5 reasons to visit… Rye
The medieval town of Rye, perched on a hilltop in East Sussex, is so pretty you’ll hardly believe it’s real!
1 GO FOR A WANDER
Amble around this picturesque old town and take your time to explore its pretty streets and alleyways. There are cobbled lanes, narrow passages, ‘secret’ steps and hidden areas of green. Be sure to walk down the historic – and steep – Mermaid Street, spotting quaint names such as The House Opposite and The House with the Seat. Then explore St Mary the Virgin church, stopping to look at its 16th-century tower clock, and head down to the old harbour, known as The Strand.
2 HIT THE SHOPS
Rye is packed with great shops, selling everything from luxury goods and hand-made crafts to new and secondhand books and quality fashion. Ceramics fans should visit Rye Pottery, while music lovers should head for Grammar School Records, sited – as the name suggests – in an historic 17th-century school building. And antique lovers will be spoilt for choice, with furniture, glass, jewellery, china and other bits and bobs on sale everywhere.
3 TAKE A SWIM
On a sunny day, take the short trip out to Camber Sands, a stunning stretch of sandy beach where you can relax and gaze at the sea. If you do fancy a dip, the gently sloping beach by the car park is safe for swimming. You can also enjoy more adventurous activities, such as windsurfing and sailing.
4 EXPLORE LOCAL HISTORY
Rye is the perfect destination for history buffs. The town has been a Cinque Port since the Middle Ages, and everywhere you look there are stunning medieval, Tudor and Georgian buildings. Rye Castle, also known as Ypres Tower and built in 1249 as a defence against the French, is well worth a visit. And literature fans will enjoy a visit to Lamb House, a Georgian house that was home to both Henry James and EF Benson.
5 ENJOY A LITTLE CULTURE
Art and photography galleries are plentiful here. Check out Rye Art Gallery, which has a changing display of contemporary art and crafts to view and buy, as well as its permanent collection. The boutique Art & Soul Gallery also houses contemporary art, while Purdie Gallery has photos, prints, posters and greetings cards. For film fans, there’s a stylish cinema, Kino Rye, on Lion Street.