Things To Do In Rye
LOCAL AREA
CULTURAL HERITAGE
GARDEN & STATELY HOMES
EATING OUT/TAKEAWAYS
LOCAL EVENTS
WALKING & CYCLING
SPORTS & OTHER ACTIVITIES
FAMILY FUN
LOCAL AREA
RYE
Camber 5 miles; Hastings 12 miles; Battle 16 miles.
Rye is a 13th century cinque port in East Sussex, host to the River Rother, Romney Marshes and a history dating back before the Norman Conquest.
A cobbled town offering an excellent array of unusual shops, antique emporiums, galleries selling local artist paintings and pottery, Rye also has a delightful range of tea rooms, restaurants, pubs and historic inns. There is also a weekly general market on Thursdays, as well as a farmers’ market every Wednesday morning.
The town played host to BBC film crews for nine weeks in the summer of 2014, while filming of the TV series Mapp and Lucia took place, which has now been made into a DVD. All coastal scenes were filmed in nearby Camber Sands and bits of filming also took place in Hastings and the Tenterden Town railway station.
Carpenters Cottages
Carpenters Cottages are located near the villages of Udimore and Winchelsea in East Sussex, both about a mile away. The main town of Rye is 3 miles away and Hastings is 13 miles away.
Willow Cottage was created in the summer of 2016 by Nina Mahaffey, with Birch Cottage coming on board in 2022 to provide holiday accommodation to visitors to the area. They lie in the grounds of Carpenters Meadows which was built in 1967. From 1988-2002 Spike Milligan, the well-known comedy genius, author and poet lived at Carpenters Meadow.
The incredible views to the South span from Dungeness nuclear power station in the East (15 miles) over the English Channel, the citadel hill of Winchelsea village to the town of Hastings in the West. The sandy beach of Camber Sands lies near Rye (3 miles) while the pebble and sandy beach of Winchelsea is the closer. (1 mile)
Walkers and birdwatchers can enjoy a footpath leading across the marshes to Camber Castle built by Henry VIII. Local attractions include miniature or full-size steam train rides, local vineyards, stately homes, castles, gardens and beaches, including the beautiful nearby Camber Sands.
Artists and photographers will especially enjoy the scenery; big skies, winding roads, and picturesque villages with ancient inns and tea shops. A truly relaxing and wonderful holiday destination.
The Legend
Carpenters Meadow and its cottages lie on ‘Dumbwoman’s Lane’. According to the local legend, an unfortunate lady who lived there had her tongue cut out during the times when smuggling was rife in the area from the 15th to the 19th century. Whether it was as punishment for notifying the local customs officers to the deeds of the notorious ‘Winchelsea smugglers’ or to prevent her alerting them after witnessing them, the truth is unclear. The signs ‘Dumbwoman’s Lane’, at the top and bottom of the lane are frequently used as photo spots and occasionally taken away completely by visitors apparently.
Hastings
Hastings is a historic town and borough in the county of East Sussex, within the historic county of Sussex, on the south coast of England. The town is located 24 mi (39 km) east of the county town of Lewes and 53 mi (85 km) south east of London, and has an estimated population of 90,254,[2] which makes it the 66th largest settlement in the United Kingdom.[3]
Historically, Hastings can claim fame from the Battle of Hastings, and later because it became one of the medieval Cinque Ports.
Hastings was, for centuries, an important fishing port; although nowadays less important, it still has the largest beach-based fishing fleet in Europe. The town became a popular spot for 'taking the waters' (therapeutic bathing in the sea) in the 1760s, and then, with the coming of the railway, a seaside resort.
Winchelsea
Winchelsea is a small town in the non-metropolitan county of East Sussex, within the historic County of Sussex, England, located between the High Weald and the Romney Marsh, approximately two miles (3 km) south west of Rye and seven miles (12 km) north east of Hastings. The town stands on the site of a medieval town, founded in 1288, to replace an earlier town of the same name, sometimes known as Old Winchelsea, which was lost to the sea. The town is part of the civil parish of Icklesham.
It is claimed by some residents that the town is in fact the smallest town in Britain, as there is a mayor and corporation in Winchelsea, but that claim is disputed by places such as Fordwich. The mayor of Winchelsea is chosen each year from amongst the members of the corporation, who are known as freemen, rather than being elected by public vote.
Winchelsea Church
The first recorded mention of the church of St Thomas in Old Winchelsea came in 1215.It was named in honour of the Martyr, Archbishop of Canterbury, who was murdered in his own Cathedral in 1170. The town was then a flourishing seaport on the shingle, but in 1250 it was battered by a phenomenally high tide which ‘flowed twice without ebbing with a horrible roaring and a glint as of fire on the waves.’ Thirty-seven years later further floods virtually destroyed the town and changed the course of the River Rother.
Spike Milligan’s famous grave ‘I told you I was ill’, albeit in Gaelic, lies at the North end of the Winchelsea cemetery which often draws a small crowd.
Winchelsea town should not be confused with Winchelsea beach, the latter being the houses along the coast road. Winchelsea town likes to consider itself the upmarket end with many of its aged inhabitants coming from the professional classes.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
Rye, a picturesque town in East Sussex, offers a wealth of activities for visitors. Begin your exploration at the historic Rye Castle Museum, where you can delve into the town's medieval past. Wander through the charming cobbled streets of Mermaid Street, lined with quaint cottages and antique shops. Visit the iconic Rye Harbour Nature Reserve for a peaceful escape, ideal for birdwatching and scenic walks. Climb the tower of St Mary's Church for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Finally, indulge in local culinary delights at the many cosy cafes and traditional pubs scattered throughout this enchanting town.
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GARDENS & STATELY HOMES
Rye and its surrounding area are home to some of the most beautiful gardens and stately homes in East Sussex. Great Dixter House and Gardens, just a short drive from Rye, showcases stunning horticultural displays, designed by the renowned gardener Christopher Lloyd. The gardens are a vibrant tapestry of colour and texture, with unique plantings and meticulously maintained borders. Lamb House, located in the heart of Rye, was once the residence of writer Henry James and features a delightful walled garden. Nearby, the enchanting gardens of Sissinghurst Castle, created by Vita Sackville-West, offer a series of intimate garden rooms, each with its own distinct character. These historic homes and gardens provide a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, making them must-visit destinations for any garden enthusiast.
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EATING OUT
Eating out in Rye is a delightful experience, with a range of culinary options to satisfy every palate. The town is renowned for its fresh seafood, with many restaurants serving locally caught fish and shellfish. The Globe Inn Marsh offers a cosy atmosphere and a menu featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. For a more refined dining experience, The George in Rye provides a contemporary twist on traditional British cuisine. Webbe’s at the Fish Cafe is a must-visit for seafood lovers, offering a diverse menu and a relaxed dining setting. Additionally, the town's charming tea rooms and cafes, such as The Cobbles Tea Room, serve delicious homemade cakes, scones, and afternoon tea, making Rye a perfect destination for food enthusiasts.