Perched on a hill with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and coast, the medieval town of Rye offers a unique blend of charm, heritage, and tranquility. From antique shops and historic inns to nearby Camber Sands beach, Rye makes for a perfect weekend escape.
Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, historical treasures, or just a peaceful break from the bustle of everyday life, Rye delivers all that and more. Check out what to do in Rye for the day and experience the slow, relaxing pace of this lovely little town for yourself.
(And yes, that’s cosy with an S- it’s England after all! 🇬🇧)
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The Village of Rye
This charming village is ideal for a relaxed, low-key weekend getaway- or for just a day. With everything within walking distance, you can take your time exploring the cobbled streets, browsing local shops, and sampling some truly excellent food.
If you’re up for a short adventure, there are also several nearby sights worth visiting- but if not, that’s perfectly fine too. Rye is the kind of place that invites you to slow down and enjoy at your own pace.
Mermaid Street
Chances are if you’ve heard of Rye, you’ve heard about Mermaid Street with its wonky half-timbered buildings lining it. It’s definitely worth a stroll down this cobblestone road to check it out.
Stop in at the Mermaid Inn for a drink or meal while you’re there. Or stay in this 600 year old hotel that was once the hangout of smugglers and now (supposedly) ghosts.
Church of Saint Mary
My favorite thing to do in Rye was climb the bell tower of this lovely little church. It’s not for the faint-hearted (the last part is basically ladders), but once you make it to the top, the view from up there is delightful.
Take a few minutes to soak it in and admire the green hills and town from above. Then climb back down and check out the inside of this 12th century church which is pretty and worth a look as well.
Lamb House
This house has been home to several well-known people (and had a king sleep here). But one of the most famous people who have made this their home is American writer Henry James who wrote The Wings of the Dove here.
You can visit both the house and walled gardens and see how he lived and see the bed slept in by King George I.
Ypres Tower
Dating back to the 14th century, Ypres Tower is one of Rye’s most important landmarks. It has served many purposes over the centuries including being used as a prison and a mortuary.
Today, it’s part of the Rye Castle Museum which has medieval weapons, prison artifacts, and stories of Rye’s smuggling history. From the top of the tower, there are gorgeous views out over the marsh and grazing sheep.
The Landgate
The last one standing of the four landgates that used to surround town and allow (or not allow) access, this one is located at the northeast corner of town- you’ll possibly drive right through it on your way in.
You can’t go inside but take a stroll past and maybe grab a drink at The Landgate Bar nearby.
Rye Heritage Center
Featuring information about pirates, WWII, fishermen, and ghosts (they’re big on ghosts around here), this center is a great place to delve a little deeper into the history of this beautiful area.
Shopping
The cobblestone streets of Rye are lined with art galleries and upscale shops. Spend your time perusing the jewelry, antiques, and clothing and hearing about the town from the (rightly) proud locals who run them.
The general market day is Thursdays if you’re looking to check out the wares. There were tables full of books for sale (did you know Richard Osman’s books are going to be a movie on Netflix?) as well as some food items and antiques.
>> Want more Books and Movies for your Trip to England? It’s my favorite part of trip prep!
Places near Rye
You can spend your days in Rye just relaxing (you deserve it!) but if you want to get out and see some more of this area, there are a few places nearby.
Camber Sands
If you’re after a sandy beach, you can find 2 miles of it here along with a stellar sunset view. Aside from beachcombing and relaxing on the dunes, there are e-bike rentals, kitesurfing excursions, and hiking paths in the area.
No worries if you don’t have a car, it’s close enough you can just take a 15 minute taxi ride. If you have a car, there is parking all along the beach.
White Cliffs of Dover
About 45 minutes east of Rye, you can visit the famous White Cliffs of Dover. Spend some time down at St. Margaret’s Beach for a great view outside of the government-run spot. It’s a curvy road down to it but there’s parking and a couple of places to grab a bite to eat once you’re there.
You can also visit Dover Castle while you’re in town. You might think the age of the castle is impressive, but there’s a lighthouse inside the castle walls built by the Romans in AD 43. Now THAT’S old.
Leeds Castle
If you head north of Rye 45 minutes, Leeds Castle is a great place to visit. Originally built in the 12th century, it has served as a Norman stronghold, a royal palace for six of England’s medieval queens, and a private residence. Its rich history and romantic setting make it one of the most beloved sites in England.
Surrounded by a picturesque moat and set within 500 acres of parkland and gardens, the castle has a fairytale feel to it. The interiors are beautifully preserved, with a mix of medieval, Tudor, and 20th-century styles.
You can explore the fancy rooms, stroll through gardens, and even get lost in the castle’s famous maze. There are also falconry displays and seasonal events so be sure to check the schedule.
I visited Leeds Castle on my way from Rye to London (1½ hours further north) and it was a nice way to break up the trip and spend a few hours. Lunch on the terrace of the Castle View Restaurant was aptly named and a great place to grab a bite before venturing on to London.
Hotels in Rye
The village of Rye is so small that there’s really no bad location- almost everything will be walkable from the center of town and the train station.
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Here are some hotels in Rye that I recommend:
The Mermaid Inn 3✩
This history of this hotel goes back hundreds of years. It is located directly on the quirky Mermaid Street and the delightful hotel bar is rumored to have been frequented by smugglers back in the day.
The George 4✩
Located right on High Street and with a great restaurant (I can vouch for the duck), this is a great option if you want to be right in the middle of things.
The Lookout 3✩
I stayed in this nice hotel which has a fabulous tub for soaking- this town is just made for relaxing. They offer different breakfast options and the staff couldn’t be nicer.
Restaurants in Rye
Rye has an excellent food scene for a town of its size. For brunch or a light lunch, The Fig offers a modern menu with vegetarian and vegan options. Don’t miss Knoops, a local favorite known for its customizable hot chocolates with a wide range of cocoa percentages. If you want to grab something quick, stop by The Cornish Bakery for a ginormous sausage roll or delicious fruit scone before you head out for the day.
>> The farmer’s market is held on Wednesdays if you want to grab something local. 🍇 🧀
For dinner, The Mermaid Inn is a destination in itself. Rebuilt in 1420, the inn offers classic British fare in an atmospheric setting complete with creaking floorboards and stories of smugglers and ghosts. The Standard Inn is another excellent option, combining rustic charm with a strong seasonal menu and local ales. The Globe Inn Marsh is a stylish pub with excellent local produce and great atmosphere.
Transportation around Rye
Getting to Rye
If you’re coming from abroad, you’ll most likely fly into London and head to Rye from there.
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Rye is 1½ hours from London by train or car. If you’re arriving by train, the station is right there by town- no need for a taxi to the hotel.
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by train!
If you’re coming by car, check to see if your hotel has parking, or you can just park at the train station.
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Getting around Rye
Rye is very compact and you can see all of town by foot.
What to Pack for Rye
Like most places in Europe, Rye has cobblestone streets so be sure you pack comfortable shoes– leave the high heels at home! The weather changes quickly as well so make sure you bring layers- a rain jacket is always a good idea (this is England after all).
>> Need help with packing? Check out my packing tips to make it easy!
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Questions about Visiting Rye, England
How long to spend in Rye?
You’ll be able to see all of Rye in one day but you can also use it as a base to explore nearby places like Leeds Castle or Dover.
Is Rye expensive?
England itself isn’t super cheap and Rye is a bit upscale but I still found places to stay and eat that didn’t break the bank. Small towns are usually less expensive than cities like London.
Rye’s unique blend of history, character, and coastal beauty makes it ideal for a weekend getaway that feels both restful and enriching. Whether you’re sipping hot chocolate by a fire or strolling through medieval lanes, you’ll find plenty to fall in love with in the charming town of Rye.
Happy travels… 🇬🇧 🏰 🏴☠️
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