Rye

Rye is a small, picturesque medieval town in East Sussex, near England’s southeast coast. It sits slightly inland from the sea on the River Romney on a hill, overlooking the Romney Marsh and close to Camber Sands’ wide sandy beach. Known for its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and historic landmarks like Mermaid Street, St. Mary’s Church tower, and the Ypres Tower, it feels wonderfully preserved and atmospheric. Rye has a lively arts and antiques scene, cozy pubs and tea rooms, independent shops, and regular festivals, making it a charming place for wandering, history, and relaxed exploring.

Romney Marsh is a large, low-lying coastal plain. Historically it was marshland and tidal wetlands, gradually drained and reclaimed over many centuries using ditches, canals, and sea defenses. Today it’s a distinctive landscape of flat open fields, sheep pastures, winding waterways, and big skies, with scattered villages and ancient churches. It’s known for its wildlife, birdlife, and quiet, slightly other-worldly atmosphere, as well as its role in smuggling history and coastal defense.

A Martello Tower (No 28) was built at Rye Harbour to defend the area against possible invasion during the Napoleonic wars. Today, lying unoccupied, it provides a picturesque setting.

The Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and entry is free. It has a network of footpaths which provide fascinating cycling or walks along the sea shore, across fields and large areas of shingle. There is the opportunity to observe wildlife from several excellent bird hides.

Camber Castle, built by Henry VIII, lies to the west close to Rye Harbour. It can only be reached by bike or on foot from a footpath at the Rye end of the Rye Harbour Road, through the Rye Nature Reserve or from a footpath a Winchelsea Beach.