A hilltop medieval town, Rye’s enchanting cobbled streets reveal historic landmarks, art galleries and independent shops. Architectural treasures are found around every corner, with medieval, Tudor and Georgian buildings housing cosy restaurants, tearooms and pubs.

Things to do

Get acquainted with Rye at the Rye Heritage Centre, which houses a bird’s-eye view of a scale model of the town, along with displays on the city’s 700-year history. The kids will delight in The Old Pier Penny Arcad’s interactive features, housed in a converted 19th-century sail loft.

Built in 1722, Lamb House is an early Georgian house that was the home of the American writer Henry James. Today you can see some of his furniture, pictures and personal photographs. This redbrick house boasts one of the largest gardens in Rye, full of daffodils and herbaceous varieties that keep it colourful year-round.

Looking to get away from the bustle of the city? Explore the sandy shores, salt marshes and shingle ridges at Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, where you can meander along one of its scenic pathways to spot local birdlife.

Drive 15 minutes to Camber Sands to enjoy its unspoilt natural landscapes. This stunning stretch of sandy beach is famous for its sand dunes and soft golden sands, where you can beachcomb for colourful shells or enjoy water sports.

Getting around

The compact streets of Rye are best explored on foot and you can rent bikes to reach attractions. Rye station is 2.3 kilometres from the city centre, while buses connect to Hastings and Dover.