Towns and Villages

Brighton

Hastings

Canterbury

London

Wilchelsea

1. Camber – coastal village with Camber Sands, famous golden sandy beach and dunes — great for walks, kite flying and relaxed beach vibes.

2. Iden – small traditional village north of Rye with a medieval church, village shop and local pub — peaceful countryside setting.

3. Udimore – rural village with walking paths and a popular local pub (The Kings Head).
4. Brede – larger village with a village shop, butcher, good pub (The Rainbow Trout) and beautiful woodland nearby (Brede High Woods).
5. Beckley – pretty Sussex village with local community atmosphere and lovely countryside.
6. Playden – very quiet rural village with historic church and two well-liked pub-restaurants.
7. Peasmarsh – charming village on rolling hills with shops and pubs — a good base for exploring vineyards and walks.

🏘️ Historic Towns & Larger Villages

Winchelsea – iconic medieval town with grid-patterned streets, medieval church, museum, old gates, and nearby Winchelsea Beach. Distance: about 2–3 miles (3–4 km), Bus: about 10 minutes on routes heading toward Hastings, Walking: roughly 45–60 minutes, mostly flat with lovely countryside views

• Being one of the historic Cinque Ports – once a major medieval port important for England’s coastal defense and trade.

• A rare planned medieval town – rebuilt on higher ground by Edward I in the late 13th century after the original town (“Old Winchelsea”) was destroyed by flooding. Its unusual grid-pattern layout still exists.

• Impressive medieval remains, including:

  • Town gates (Strand Gate, New Gate & Land Gate remnants)

  • St Thomas the Martyr Church, part-ruined but beautiful and historically significant

• Extensive medieval wine cellars beneath the town – a reminder of its wealthy trading past.

• Smuggling history – particularly active in the 18th century.

• A connection with John Wesley, who preached his last outdoor sermon here before moving to Savannah, Georgia

• A peaceful, picturesque character – often described as one of England’s smallest towns, with lovely views over the Romney Marsh and towards the sea.

• Nearby Winchelsea Beach, quieter than Camber Sands and loved for walks and birdwatching.

• Icklesham – classic English countryside village with historic church, rolling landscapes and cosy pubs. About 3 miles (5 km) from Rye. By bike: ~15–20 minutes, mostly flat countryside routes. on foot: ~1 hour, scenic rural paths.

  Historic village: Dates back to medieval times with a classic English village feel.

  Village features:

  • St. Nicholas Church – a picturesque medieval church.

  • Local pubs – e.g., The Queens Head (highly rated for food and drinks).

  • Small shops and community hubs.

  Countryside walks: Surrounded by rolling hills, farmland, and woodland – ideal for leisurely strolls or cycling.

  A good day out might be:

• Start: Rye town center

  • Highlights in Rye:

    • Cobbled streets, the Mermaid Inn, St Mary’s Church.

    • Quick coffeeat a local café before setting off.

  Step 1: Rye → Winchelsea (~2–3 miles / 45–60 min walk, or 5–7 min drive) or 15 by bike

  • Route: Follow the road along the edge of Rye Harbour Nature Reserve for scenic marsh views.

  • Stop in Winchelsea:

    • New Inn – grab a pint or light snack.

    • Explore the medieval gates and St Thomas the Martyr Church.

    • Optional: Short detour to Winchelsea Beach if the tide and weather are good.

  Step 2: Winchelsea → Icklesham (~1.5–2 miles / 30–40 min walk)

  • Route: Cross the Romney Marsh countryside via quiet lanes and footpaths. Lovely rolling fields, farmland, and occasional views of the coast.

  • Stop in Icklesham:

    • Queens Head Pub – perfect for lunch or another drink.

    • Wander around the village church and local lanes.

  Step 3: Icklesham → Rye (~3 miles / 1 hour walk or 8 min drive)

  • Route: Loop back along minor roads and footpaths cutting across farmland. You’ll pass hedgerows, small streams, and classic East Sussex countryside scenery.

Other Worthwhile Nearby Destinations

(a bit further but easy to visit by car or bus)
10. Tenterden – charming small town with historic high street, independent shops and steam railway links (often combined with Bodiam Castle visits). visitsoutheastengland.com
11. Hastings – seaside town with history, pier, castle ruins and arts scene — good for a longer day trip. visitsoutheastengland.com
12. Dungeness – unique coastal landscape with nature reserve and quirky scenery (more of a hamlet but very distinctive). visitsoutheastengland.com
13. Battle – historic town at the site of the Battle of Hastings with the Abbey and museum. visitsoutheastengland.com

🏖️ Nearby Coastal Spots

– Winchelsea Beach – quiet seaside village with shingle shore and marshland birdwatching opportunities. Wikipedia
– Pett Level (nearby coast) – quieter stretch of coast ideal for walks and fossil hunting. Secret London

🧭 Tips for Exploring the Area

• Walks & Nature: Rye Harbour Nature Reserve and the surrounding marshlands are excellent for wildlife and long seaside walks. Sussex Exclusive

• Wine & Vineyards: There are local vineyards near Peasmarsh and Winchelsea where you can sample English wines. stayinrye.com

• History: Winchelsea and Rye itself are fantastic for medieval history and architecture