A Complete Guide to Visiting Rye, East Sussex

WHERE TO EAT, SHOP & EXPLORE

Lined with medieval, half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and quaint cafes, Rye is your quintessential English town.

Located in the county of East Sussex, South East of England, Rye is just over an hour’s train journey from London. This charming town provides a perfect day trip or weekend away from the hustle and bustle of city life and will leave you feeling relaxed and content.

Rye is a town I’ve been to over 100 times and it’s always been a family favourite growing up. I have a sense of nostalgia from childhood camping trips which always involved fish and chips on the beach and wonderings through the town. This is a place I love to visit and it will never become wearisome on me.

This article is here to inspire you to visit for yourself, and wander through the quaint little streets and cobbled lanes to find hidden gems for you to create your own memories of this charming town.

WHAT TO DO

You can’t come to Rye without visiting one of the most photographed streets in England - Mermaid Street. If you looked up the word “picturesque” in the dictionary then this is the image that should come up.

If you want to head away from the town then visit Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, (if you’re here in the morning then have a full English breakfast at Bosuns Bite too). Here you can explore the 465 hectares, spot various wildlife from one of the 5 birdwatching hides and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

If you’re interested in a bit of history then visit Rye Castle (also known as Ypres Tower) or visit Henry VIII’s, Camber Castle.

For centuries Rye was an Island, and at high tide, it was only accessible from the mainland by this land gate (image below) We always start our day here as it’s at the top of the town and then head straight to Knoops next door.

where to drink IN RYE

One of the main reasons we visit Rye is for the hot chocolate at a cafe called Knoops.

As a non-tea/coffee drinker myself, Knoops is my heaven. You’re guaranteed the best hot chocolate of your life (no joke). As Brock’s little brother said on our last visit, “This hot chocolate has made my heart warm” and that’s exactly what it does. If you ever want to have the experience of being “chocolate drunk” then this is the place for you.

If you want something stronger then have a pint at the Rye Waterworks. This family-run micropub serves 8 local ales, 12 local ciders and two keg beers. Nothing they serve comes further than 28 miles away.

Or if you fancy a relaxed afternoon with live music in a pub garden then head to The Cinque Ports.

Read our article “A COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE SEASIDE TOWN OF WHITSTABLE, KENT” for another day out guide in the South East of the UK.

where to eat IN RYE

Our top suggestion for a great meal in Rye is The Standard Inn. This 15th Century pub offers all the cosy vibes with its open fire and carved beams. They’ve been awarded 'Best Pub in South East England’ for 2 years in a row now too. The food always tastes outstanding and their own Standard Inn Farmer Ale goes down a treat.

If you fancy a classic fish and chips then head to Marino’s, rated as the no.1 fish and chip shop in Rye. Sit in the restaurant or order take away and eat by the river Brede.

If you fancy afternoon tea then visit The Apothecary or The Cobbles Tea Room. Both of these cafes have a great selection of sweet treats.

shopping

Rye is a great place for a good ol’ treasure hunt when it comes to antiques. Rummage through old records, vintage clothing, and bric-a-brac to find yourself a special something to take home with you.

There are antique shops dotted all around the town but there’s a hub at the bottom of Mermaid Street near the river. Check out Quay Antiques & Collectables or Tower Forge which is next door to Knoops.

While in Rye buy some local produce to take home with you. The local supermarket Jempsons prides itself on sourcing local produce and supporting local suppliers nearby. Or try the Rye Deli which has an amazing range of local goods too. If you’re in Rye on a Thursday then head to the local market opposite the train station.

While in the town browse the many art galleries dotting the streets, soak up the local talent, and keep an eye out for upcoming exhibitions.

Many galleries feature the iconic Mermaid Street and offer prints at a reasonable price so you can take a piece of Rye home with you. One of my favourite prints is called “The Doors of Rye” at the Purdie Gallery featuring all of the most photogenic doors in the historic town.

Where to stay

The Standard Inn (as we suggested above for food) also has 5 rooms above the inn. These rooms are named after the 5 historical sync ports situated on the south-east coast. The Inn is very central in the town so it’s a great suggestion for a cosy place for the night.

➜ Booking.com Links: The Standard Inn & other accommodation in Rye

TRAVEL TIPS

Apart from Rye Harbour Nature reserve all of the suggestions above are within walking distance of each other and are located in the town centre. So this is a perfect day out if you’re travelling by train or coach.
Rye has its own train station situated right in the town centre.
If you’re travelling from London the train journey from St Pancras International takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes with one stop at Ashford International. Or you can catch a coach from St Pancras International which takes roughly the same amount of time and brings you just outside Rye train station.
If you’re arriving by car then there are plenty of car parks to choose from. If you want free parking then try Love Lane or The Grove. We always park on one of these roads and it’s just a couple of minutes walk into the town.