Guide to Rye, East Sussex
Tudor charm, historic cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and just 10 minutes from the British seaside are a few reasons that Rye, East Sussex has become one of England’s best destinations. Relax with a peaceful beachside getaway, dine on some of the region’s best local produce, or pick up some pre-loved treasure at one of the town’s many antique shops for the perfect escape from the city.
The charming medieval town of Rye in East Sussex is quickly on the up among those looking for a quiet and lesser-trodden destination for a weekend break or easy day trip. Set on a sandstone outcrop surrounded by woven waterways, this small seaside town once played an integral role as one of England’s most important port towns.
Retaining many period features that add to the allure of this quaint settlement, cobbled streets are flanked by half-timbered homes and ivy-laden facades, the city walls still stand, with towers marking the entryway to the oldest parts of town.
With a burgeoning foodie scene, bargains to be found throughout the plethora of antique stores, and rich in maritime history, Rye, East Sussex is one of the best places to visit in England.
Where is Rye, England?
Rye is located in East Sussex in the southeast of England. Set around four miles from the southern coastline, it’s approximately nine miles from the larger town of Hastings and approximately a two-hour drive from London.
How to get to Rye?
Rye is well-positioned, whether you’re planning to use public transport or drive. Well connected to both London and nearby towns in the southeast of England, it’s one of the reasons the small town continues to grow in popularity as a top choice for a weekend city break.
How to get to Rye by car
From London to Rye
Around 67 miles from London, reaching Rye by car is fairly simple. Depending on where you’re heading from, the main routes follow either the M20 or A21, both of which connect with the M25. If you’re taking the M20, turn onto the A2070 near Wilesborough, or if travelling. on the A21, turn onto the A268 at Flimwell.
From Eurotunnel and Channel Ferry to Rye
Rye is located approximately 50 minutes from the Channel Ferry Port at Dover and the Channel Tunnel Rail Terminal at Folkestone. Take the M20 to Ashford Junction 10 and then the A2070 to reach Rye.
From Brighton and Eastbourne to Rye
From Eastbourne, leave town and take the A259 coast road to Hastings. Pass through Bexhill and Hastings, and follow the A259 towards Rye. From Brighton, jump on the A27 and follow until you meet the A259, then follow the directions outlined above.
How to get to Rye by Train
Reaching Rye by train is convenient and easy, especially if you’re travelling from London. With the fastest routes taking a little over an hour, it can be quicker to reach Rye by train than car, depending on where you’re departing from. Trains depart from both St Pancras in central London, and also Waterloo East station, with a connection usually required at Ashford International.
If you’re travelling along the south coast of England, there are services between Rye and Hastings with easy travel between the two towns.
The train station in Rye is a lovely Grade II listed building located at the back of the town, just a short walk from the high street and most of the accommodation and dining options in Rye.
When is the best time to visit Rye?
Rye can be lovely year round, however, summer is the best time to visit as Rye is located close to the sea and one of the UK’s best beaches at Camber Sands.
If you’re looking for a quieter time to visit, avoid bank holiday weekends and school holidays, instead focusing on the shoulder seasons in spring and autumn - either for seasonal blooms or the changing leaves.
Christmas in Rye can also make December a great time to visit, as the town hosts a locally operated Christmas Festival.
Best things to do in Rye, East Sussex?
WANDER DOWN MERMAID STREET | Half timbered houses, cobbled lanes and a haunted inn are some of the character charms of Mermaid Street. Regularly touted as one of the most Instagrammable streets in England, this chocolate box scene gently winds its way downward, skirted by tudor buildings including “The House with Two Front Doors” and “The House Opposite”. If you’re not already spending the night here, stop in at the Mermaid Inn for a pint in a good old fashioned British pub.
CLIMB THE TOWER OF ST MARY’S CHURCH | If you prefer to take in views of the town from high places, then head to the top of St Mary’s Church to overlook the red rooftops and across the woven waterways of the marshes beyond town.
GO ANTIQUE SHOPPING | If you have a penchant for discovering treasure among the wonky shelves of pre-loved wares, then the ratio of antique stores to residents in Rye should tickle your fancy. From converted buildings by the quay to the well-trodden High Street, there’s no limit to what you can find buried among the chinaware, vintage clothing, and bric-a-brac that fill the antique stores in Rye. Whether you’re looking for a vintage film camera or memorabilia of a bygone era, the opportunities are endless. Not sure where to start? A few antique stores in Rye worth mentioning include The Quay Antiques and Collectables, Needles Antique Centre, and Brocante.
HEAD TO LAMB HOUSE | Now owned and managed by the National Trust, this Georgian house has numerous literary associations including Henry James, E. F. Benson, and Rumer Godden. Tour the collections, hear about it’s ghostly sightings, and stop in for tea in the garden. It’s worth noting Lamb House is currently only open in the summer.
EXPLORE RYE HARBOUR NATURE RESERVE | One of the most important wildlife conservation sites in the UK, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve stretches across 450 acres of salt marsh, beach, and woodland. Seabirds including little tern and oystercatchers can be seen feeding, while the shore of nearby Camber Sands are quiet in the early morning. Explore the reserve via paths that crisscross marshes, freshwater gravel pits, and reed beds.
WINE TASTING AT TILLINGHAM | A mixed farm with a holistic approach dating back to the 13th century is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Organic wine and farm-to-plate dining have billed Tillingham as one of the new generation wineries that ensure your experience is sensational from start to finish. Set among 70-acres of picturesque rolling hills and woodlands with far reaching views along the Tillingham River valley, over the hilltop town of Rye, and beyond the salt marshes of Romey, you certainly come here for more than just the wine.
HANG BY THE SEASIDE AT CAMBER SANDS | Just 10 minutes from Rye, the shores of Camber Sands live up to their name as golden dunes stretch to the sea. Popular with families, the wide open spaces are popular for power-kiting, though be sure to check the tides as the shallows can extend a long way leaving a bit of a walk if you’re keen for a dip.
Where to stay in Rye?
Rye is a small town and most accommodation choices are within walking distance of all major activities and facilities. If you’re looking for the best hotels in Rye, these are my top recommendations.
Whitehouse Rye - ££
This charming bed & breakfast finds itself right in the heart of Rye High Street and it’s where we settled in for our weekend jaunt in this quaint port town. Six light and bright rooms offer a spacious stay above the bakery of the same name, the Grade II listed Georgian building features high ceilings and a minimalist style, but the real highlight here is breakfast - for obvious reasons!
The George in Rye - £££
What do you get when a set designer gives a hotel a new lease on life? Airy modern Georgianism. Boasting stays by A-list celebs including George Clooney and Helen Bonham Carter, you’re in good company if you choose to spend your stay in Rye at The George In Rye. Complemented by a local’s bar and gastropub, this charming 16th inn conversion is a luxurious delight.
The Mermaid Inn - ££
If a trip back to medieval era England is what you’re looking for, the Mermaid Inn is the stay for you. With its cellars dating back to the 12th century, the Mermaid Inn was rebuilt in 1420 and has hosted everyone from Shakespearean historians to ghost hunters. If all things spooky are your vibe, this hotel lays claim to being one of the most haunted inns in Britain.
The Fig - £££
Looking for an adults-only escape? Then one of the four rooms at The Fig, Rye is perfect. Each room is artfully designed at this boutique B&B, from mid-century modern to art deco and bohemian interior styling, stays feel cosy in one of the newest additions to Rye’s B&B scene.
However, if you’re looking for somewhere a little outside of town, then there are a few excellent choices available.
The Gallivant - £££
A stay at The Gallivant feels especially luxurious. Inspired by Californian road trips this design hotel offers a boutique stay overlooking the shores of Camber Sands. With a wellness spin on stays here, guests are encouraged to enjoy the fresh air, sand between their toes, and yoga sessions on site. With a house restaurant that serves exceptional gastronomic delights and the opportunity to participate in wine tasting from local English vineyards, you’ll come back feeling truly rejuvenated.
Tillingham - £££
If you’re looking for a stay a little out of town with a rustic feel, a getaway at Tillingham is the one for you. This working farm and biodynamic vineyard recently added lodging to the property, building on their already popular dining, farm shop, and vineyard offering.
The Blue House at Camber Sands - £££
Step directly onto soft sand from the beautiful glass beachfront house set on the shores of Cambers sands with a stay The Blue House. A luxury holiday home sleeping up to eight people, you’ll benefit from the best of both worlds with the beach on your doorstep and just a stone’s throw from the dining and shopping options in Rye.
The Tides Beautiful Cottage at Camber Sands - £££
This beautiful, airy holiday home is just moments from the sandy dunes at Camber Sands, offering a fantastic stay for groups and families. Allowing stays for up to nine people, modern design and a light-filled conservatory ensure you will enjoy a peaceful stay close to Rye.
Where to eat in Rye?
Rye is home to a burgeoning gastronomic scene from brilliant brunches to modern fine dining, you’re sure to find something for every palate. Here are some of my top recommendations, whether you’re in Rye for a few hours, or a few days.
WHITEHOUSE BAKERY | There’s good reason this bakery is award winning. From brunches that satisfy even the hungriest of guests to the delicious rotation of sweet and savoury bakes good on display in the bakery cabinet, Whitehouse Rye is not to be missed when in town. Start your day with a wholesome breakfast offering from yogurt and granola to eggs any-which-way, or pick up a loaf to take home with you. My top tip is not to leave it too late, the popularity of this Rye High Street establishment means products are out the door like hotcakes (pun very much intended).
THE FIG | Fresh, healthy, and inventive is how The Fig describe themselves, and they aren’t wrong. Small plates designed to be shared are the focus of the rotating seasonal menu here that takes inspiration from local produce and international flavours to bring together a sophisticated-yet-casual dining experience. From brunches to dinner, independent cafe The Fig is one of the top picks for dining in Rye.
LANDGATE BISTRO | The only restaurant in Sussex to feature in the Where Chefs Eat compendium, Landgate Bistro is housed in interconnected Georgian shops at the quieter end of town. A modern bistro which favours local and foraged ingredients from nearby woodlands and waterways, you can expect dishes that are seasonally prepared, whether it’s wild blackberries and mushrooms in autumn or rhubarb and asparagus in the spring.
WEBBE’S AT THE FISH CAFE | In a town filled with rickety half-timber buildings and cobbled streets, Webbe’s is a rather more modern take with large arches windows that allow for a light-filled warehouse-esque approach to the grade listed building. If the name is anything to go by, you’d be right to assume this establishment specialises in all things seafood. Serving market-fresh fish from the local ports of Rye and Hastings, it’s one of a few restaurants in town to celebrate February’s Scallop Week celebrations.
THE GLOBE INN MARSH | Situated away from Rye High Street on Military Road that leads to the marshlands, The Globe Inn Marsh’s ‘sheep-shack chic’ interior is accompanied by a warm hospitality you can only get outside the big cities. Whether you choose to cosy up by the fireside in winter or dine al fresco with friends in summer, the homecooked-inspired dishes are ever popular.
And to drink?
RYE WATERWORKS MICROPUB | The first micropub to open in East Sussex, The Rye Waterworks Micropub is a brilliant find for ale, beer and cider enthusiasts. The building that houses this micropub was originally a water pump house for 300 years before being used as a soup kitchen from the 1890s. Now, the small and cosy space is home to much bric-a-brac – that can be purchased, all you need to do is ask – in an antique store-cum-local watering hole. Serving up a wide selection of locally brewed ales and beers, as well as a wide variety of non-sparkling fruit ciders, you can easily while away a few hours here. I tried quite a few half pints of the ciders and the Sicilian Lemon was a big hit with both of us, as was the mango.
