Must do
Directly opposite St. Mary’s Church. Seconds to Ypres Castle. Minutes to: Lamb House, Kino Cinema, Shops, Inns and Restaurants – Rye has something for everyone.
Beaches
Are you sand or pebbles? Camber has miles and miles of golden sands and dunes. Hire bikes, take a picnic from Rye Deli, it’s lovely to cycle there. For an untamed beachscape, Dungeness has impressive shingle ridges, amazing wildlife and Derek Jarman’s Prospect Cottage is there too. Or for low-tide rock pools, head to Pett Level taking in Winchelsea on the way.
Tip: Looking to kitesurf or windsurf, discover Rye Watersports
Culture
Curious to learn about Rye’s centuries-old stories, history is speaking to you everywhere. Simply walking the windy cobbles, immersing in Mermaid Street, visiting St. Mary’s Church, the Heritage Centre or the Castle Museum will transport you back in time. Also check out Rye’s annual calendar of festivals celebrating everything from Jazz and the Arts to Christmas and the Sea.
Tip: Rye is packed with literary associations, discover Lamb House home to the novelist Henry James
Shopping
For interiors. For Art. For vintage or antiques. For unusual gift ideas. Even for hats. Rye is full of interesting and imaginative not-on-the-high-street independent shops. You could spend a day having a satisfying browse discovering all sorts of treasures off the beaten track.
Tip: Hunter Jones The Kind Table Sailors of Rye to name but a few favourites
Food
There’s so many tempting choices. Freshly caught fish off the boats. Farm shops and Rye Deli for picnics and stocking up the fridge at Hucksteps with local produce. Not to be missed is the inventive, healthy menu at The Fig or a night in with fish and chips from Marino’s. Don’t forget to explore the eclectic mix of inns, pubs and bars.
Tip: The Whitehouse for the most delicious lunches and the Ypres Castle Inn for craft beers and real cider. Enjoy!