If you know of the many quirky antique shops or where to find those early books and first editions then of course you may have already visited Rye in the past.
For those unfortunate not to have been to Rye in the past, you are in for a treat. Perhaps a visit to one of our many National Trust properties such as Bodiam Castle, Batemans, Scotney castle, or English Heritage sites such as Camber Castle, Battle Abbey, Hastings Castle could interest you. If you play the Piano or want an enjoyable course to learn a new technique then perhaps Finchcocks will take your fancy. Within Rye you can visit the home of Henry James or EF Benson at Lamb house.
A tipple or a meal at The Mermaid Inn is always enjoyable, it’s a new build compared to some buildings in Rye as it was rebuilt in 1420.
Maybe Country gardens could offer you the opportunity to relax and draw inspiration, within the Rye Bay area we have many outstanding “Gardens” including Great Dixter, Merriments, Pashley Manor, Hole Park or Kings John Garden and of course Sissinghurst
Open Access
All properties we list have an access statement and many offer facilities for the impaired ranging from Wheelchairs provided to induction loops and assistance for the visually impaired. We suggest you speak with either the venue or your accommodation provider prior to making any reservations.
Day trips
Canterbury is under 60 minutes away and Tunbridge Wells even closer; Dover and the Channel tunnel is also under an hour away. Paris is under two hours away using the Ashford International rail link or even flying from Lydd International Airport into Le touqet.
Taxis
We have a good selection of taxis with low opening wide doors and with wheelchair access if needed see https://www.visitryebay.com/rye/rye-taxis/
Staying in Rye
Some venues make a point of hosting mature guests who are looking for a quiet experience for example https://Saltcote.co.uk/ where they have plenty of parking and it’s only around 700 yards to Rye high street.
- Who’s Listening – audio storiesThe Marshlink line cuts through an area steeped in history, providing a wealth of material for both emerging and established writers. Inspired by lives and legends from the past, two rap stories, The Smugglers’ Tale and The Case of Alice Martin, were written and recorded by nine young people as part of a three-day workshop ...
- The GrapevineThe Grapevine Wine Bar Rye is a great place to relax and unwind
- Niche Womens FashionLondon quality fashionable womens clothing at rural prices; we do not have the overheads but do enjoy good relations with some of the leading names in womens fashion. Come and see why Rye has such a reputation for good quality womens clothing https://www.nicheboutiquerye.co.uk/ We are online for postal deliveries and at the end of a phone and email ...
- Bodiam CastlePlan to see this in association with Kent and East Sussex Light Railway and Bodiam Boating station, it makes for a really enjoyable day out. Archetypal 14th century moated castle with ruined interior – a glimpse of medieval splendour Set in the heart of an historic landscape, with spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis, 14th century Bodiam ...
- Chapel Down VineyardChapel Down is England’s leading wine producer with an award-winning range of sparkling and still wines. Based in Kent, in the heart of the Garden of England, we produce wines of the highest quality and which we believe offer the best expression of England. Our winery estate is open to the public for guided tours and experiences ...
- Lime Wharf CafeLime Wharf Café is located close to Bodiam Boating station and Kent and east Sussex railway Helpful Info Dog friendly Large car park Wheelchair ramp into café Disabled WC Riverside walks Secure garden for kids to play safely Phone Us +44 (0)1797 253838 Bookings only taken for groups 6+ Find Us Riverside Cottage, Station Road, Northiam, East Sussex TN31 6FE Email Us info@limewharfcafe.co.uk
- Lamb HouseRed-brick fronted house with literary associations – both Henry James and E. F. Benson lived here. The garden Lamb House has a walled garden, one of the largest gardens in the old town of Rye; it was designed as we see it today by a friend of Henry James called Alfred Parsons. Find roses, lilies, spring bulbs and many ...
- Battle of Britain MemorialMemorial in Kent dedicated to the heroic deeds of the men who fought the Battle of Britain. It takes about 35 minutes to drive between Rye and Folkestone and the same from Folkestone to Canterbury The National Memorial to the FewAt the heart of the Memorial is the National Memorial to the few, dedicated to ...
- Rye Dance CentreJo Fletcher is the Principal & Teacher Fellow and Examiner in ISTD Modern, Ballet & Tap. In her 38th year, the school continues to welcome children & adults. Now a centre for DDE and Teacher Status exams. Joanne trained at her mothers’ school, De Haviland Dance Studios, Hastings, and then opened her own school Rye Dance Centre ...
- HushHeath VineyardsBalfour-Brut-RoseVision The vision was English Pink Sparkling Wine to rival the finest from Champagne and the rest of the world. The story begins here in deepest Kent, the Garden of England. It leads through the perfectly manicured Hush Heath vineyards, orchards and woodland, a new state of the art winery, great people, world class awards and recognition. The ...
- Great DixterGreat Dixter was the family home of gardener and gardening writer Christopher Lloyd. It was the focus of his energy and enthusiasm and fuelled over 40 years of books and articles. Now under the stewardship of Fergus Garrett and the Great Dixter Charitable Trust, Great Dixter is an historic house, a garden, a centre of education, and ...
- Bodiam Boating StationMore than just a fun day out with the family Bodiam Boating Station is a family run business situated on the River Rother in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, linking the garden of England and 1066 country! The really goo Lime Wharf Cafe is next door so plenty of refreshments are on hand. Camping, River Cruises ...
- Cafe des fleurs Rye FlowersCafe des fleurs Rye Flowers are Located next to the railway station this popular florist offers a great selection of flowers for all occasions. Serving beautiful fresh flowers throughout East Sussex and west Kent where we strive to provide a wide variety of quality, freshly cut flowers for every occasion, creating stunning arrangements that appeal to ...
- The Paper Place RyeSilk-screen specialists inspired by traditional Indian Arts & Crafts fine papers, gift bags & recons Rye High street, United Kingdom, TN31 707480 134448anwesha.arya@gmail.com
- The Plough UdimoreJust a few minutes drive from Rye and under the same leadership as the Union, food here is celebrated with excellent presentations. The pub is a firm favourite with the locals and tables are in demand so calling ahead to book is a good idea. One of the most popular Sunday Roasts in the area.Book ...
- CYCLE & WHEELCHAIR HIRERye Hire are genuinely nice and helpful local people, located just off Cinque Ports street. https://www.ryehire.co.uk/bike-hire/ We hire out road and mountain cycles, with a new fleet every year. We also hire tandems and child seats. We have cycle helmets if required, both for hire and for sale. The surrounding area is criss-crossed with cycle paths and ...
- Peasmarsh PlacePeasmarsh Place is a popular top class care home in Peasmarsh in only a short drive from Rye Bay. If you and your family are looking for a suitable Care Home for yourself or a loved one this may feel like a huge task. Facilities & Services: Day Care • Respite Care • Physiotherapy • Own GP ...
- Simon GinnawHere you can find a wealth of birdwatching and wildlife focused experiences, walks, talks, courses and holidays led by me. Join me for the best small group guided wildlife experiences in the South-east, the UK, Europe and beyond! I have been running tours and experiences in Kent and the South-east for over 19 years, and have ...
- Romney MarshRomney Marsh The Fifth Continent is known for its natural beauty, the diversity of its habitats, rich history, extensive coastline and its sheep. What to See on Romney Marsh There is much to see and do on the Marsh, from its fine sandy beaches, world’s smallest public railway, mediaeval churches, nature and bird reserves, unspoilt countryside and ...
- The Golden Fleece RyeEstablished in 1973 we are Barbour, Harris Tweed and Jack Murphy stockists and specialists in British lifestyle and country wear. Our online shop features the latest seasonal styles and garments which are of the highest quality. We also stock a large range of sheepskin rugs, hats, gloves and mittens, all available in store. Opening Times: Monday – Saturday 9:30am ...
- Carr-Taylor VineyardIf you’re looking into English wines, you are probably aware that the industry’s reputation is going from strength to strength. (It’s amazing how many people still don’t know we make wine in the UK!) Whether your motivation is keeping your carbon footprint low, supporting local producers, or simply that you’re interested in sourcing exciting new, ...
- Rye Harbour Nature ReserveRye Harbour Nature Reserve is one of the most important conservation sites on the Sussex coast.Rye Harbour Nature Reserve has been recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protection Area for birds, a Special Area of Conservation under the EU Habitats Directive and a candidate Ramsar site that takes account of its importance as a wetland ...
- DJ fossils and mineralsLooking for an unusual present to say thank you? http://djfossilsandminerals.com/ are located in Rye High street and have some of the most beautiful Fossils on display and a lot more out of sight. DJ Fossils and Minerals is a family run business we have been selling fossils and crystals for around 22 years now we have run a ...
- Rye Art GalleryRye Art Gallery located on Rye High street is home to an inspiring display of regularly changing contemporary art and craft, a fine Permanent Collection of national and regional importance and a programme of supporting events and community activities. Step through our door in the High Street and you will be on a journey of discovery. From ...
- WJ BennettWJ Bennett is an independent men’s clothes shop based in the town of Rye, East Sussex, situated in a prominent High street position with parking and a favourite for many well heeled regulars. Our stock changes with the seasons, our website is comprehensive and our staff are knowledgeable so a chat before calling in could be ...
- The Globe Inn MarshThe Globe Inn is really one of the traditional places to eat in Rye, it’s a modern country inn located in the heart of Rye with a very strong sense of identity. The Globe Inn instantly has you looking around to see what else is happening. The decor is a treat in itself and if ...
- Bluebird Care Rother and HastingsAt Bluebird Care Hastings we offer a personal, professional service to you and your family. We are determined to deliver the best possible care for every single person and are delighted when we receive positive feedback from our customers, their families and friends. Bluebird Care is a national provider of home care services. We specialise in ...
- Stoats Self catering Holiday Home RyeSituated in a quiet unadopted lane close to Winchelsea Beach. Stoats is a modernised semi-detached family, pet and mobility-friendly bungalow. Comprising of 4 bedrooms with space for 8/9 visitors it provides a peaceful comfortable location for a relaxing family holiday. Extensive gardens are enclosed to the rear of the property and contain a Wendy house and barbecue ...
- Antiques at Rameslie HouseThe shop is an interesting mix of Antiques and musical boxes, what will instantly get your attention is the quality of the items in the shop and that it’s so nicely laid out you can find what you want and yet still find surprises if you delve. Recently Steve finished filming in the shop for the ...
- Rye MuseumRye Castle Museum has two sites: the Ypres Tower (in the area known as the Gun Garden) and the East Street Museum, which holds most of our Local History exhibits. The Ypres Tower is open throughout the year, 7 days a week except Christmas and Boxing Day. Opening hours in summer are from 10.30am to 5.00pm and ...
- Gusbourne EstateGusbourne Estate have a deep respect for nature, an uncompromising quest for quality and a fastidious approach to detail is at the heart of everything we do – from the way we grow our grapes to the way we age our wines. Andrew Weeber’s vision of creating the finest wines in the world is supported by precision ...
- Scotney CastleEnjoy our Picturesque garden with its glorious fairytale medieval castle and Victorian country mansion backdrop. Discover the many treasures of this well-loved family home, stroll around the walled kitchen garden and see what’s growing, or venture onto the estate and start exploring the 780 acres of open parkland and ancient woodland. In the beginning The earliest record ...
- Smallhythe PlaceBuilt in the early 16th-century when Smallhythe was a thriving shipbuilding port, Smallhythe Place was later purchased by renowned Victorian actress, Ellen Terry, in 1899. A year after her passing in 1928 her daughter, Edith Craig, transformed the house into a museum which now displays a fascinating personal and theatrical collection that reflects Ellen’s extraordinary career and unconventional private life. Located ...
- Kino Digital Cinema RyeThe Kino Cinema in Rye is located at the top of Lion Street. Open daily from 10.30am for breakfast, lunch and evening drinks and everything between including afternoon tea Kino is renowned for serving the best coffee around and for its varied and interesting menu served all day and sourced locally Our well-stocked bar serves wines, beers, spirits ...
- Romney Hythe and Dymchurch RailwayOnly 15 minutes short drive from Rye and still within the Rye Bay area this is a must see for kids and especially big kids. TimeTable and Fares http://www.rhdr.org.uk/fares.html For the past 88 years the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway has been an integral part of the landscape of the Romney Marsh. Known as “Kent’s Mainline in Miniature”, our World Famous one-third full ...
- Sedlescombe VineyardsHead down to rural East Sussex, for your chance to meet one of the UK’s true eco-pioneers. Sedlescombe Vineyard likes being first. Not only the first organic vineyard in 1979, but as of late 2010, Sedlescombe is home to England’s first biodynamic vineyard. Roy and Irma Cook now run 23 acres in several plots including the ...
- Simon the PiemanSimon the Pieman for many years the love and passion of one man. Simon the Pieman started as a family business and remains many years later as such. Each morning the ovens start whilst most people sleep, fresh ingredients from private recipes are used to create the delights for friends who live in Rye and frequent ...
- Hunter JonesFounded in 2009, Hunter Jones began its life in London as a vintage furniture business. The following year Michael and Mikey moved to Rye where this grew, until 2019 when they decided it was time to try something slightly different and they opened their lifestyle store just off the High Street. Hunter Jones stock many British ...
- The UnionLocated just a short walk from the high street and the Town hall. Whilst it has enjoyed a varied use over the past 500 years and was last a pub before being renovated and lovingly restored in 2020 by the current owners. The Union Rye is now a modern British restaurant and cocktail bar set in ...
- Batemans‘That’s She! The Only She! Make an honest woman of her – quick!’ was how Rudyard Kipling and his wife, Carrie, felt the first time they saw Bateman’s. Surrounded by the wooded landscape of the Sussex Weald, this 17th-century house, with its mullioned windows and oak beams, provided a much needed sanctuary to this world-famous writer and ...
- Penny RoyalYou will find Penny Royal in the High Street. A double fronted shop, next to Boots the Chemist. Easily recognisable from our Green and Gold livery. Our Address: 22 High Street, Rye, East Sussex. TN31 7JF Telephone: 01797 223930 Google Map Link What’s in the Rye Store? Our Rye shop is spread over 2 floors; The ground floor ...
- Fletchers RestaurantFletchers Restaurant opened in 2022 and gently created a stir. After recruiting one of the best chefs in the area a fabulous mouth watering menu was launched and tested. With award winning staff (won 4 in a bed twice) this is a place to visit for a great meal. The reviews are already well worth reading ...
- Layla Grill & MezzeAbout Layla Grill & Mezze Welcome to LAYLA, our authentic Turkish kitchen. Our family-run restaurant will make you feel relaxed and will take you to Turkey and the Mediterranean. We designed our place in line with Rye’s characteristics. Whilst introducing the Turkish atmosphere with Turkish tiles, accessories and pictures, we retained the Rye look with brickworks, ...
- Rye History WalksRye History Walks offer a fascinating guided walk around the Citadel. We all love to come and visit Rye in Sussex and yet a few snippets of additional detail will make this magical medieval Cinque ports town come to life. Mike Carver has taught history for 20 years and and has led an organised historical tours and ...
- Rye British LegionAbout The Royal British Legion We provide financial, social and emotional care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces – past and present and their families. The Legion is also the national Custodian of Remembrance and safeguards the Military Covenant between the nation and its Armed Forces and is best known for the ...
- Battle AbbeyMarch into history on the most famous battlefield in England. Follow in the footsteps of the armies of William the Conqueror and King Harold as they clashed in 1066, and discover how the Normans overcame the Saxons to seize the kingdom and change English history forever. Walk the battlefield trail to encounter carved wooden sculptures depicting ...
- McCully and Crane RyeLocated in Cinque Ports Street this is far more than simply an Antiques shop and the services they offer with regard to design are highly sought after with an impressive client list. You will find nothing like it in Rye or even locally, they have an eye for the unusual and with their contacts have a ...
- Beauty Lounge RyeBeauty Lounge Rye is upstairs in a lovely bright lounge setting. You will always find a warm welcome and plenty of time to relax and enjoy yourselves. With many years of experience Lisa offers a wide range of Beauty including extensive hair and nail treatments. We are fully qualified and insured. Relaxed, friendly environment to get pampered. Get ...
- Rye Bay BikesCome and try something different at Rye Bay E-Bikes. We are a small family run company, specializing in electric bike hire, tours, sales and servicing. We are the only electric bike hire company in Rye, East Sussex. As easy to ride as a conventional bike, our electric bikes will take you on an effortless journey to see all ...
- Station Antiques Appledore near RyeIt’s a large place with lots to see, we tried to get a feel for what would be found and went along to see it, HUGE! comes close it’s well worth the short picturesque 10 minute drive drive from Rye. Rare and unusual Antiques You really will be pleased you came to explore Station Antiques, we have ...
- Rye Auction GalleriesCompany Director & Auctioneer Kevin Wall is the main Director of Rye Auctions and is the Auctioneer who conducts the sales at Rye Auctions. Always pleased to hear from anyone wanting to put items into auction you can contact the team using the email address below. OUR OFFICE OPENING HOURS: MONDAY – FRIDAY* 8.30 – 4.30 (*OPEN WEDNESDAYS ...
- Britcher and Rivers Sweet shopThis is one of the oldest sweet shops for many miles. Beautifully presented with every one of those sweets we grew up with and have long since forgotten. Well worth a visit 109 high street Rye
- Hub On Rye HillThe Hub on the hill is A community wellbeing centre in Rye, we offer a great place to meet either with friends in a splendid Café or in one of the many meeting rooms some of which are equipped for board room style meetings, others for consultancy and some as treatment rooms. With plenty of parking ...
- Plaristo Craft Gallery RyeOur Bio-burners, have been such a success that we are expanding our range. We are now supplying a selection of models, beautifully constructed in Britain in marble and stainless steel. They include elegant table top burners, free-standing units and complete fireplaces which can be custom built to fit against any wall – no chimney required! Come in ...
- Concepts of RyeThe Ranges of Furniture offered cover Dining, Living and Bedrooms and major on Oak (Natural Oiled and Lacquered), Glass, Leather (Chairs and Sofas) plus the recently introduced Neptune range of Oak / Painted furniture. We pride ourselves on our product selection, taking time to choose Quality Products, with Realistic Pricing. Availability – Most items can be available within a matter of ...
- Clive Sawyer PhotographyClive Sawyer is fortunately based in Rye in the High st and has enjoyed a long and industrious career working on commissions in over 55 countries. His unique style and wealth of experience capturing images on location for the travel and other related industries made Clive the natural choice as the preferred photographer for the Visitor Guides and ...
- DungenessIs Dungeness worth a visit? We think so, The former home of Derek Jarman is to be found here. Kent boasts numerous charming towns perfect for a weekend getaway. If you’re seeking an escape beyond the bustling scenes of Whitstable and Margate, consider Dungeness for your next adventure. Nestled at the southernmost point of Kent, ...