Rye Attractions 
Rye (pop. 5,000) was one of the privileged Cinque Ports after 1191. Its name means "island", and indeed the town does lie like an island above the flat marshland which has been flooded by the sea more than once. The old town is still partly surrounded by its medieval walls and attracts many artists. Twisty and in some places steep cobbled alleys climb upwards, lined by charming cottages, small craft shops, potteries and very cozy restaurants.
Rye has a number of diverse shops and many ancient buildings.
Rye has a number of diverse shops and many ancient buildings.
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Mermaid Street
Many of the town's attractions lie along Mermaid Street, including the Old Hospital, 15th and 16th C buildings, and the famous Lamb House.
Harbour Nature Reserve and Camber Castle
Henry VIII's Camber Castle is situated in a nature reserve outside Rye. The castle is set amidst sea, saltmarsh, sand, shingle and pools where wildlife abounds. It once protected Rye from invasion.
Rye Habour Nature Reserve and Camber Castle
Warden
2a Watch Cottages
Winchelsea TN36 4LU
England
Warden
2a Watch Cottages
Winchelsea TN36 4LU
England
Hours
July 1 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | 14:00 | 14:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 |
High Street
Below the half-timbered houses on the High Street, reached via West Street, Thomas House stands out. Most impressive, however, are the brick Old Grammar School (1635) and the George Hotel, constructed at the beginning of the 18th century. In Lion Street, to the left, tea can be taken at "Simon the Pieman's". The house next to this tea-room is named after the dramatist John Fletcher (1579-1625), who came from Rye.
Horne`s Place Chapel
Horne's Place Chapel is a 14th C domestic chapel, once attached to the manor house.
Lamb House
This National Trust property in the town of Rye was the home of writer Henry James from 1898 to 1916. Many of the rooms contain some of James's personal possessions and you will learn about the house's other literary residents.
Lamb House
West Street
Rye TN31 7ES
England
West Street
Rye TN31 7ES
England
Hours
March 20 to October 25
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | 14:00 | Closed | 14:00 | Closed |
| Close | 18:00 | 18:00 |
Parking
Free
Disabled
No facilities for persons with disabilities.
Northiam - Brickwall House & Garden
Brickwall House is has been the home of the Frewen family since 1666. It features excellent 17th century ceilings and family portraits covering four centuries. The garden surrounding Brickwall House includes pinks, columbines and bergamots together with lavender beds, mulberries and clipped yews.
Rye Heritage Centre and Town Model
The Rye Heritage Centre and Town Model portray 700 years of Rye's history in the town model. With sound and light effects - royal visits, French invasions and other great moments in history are brought to life.
The center also offers audio tours to accompany you on the streets of Rye.
The center also offers audio tours to accompany you on the streets of Rye.
Rye Heritage Centre and Town Model / Rye Tourist Office
Strand Quay
Rye TN31 7AY
England
Strand Quay
Rye TN31 7AY
England
Hours
January 1 to February 28
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 | 15:00 |
March 1 to March 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
April 1 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
November 1 to December 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Guides
Taped tours for rent.
St Mary's Church
The parish church of St Mary, begun in the 12th century and renovated several times, stands at the end of Lion Street. A fine view can be enjoyed from the church tower. Its clock, produced in Winchelsea in 1561, is thought to be one of the oldest in the country. The impressive window (1897) in the north aisle is the work of Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris.
Hours
January 1 to December 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Ypres Tower
Ypres Tower, a former fortress with three semi-circular corner towers, is reached via Church Square. It now houses a museum detailing the history of Rye and the Cinque Ports. From adjoining Canon Gardens there is a fine view across Romney Marsh to the sea.
Hours
April 1 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:30 | Closed | Closed | 10:30 | 10:30 | 10:30 | 10:30 |
| Close | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 | ||
| Open | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | ||
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
November 1 to March 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | 10:30 | 10:30 |
| Close | 15:30 | 15:30 |
