Nestled along the scenic coastline of East Sussex, Rye is a picturesque town brimming with history, culture, and natural beauty. It is only a couple of hour’s drive south of London, making it an ideal weekend escape.
With its cobbled streets, historic architecture, and timeless charm, Rye effortlessly transports visitors back in time. But on our recent weekend visit, we found that this picturesque town offers far more than just its looks. From its charming galleries, local nature reserve, and impressive medieval castle, Rye is brimming with interesting things to do and see.
Read on to discover the best sights, activities, and tips for planning your own unforgettable weekend in Rye.
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The top 9 best things to do on a weekend in Rye
Historic Rye
Our weekend in Rye began with a leisurely stroll through the charming old town, a must-visit for anyone exploring this quintessential English town. Rye perfectly captures the essence of historic England, with its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, centuries-old pubs, and intriguing secret passageways.
To make the most of your visit, arrive early to enjoy the winding streets without the crowds. Along the way, you’ll discover picturesque cottages, traditional pubs, and cosy tea rooms serving up afternoon tea.
For panoramic views across the rooftops and surrounding countryside, climb to the top of St. Mary’s Church bell tower.
Lamb House
Rye is a historic town and brimming with fascinating landmarks and attractions, offering a glimpse into its rich past. One of the most significant sites is Lamb House, located on the corner of West Street and now managed by the National Trust.
This Grade II listed Georgian house was once the home of renowned American author Henry James, who wrote several of his celebrated works in the garden room. Over the decades, Lamb House has welcomed illustrious visitors, including King Henry III, and has been a source of inspiration for literary figures such as E.F. Benson, author of the Mapp and Lucia series.
Mermaid Street
Mermaid Street, undoubtedly the most famous of Rye’s picturesque streets, lived up to our expectations. With its charming cobblestones, historic buildings and timeless appeal, it’s no wonder that visitors flock here for the perfect photograph.
At the top of Mermaid Street stands the iconic Mermaid Inn, a Tudor masterpiece rebuilt in 1420 after much of Rye was devastated by fire. Today, this ancient inn is a luxurious hotel and restaurant, preserving many of its traditional features, such as timber beams and secret passageways.
Mermaid Street also boasts a quaint café, but we couldn’t resist crossing over to The Old Grain Store Café, where we indulged in some delicious homemade lemon cake and tea.
Strand Quay
One of the most relaxing things to do in Rye’s town centre is to explore its quirky independent shops and art galleries.
At the foot of Mermaid Street, we discovered at Strand Quay, a haven for vintage enthusiasts and collectors. Here, we browsed the charming bric-a-brac and antique shops, reliving fond memories as we stumbled upon items from our childhood.
From retro toys to timeless homeware, Strand Quay provides a nostalgic shopping experience that’s perfect for a trip down memory lane.
Rye Harbour
Beyond Rye’s idyllic town centre, there’s plenty to see and do in the surrounding area.
One destination worth a visit is Rye Harbour, located just two miles from the heart of town. You can walk from the town centre to the harbour, but the route takes you through an industrial estate, which isn’t the most scenic option. Instead, we opted to drive and found convenient parking at the Rye Harbour car park.
Upon arriving, we strolled to the RNLI Lifeboat Station, passing the popular Bosun’s Bite Café before reaching the River Rother, where families were busy crabbing along the riverbank. We stopped to admire the boats, before continuing on to explore the nearby Rye Harbour Nature Reserve.
Rye Nature Reserve
If you enjoy walking and nature, a visit to Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is a must during your visit Rye. This expansive Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) spans miles of wetlands, salt marshes, freshwater gravel pits, and sand dunes. Thanks to its diverse habitats, the nature reserve supports an impressive array of wildlife, including over 4,200 species of plants and animals.
We followed one of the way-marked trails, which winds through pits and lagoons. The flat terrain makes it ideal for hikers, cyclists, and families. Along the way, we spotted a variety of sea birds and enjoyed a closer view from one of the bird-watching hides.
If you want a longer walk, the reserve offers a circular route that extends to the historic Camber Castle.
Camber Castle
Another fantastic walk near Rye is the scenic route to Camber Castle, a historic gem just outside the town centre.
The quickest way to reach the castle is via a mile-long walk starting from the Brede Sluice at the corner of Rye Harbour Road. This easy trail winds along a tranquil stream before crossing the sheep fields, so makes a pleasant escape to the countryside.
Camber Castle was constructed by Henry VIII, as part of his coastal defence strategy against potential French invasions. However, over time, as the castle became landlocked and distanced from the sea, it lost its strategic importance.
Today, this medieval fortress is managed by English Heritage and welcomes visitors for free during daylight hours. Although the castle’s interior is currently closed for conservation reasons, visitors can still walk around the exterior and peer through the gate for an idea of what it would have looked like. The solid stone walls have stood the test of time and offer a glimpse into the castle’s former glory.
Winchelsea Beach
Just a short walk west of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve lies Winchelsea Beach, a peaceful, unspoiled stretch of coastline. This long, pebbly beach features groynes stretching out on the shoreline. However, as the tide recedes, patches of sand merge, offering a perfect spot to relax.
Unlike some of the other more commercialised beaches nearby, Winchelsea remains refreshingly natural, making it ideal if you want to escape the crowds. We enjoyed a lovely picnic on the beach and spent our time collecting seashells.
Whilst there isn’t an official car park at Winchelsea, there’s ample layby parking along Pett Level Road, just a short walk from the beach.
Camber Sands
On the second day of our weekend in Rye, we took a trip to Camber Sands, just 3 miles east of the town. There’s a car park right in front of the beach, making it a hassle-free destination for a day out.
As the name suggests, Camber Sands boasts an expansive, 5-mile stretch of golden sand, making it one of the most stunning beaches in East Sussex. Set against a backdrop of rolling sand dunes, it’s not only a picturesque spot but also the only sand dune system in East Sussex, playing a vital role in preserving local wildlife and habitats.
When the tide is out, the beach gets even larger, offering vast stretches of sand where you can walk far out into the sea without it reaching knee height. However, you need to be careful of the hidden sand banks, which can be dangerous. Always stay within the designated safe bathing area, which is patrolled by lifeguards.
Watch out for the sea gulls. We met this very cheeky one, who went in our bag and helped himself to our banana cake!
The top 4 best things to do near Rye
Visit Battle Abbey
If you’re staying in Rye, there are plenty of other incredible places to visit nearby. One of the top attractions is Battle Abbey, located just 15 miles from Rye, about a 30-minute drive away.
At Battle Abbey, you can explore the beautiful grounds and immerse yourself in the rich history of the 1066 Battle of Hastings. The attraction is very family-friendly and offers a fascinating insight into one of the most pivotal moments in English history.
A day trip to Dungeness
Just 13 miles east of Rye, Dungeness in Kent makes for another fantastic day trip.
This National Nature Reserve boasts the largest shingle beach in Britain, creating a diverse and thriving habitat for a variety of wildlife.
Dungeness offers a truly unique experience, combining natural beauty with an industrial backdrop. Despite being located by the imposing Dungeness Nuclear Power Station the area retains a distinct charm, which draws visitors year-round.
Dungeness is known for its striking landscape, featuring two lighthouses, desolate fishing boats, and quirky wooden cabins. It’s a popular destination for photographers and nature-lovers.
Explore Bodiam Castle
History enthusiasts will love a visit to Bodiam Castle, a stunning 14th-century fortress built to defend the area from French invasions during the Hundred Years’ War.
Now managed by the National Trust, Bodiam Castle is often considered one of the prettiest castles in the UK. It retains many of its original features, including the moat, stone towers, and portcullis, giving visitors a true sense of medieval history.
You can explore the well-preserved ruins, climb the iconic stone towers for breathtaking views, or enjoy a scenic riverside walk through the picturesque grounds.
A day out in Hastings
Another fantastic day trip from Rye is to the vibrant seaside town of Hastings. Just a short drive away, Hastings offers a mix of history, culture, and coastal charm.
You can explore the historic fishing area, wander through the cobbled streets of the Old Town, or walk along the new pier.
Alternatively take one of the funicular railways up to the two hills to visit Hastings Castle, enjoy Smugglers Adventure or explore Hastings Country Park. With so many attractions, Hastings is perfect for visitors of all ages.
Planning a trip to Hastings? You can read all about our family weekend in Hastings for more tips and inspiration.
Planning your weekend in Rye
Getting to Rye
Driving to Rye
Rye is easily accessible by car and is perfect for a weekend getaway from London. From the M25, follow the A26 and then A21.
London to Rye train
Trains from London to Rye depart regularly from St Pancras International station. There is one change at Ashford International.
The train journey to Rye takes less than 1.5 hours, so is ideal for a day trip from London or weekend break.
Where to stay in Rye
Have you ever considered an overnight stay in one of Rye’s historic houses, for a truly unique experience?
The Mermaid Inn is perhaps Rye’s most famous historic house, offering a stay with a rich history. Its timber beams and Norman cellars dating back in the 12th century completely add to its charm. Situated at the heart of Rye’s historic centre, it provides the perfect base for exploring the town.
For a stay in a 15th century building, consider The Tea House, another historic accommodation nestled in the heart of Rye. Its old-world character combined with modern comforts offers an unforgettable experience.
If you prefer something with a more contemporary décor, The Tailor’s Flat is a stylish top-floor apartment on Rye High Street.
For those who prefer staying outside of town, we enjoyed two nights glamping in a yurt at Freshwinds Farm in Pett, just 7 miles from Rye. This idyllic campsite offers a peaceful setting, making it an ideal base for visiting Rye and nearby beaches.
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