Looking for a picturesque English village, with cobbled streets, gorgeous countryside, that’s not far from London? Well look no further. Rye in East Sussex is just over an hour by train from the capital, making it a perfect weekend trip.
With its old timbered cottages, a castle, a beach, cobbled rolling hills and quirky antique shops, Rye is the perfect little getaway from the city. Here you can enjoy a traditional typical English village feel, as well as lovely countryside walks around the surrounding nature reserve, harbour and coast.
I was planning to do a walk around the nature reserve but walking around the lovely town took longer than I expected, so I just walked to the beach instead. This was a pretty walk in itself and if you want to venture a little further you can also walk from Rye to Camber sands which is close by.
There is a tourist information shop in Rye, where you can grab yourself a map of the area, displaying all the countryside walks you can do nearby. I preferred to just wander around the little laneways, stopping in which ever shops looked interesting. Here are all the things you can see and do on your walk around Rye.
The Landgate
This is a good starting point, 1. Because it’s close to the station and 2. Its close to a great coffee shop (see below). This stone gate used to connect Rye to the mainland, as back in the day Rye was actually an island. It’s a pretty impressive bridge, that reminds you of the history of this town.
Grab a Coffee or Hot Chocolate at Knoop’s
Knoop’s is a café specialising in many types of delicious hot chocolate- and it does good coffee too! I hope you are good at making decions as they have many hot chocolates to choose from (various cocoa percentages, the origin, different flavours, etc). If you need a pick me up coffee, they do a great flat white here, as well a some lovely lavender shortbreads.
Mermaid Street
This is perhaps the most well-known street in Rye, and it certainly lives up to its interesting name. Full of wonky looking ‘mix & match’ houses that roll down its steep cobbled lane. There’s also the 12th century Mermaid Inn which has accommodation and an old cosy bar.
Check out the View from St Mary’s Church
This was one of my favourite things to do in Rye. For a small charge, you can climb to the top of St Mary’s church for stunning views over the town and surrounding English countryside and coastline. You really get that quaint English village feel when you see it from above.
Admire Rye’s Laneways
Go for a wander around the village and you’ll find there’s something new, quirky, pretty and interesting around every corner. From the old half-timbered houses, cobbled historic streets and pretty front gardens with painted doors. The best way to see a place is to walk around and you’ll really get a feel for this small and historic village.
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Rye Castle Museum & Ypres Tower
Rye Castle Museum is also home to the Ypres Tower, which you can climb for views out towards to the coastline. It also has three floors of exhibits, such as medieval weapons, models of ancient ships and old herbals remedies. Although quite interesting I did think the entry fee was a bit much for what was there but if you’re into history you will enjoy this museum. There is also a second part to this museum with more exhibits on East street. This is free but donations welcomed.
Pick up a Gift in the Quirky Shops
There are many antique shops in Rye to grab yourself a bargain. Plus, shops selling handmade goods, gifts, postcards, bookshops and small art galleries where you can buy prints of the beautiful Rye streets and landscape.
Lunch at one of the Medieval Pubs
There are many pubs and places to eat in Rye from the Mermaid Inn, Ye Olde Bell Inn, The Ypres Castle Inn, The Ship Inn and the Old Bell (this is where I ate, in a lovely outside courtyard). As well as the traditional pubs there are many cafes and restaurants.
Walk around the Nature Reserve
For those who love nature and birdwatching then don’t miss the nature reserve, where there is a lovely circular walk you can do. Situated along the coast you will see saltmarshes, open grassland, and reedbeds full of wildlife.
Take time Out at the Beach
You could walk to Camber Sands which has gorgeous golden sand, along a wide stretch of coastline (this is a little further out but still within walking distance). I took a short walk to the closest beach, which is pebbled but still relaxing and great to get that fresh sea air!
Complete Your Day with an Afternoon Tea
After a long day, why not chill out at one of Rye’s cosy tea shops. Sipping a warm cup of tea with some sweet treats is also perfect for that afternoon pick me up, before a long walk.
How to get to Rye, East Sussex from London?
From London St Pancras International, get the fast train to Ashford International (39 mins) and then change onto a train headed to Rye (21 mins). Total journey time is 1 hour, 8 minutes from London.
More beautiful walks in England: Beautiful Walks in England: Dorchester on Thames
Hope you liked this post on the pretty English village of Rye, East Sussex. This is such a charming village, with a truly historic feel. Please share along 😊
