Rye at a glance:
- Travel time: Approx 2hrs drive or train from London.
- Vibe: Medieval, pretty, storybook.
- Top must-see: Mermaid Street. Regularly voted one of the most Instagrammable streets in Britain.
- Best for: Couples, history lovers, independent café/boutique admirers.
I want to think of a word that is less obvious than ‘quintessential’ but there really is no other way to sum up Rye! Its cobbled streets and historic facades are what many imagine when they picture an old English town.
Many roads look like they haven’t changed since medieval times, so it’s no wonder that it attracts millions of visitors every year from around the world. Read on to find out some of the main things to do in Rye, East Sussex, including sights to see, independent shops to visit, and suggestions on where to eat and stay.
- Things to see and do in Rye
- Places to eat in Rye
- Shopping in Rye
- Places to stay in Rye
- Places to visit near Rye
Things to see and do in Rye
Mermaid Street
This has to be the most photographed street in Rye and one I’ve seen on many occasions on Instagram. This is where I headed to first and I’m glad I did as I managed to get a shot with no people! If you’re only visiting for the day, it’s best to get there early or hang around until the evening if you want to try and get a photo without crowds of people. Look out for the endearing homes with quirky names like The House With Two Front Doors, House with the Seat, and The House Opposite.
Mermaid Inn
The grade II listed Mermaid Inn, also on Mermaid Street, is absolutely beautiful on the exterior. It dates back to the 12th century, although its black and white timber is from the mid 15th century. The inn has an incredible history, it was one of the meeting places for the Hawkhurst Gang, a group of smugglers who operated from 1735 to 1749. Supposedly there were tunnels hidden underground that connected the Mermaid Inn to The Old Bell (mentioned further on) which the gang used to move goods! The late Queen Mother even dined here during a visit to Rye in 1982. It continues to be a much-loved place to dine or stay in.
Hartshorn House
A bit further down from the Mermaid Inn is Hartshorn House with its well-maintained flower displays and pretty windows. In the earlier part of the 19th century the house was used as a hospital for Napoleonic War victims and the name dates from this period, although the building itself dates all the way back to the 17th century. It was once the residence of Samuel Jeake II, a merchant with a keen interest in astrology who kept a diary. This diary was discovered and published in the 1980’s, shining a light on topics such as astrology, medicine, religion, and commerce from the past.
The Landgate
This was the entrance in which I walked into Rye, and what an entrance it is! Historically Rye was a fortified town, and there were four gates built to allow access inside the walls. Landgate, now a grade I listed building, is the only one that remains from the 14th century. Just next to it on Hilder’s Cliff is Tower Forge, a shop that specialises in homeware with its displays spilling out onto the street. With some great finds including picture frames, plaques, fireplaces and cast iron railway signs, it’s worth a visit too.
Rye Castle / Ypres Tower
Like so many other buildings in Rye, this castle has a lot of history and stories to tell. It is believed to date back to the 13th century, and over the years has been a prison, a courthouse, and even the town morgue. Originally it was built to defend Rye from invaders as it has views over to the harbour. You can get a sense of this view from the cannon garden which features replica medieval weapons.
Lamb House
On the bend of this lovely cobbled street is the grade II listed Lamb House. You can see its fancy black front door in the left corner of this image, the frontage itself is large but fairly unassuming (hence why I never thought to take a full photo of it!) but it has an incredible story. It was built by James Lamb, a wealthy wine merchant and local politician. In 1726 when King George I’s ship washed up at nearby Camber Sands, he ended up taking refuge here and James gave him his bedroom to stay in.
Meanwhile in the bedroom next door, his wife went into labour and gave birth to a son! They named him George after the King, and the King agreed to be his godfather. In later years the house went onto become a favourite amongst creatives, and was home to many authors. It wasn’t until 1950 that the house was given to the National Trust by a descendent of James Lamb’s, and it’s now run as a writer’s museum.
Traders Passage
A little side street that could easily be missed, Traders Passage makes for a lovely photo opportunity! Its pretty cottages with flowers in bloom line the left hand side, before you turn the corner which leads up to the Hope Anchor Hotel. You can get some great views over the Rye countryside and of some of the boats lined up on the River Brede. This then leads onto Watchbell Lane and Watchbell Street which are both cobbled streets with wonderful facades everywhere you look.
Church Square
Watchbell Street then leads onto Church Square, the four streets surrounding St Mary’s Church. The houses are beautiful and there’s a photo opportunity at every angle, I was in my element. My favourite house was this one on the corner which looks so old but very well maintained. I loved its single patriotic string of bunting! The church itself has stood there for 900 years and you can climb the church tower to see the church bells and views over Rye.
Church Street
Just round the corner from Church Square is Church Street, although this was originally called Pump Street due to this water pump! I love seeing little things like this dotted around which are historical and add character – you can see in the photo a plaque was added that details some of the old records that relate to it.
Places to eat in Rye
There’s cafes, restaurants and pubs all over Rye so you’ll certainly never find yourself searching for ages to find somewhere to eat. Below are just a few suggestions of places worth trying.
The Old Bell Inn
The Old Bell, also known as Ye Olde Bell Inn, is the oldest pub in Rye, located on a road called The Mint. The pub’s name originates from Rye’s history, when in 1377 a French raid resulted in the theft of the bells from St Mary’s Church and a town fire. The following year, men from Rye and nearby Winchelsea sailed to France and returned with the church bells and other stolen items. Inside the pub retains character features in abundance, whilst the front terrace with its pretty wisteria tree is great to watch the world go by. Meals include pub classics like burgers, pizzas, and fish and chips.
Cobbles Tea Room
If you want afternoon tea done the right way, then Cobbles Tea Room is the place to go. Just off of The Mint, it can be found snuggled on Hylands Yard. The menu includes handmade scones, cakes and sandwiches served on china, and real tea (not from pre-made teabags). Like so much of Rye, the tearoom is quaint and pretty, and can be found all over Instagram! However this means it can get very busy so you may need to time your visit well to get a seat.
The Apothecary
This authentic coffee house on the High Street has a historic feel to it with its dark wooden interior, deep red walls and worn leather chairs. Its tall windows are perfect to sit and people watch, and hints of its former life as a chemist can still be seen inside (if its name The Apothecary didn’t give it away). Online reviews suggest it always has a good atmosphere, and it’s bigger inside than it seems from the outside. There’s a decent choice of breakfast and lunch dishes on the menu including sandwiches, paninis, pastries, cakes, and crepes.
The Globe Inn Marsh
Just on the outskirts of town (less than a 10 min walk) is the unmistakable Globe Inn Marsh on Military Road. Its white and blue exterior made from wooden panels gives off American vibes. Inside it is a mish mash of colour, patterns and objects that strangely complement each other. It’s got a seafood and meat heavy menu, although there are a few other options if you’re veggie. Passionate about giving back, more than 25% of its energy costs are re-invested in woodland, and as much food and drink as possible is sourced locally.
Shopping in Rye
As well as the many things to see and do in Rye, there’s plenty of opportunity for shopping. There are loads of independent shops, so you can come away with unique pieces for your home or gifts for loved ones. Here’s some of the best ones to check out.
Marsha By The Sea
An ecletic mix of clothing, beauty, fragrance, books, gifts and homewares, the owners of Marsha By The Sea on Lion Street also have an apartment you can stay in upstairs (mentioned further on). The strapline ‘A seaside state of mind’ sums up their items that aim to bring a bit of coastal living to your everyday life. They strive to be sustainable, ethical and as environmentally friendly as possible.
Alex MacArthur
Based on Conduit Hill off of the High Street, Alex MacArthur runs her business from a converted chapel that is now the impressive backdrop of her curated collection of furniture, lighting and decorative objects for sale.
Lola and SiDney
Found on the High Street, Lola and SiDney is full of vintage, quirky and kitsch gifts. Originally set up in London in 2015, the owners moved the shop to Rye in 2018 and it continues to be a great success. They offer worldwide shipping on their website too so you can enjoy their items from anywhere!
Penny Royal
Another shop based on the High Street, Penny Royal is spread over two floors with the ground floor focusing on gifts and homewares. Upstairs is their needlecraft department, with a comprehensive range of haberdashery, ribbons, buttons, cross stitch, tapestry kits, knitting yarn and patterns.
Ethel Loves Me
Ethel Loves Me works with local artists and creatives to present an ever-changing curation of exhibitions, workshops and pieces to buy. It is essentially a community-led part gallery, part gift shop with an eco-friendly approach that focuses on cruelty free policies and upcycled pieces. It can also be found on the High Street.
Grammar School Records
Grammar School Records has been in Rye for 30 years and has established itself as one of the leading independent record shops in the UK. Situated in the historic Thomas Peacocke grammar school building on the High Street, it is a unique setting for a record shop.
Places to stay in Rye
Rye is a great place for a day trip, but if you’re coming from further away and want a longer visit, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to places to stay. Here’s some of the best options for all types of visitors.
Jeake’s House
The 5-star Jeake’s House can be found on arguably the most popular street in Rye, the cobbled Mermaid Street. The hotel is the perfect mix of tradition with beams, chandeliers, and character aplenty, but with a fresh twist. This hotel only welcomes children mid-week in the winter months, so for the most part the common areas are quieter if that’s what you desire. The Honesty Bar, Galleried Dining Room and Parlour are all sophisticated areas to spend time in.
The George
Located on the High Street, The George has been the place of choice to stay for the likes of George Clooney and Helena Bonham Carter when filming on location. Dating back to 1719, it has a lot of original features from over the years including a Georgian ballroom. Listed in the Sunday Times 100 Best British Hotels and Marie Claire’s Great British Boltholes, this is the place to go if you want style, class and plenty of dining options on site.
The Crow’s Nest
Owned by the same people that own the lifestyle shop, Marsha By The Sea, the Crow’s Nest apartment is an extension of their shop with a quirky, colourful interior and specially curated homeware displays. It offers a peaceful bolthole to retreat to in the middle of the town so you can pop back as and when you need to. Perfect if you have children or dogs in tow, and also if you like the option of cooking yourself as it has a modern kitchen with everything you need.
Rye Windmill
A unique opportunity to stay in a bed and breakfast within a grade II listed windmill on the outskirts of town. The windmill has stood on the same site for over 450 years and original features can be found throughout. Over the years it has been a bakery and a pottery, before becoming a successful B&B since the 80’s. Your breakfast will be served in the windmill’s base, cooked to order using quality and local ingredients. Another benefit of staying at the Windmill is guaranteed free car parking on site – something that is rare in Rye!
Places to visit near Rye
If you’re visiting Rye for longer than a day trip, then there’s plenty of other places to visit nearby too. Here’s three of the most popular choices…
Hastings
About 25 minutes drive away is Hastings, or you can also get a bus. This seaside town has plenty of places to shop and eat, as well as its own pier, castle, and the UK’s largest mini golf! It’s definitely got a different vibe to Rye, but worth a visit if you like spending time by the sea.
Camber Sands
The clue is in the name! Most of the beaches in East Sussex like Brighton and Eastbourne are pebbley. But Camber Sands is pure sand and stretches for miles. It’s pet friendly, and BBQs are allowed on the beach too, provided they’re not near the sand dunes. It’s only 10 mins by car or around a 20 minute bus ride from Rye.
Tenterden
With its historic high street, cosy tea rooms, and easy access to the beautiful Kent countryside, Tenterden is a peaceful slice of rural England that tends to be a bit quieter and have less tourists than Rye. It’s a 20 minute drive, closer to half an hour or so by bus.
Things To Do In Rye FAQs (2026)
Mermaid Street is the most famous and photographed street in Rye. Known for its steep cobbles and historic timber-framed houses, it is home to the legendary Mermaid Inn, which dates back to 1156. It is best visited early in the morning for photos before the crowds arrive.
Absolutely. Rye is one of the most accessible “storybook” towns from London. Rye has its own train station which is in the centre of town. Trains go from London to Rye via Ashford, Kent, from both Victoria and London Bridge. The average journey is just under two hours. Rye itself is compact and walkable.
There are a number of car parks in Rye. Bedford Place or Lucknow Place are both less than a five minute walk from the centre of town. This means there is no need to navigate any narrow or cobbled streets! The price for Bedford Place is a reasonable £1 an hour, but one thing to note is that you have to go back to the ticket machine at the end of your visit to log that you’re leaving, otherwise the machine keeps charging you for the rest of the day. The signage wasn’t clear and we only found out because some locals told us!
Yes, most of Rye’s independent boutiques, antique shops, and galleries on the High Street and The Mint are open on Sundays, typically from 11:00am to 4:00pm, although times may slightly vary.
Yes, visitors can climb the tower of St Mary’s Parish Church for the best panoramic views of the terracotta rooftops and the surrounding Romney Marsh. As of 2026, the admission fee is £4.00, and your ticket typically allows for return visits within a certain timeframe.
Sophie is a freelance writer and editor, and the founder of Britain and Beyond.
Hi Sophie
Great article thank you.
I thought you would want to know the George in Rye has been closed for a couple of years due to a fire.
The town also has a website https://VisitRyeBay.com/
Author
Hi Paul,
Thank you for reading and for sharing the town website, I’ll take a look!
I had seen that The George had sadly been closed due to a fire, but from what I had read it was due to reopen this year. I presume this hasn’t yet happened then?
Thanks for commenting!
Sadly couples who were due to get married this october have been told it’s not possible and have had to make other arrangements
Author
Oh, what a shame! Fingers crossed it will reopen soon.
Goodness, what a lot to see and do in Rye! As you say, it ticks all the quintessential boxes – and a few quaint ones too.