Rye Tourist Attractions

For a most rewarding stroll in Rye visit enchanting Mermaid Street with its Old Hospital, a triple-gabled half-timbered 15th/16th century building and the Mermaid Inn, a 15th century half-timbered pub rich in tradition - it was once a notorious meeting place for smugglers. At the upper end of the street stands Lamb House, an elegant 18th century Georgian building in which the American author Henry James (1843-1916) spent the last years of his life and wrote the novels "The Wings of the Dove" (1902) and "The Golden Bowl" (1904).

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.

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.

Winchelsea, an associated member of the legendary Cinque Ports since 1191, occupies an attractive hilltop position. After its destruction, the town was rebuilt by Edward I in the 13th century, when the streets were laid out on a grid plan around 40 fields. Its economic decline came when the port silted up, and only three of the medieval gates have survived.The beautiful village of Winchelsea has many ancient statues, the Church of St Thomas the Martyr and cellars that run beneath the streets.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Horne's Place Chapel is a 14th C domestic chapel, once attached to the manor house.