspects of the town's history. It's first being the historic Cinque Port, which is known today as Rye Harbour. The second historical attribute Rye is most famous for is being a literary hotspot, having been home to the likes of Henry James, EF Benson, Joseph Conrad, and HG Wells. It is also the location of Lamb House, a National Trust property that was frequented by numerous famous authors.
What is the best way to explore Rye's rich history?
For a truly immersive experience of Rye's rich history, you should explore attractions like the Rye town model, Mermaid Street, Rye Castle, St. Mary's Church Bell Tower. Walking Rye's cobblestoned streets is also a great way to experience its rich history. While walking pay attention to the town's historical landmarks like the town hall and other old buildings.
Overall Thoughts on Rye
Rye, East Sussex is an interesting region of Southern England. The area is significantly historic while also being blessed with unique natural beauty. I believe Rye reflects this so well, the old town of Rye shows us its amazingly well-preserved history, whilst the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve displays its incredible nature. Even if you were to just visit one of the many sights in the area, I still highly recommend visiting Rye especially as it offers so many things to do in a convenient location.