Rye in East Sussex Town Guide

What to do in Rye

15 Best Things to Do and See in Rye 2025

Last updated: Dec 31, 2024

Each month we take a look at the most popular attractions and activities in and around Rye and here are the latest top 15 things to do according to our visitors in ...

#2

Lamb House

In Rye
01797 222 909
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Lamb House was built in 1723 by James Lamb. Henry James leased the property and later purchased in 1899. It was here he wrote the Awkward Age, The Wings of the Dove, the Ambassadors and The Golden Bowl. In the Summer months James liked to use the Garden Room to dictate to his secretary. Sadly … more

#3

St Mary's Church Tower

In Rye
01797 222 318
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Climb the Church Tower for amazing views of Rye and the surrounding countryside! View the mechanism of the oldest working church turret clock in the UK. Gift Aiding your donation gives you free access for one year as many times as you like. Terms and Conditions apply. The Tower is open almost every day of … more

#4

Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin

In Rye
01797 222 318
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For almost 900 years the Parish Church of Rye, dedicated to St Mary the Virgin, has dominated the hill on which the old town stands. It has stood through good times and bad. In 1377 when the town was looted and set on fire by French invaders the church was extensively damaged. The roof fell … more

#5

Rye Harbour Beach

Rye Harbour 2.2 miles from Rye

The beach at Rye Harbour is a picturesque and unspoiled coastal stretch situated at the mouth of the river Rother at Rye Harbour along to Winchelsea Beach to the west. Generally a pebble beach (although there are sandy areas to be found), the beach is known for its peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot … more

#6

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

Rye Harbour 1.9 miles from Rye
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The Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is approximately 1.4 miles south east of Rye, signposted off the A259. There is a free car park at Rye Harbour. There is a network of foot paths that allow the reserve to be visited from Rye and Winchelsea on foot. Within the reserve there are five hides (with wheelchair … more

#7

Rye Museum: Ypres Tower

In Rye
01797 226 728
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The Rye Museum has two sites, the Ypres Tower (early 14th century) and the East Street site. The Tower has had many roles in its history from a fortification to protect the town, to a private dwelling, a prison and a mortuary. It is the oldest building–except for St Mary’s church–open to the public in … more

#8

Mary Stanford Lifeboat House

Rye Harbour 2.1 miles from Rye
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The Mary Stanford Lifeboat House is a historic building located in Rye Harbour, East Sussex, England. This iconic structure serves as a memorial to the tragic events that unfolded during a daring rescue attempt in 1928. The lifeboat house is a poignant reminder of the brave crew of the Mary Stanford lifeboat, who lost their … more

#9

Rye Bay

In Rye

Rye Bay is nestled in the scenic county of East Sussex. Covering some 91 square kilometres of fantastic views, there is more than ample reason to visit Rye Bay. Miles of unspoilt coastline adjoin Rye Bay (visit Camber Sands; the only sand dunes in the county for a proper Sussex sea-side day out!) but there … more

#10

1066 Country Walk

In Rye

Enjoy the exhilarating 1066 Country Walk from or to Rye. The whole walk to Pevensey takes four days, allowing time to visit the places of interest on the way, or you can go from Rye to Battle or vice versa in two days. Great Oak Walks will organise quality accommodation in places of character for … more

#12

Gun Gardens

In Rye

The Gun Gardens are set in-front of the Ypres (Wipers) Tower and has a battery of cannons facing out to sea. The views over the river Rother and across to the sea and Romney Marsh are well worth a visit.

#13

Rye Sports Centre

In Rye
01797 224 747
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Modern facilities, friendly staff and great value … all at Freedom Leisure Rye! Situated just behind the railway station, parking is free to Centre users. Please collect a parking ticket from reception

#14

E. F. Benson

In Rye

Novelist, biographer, and benefactor of Rye. On mappandluciarye.uk there is a marvellous online tour of the various locations of Tilling shot in and around Rye. Edward Frederic Benson was born July 24, 1867 at Wellington College in Berkshire, where his father was the Master. He was the fifth of six children born to Mary Sidgwick … more

#15

Rye Hire

In Rye
01797 223 033
07743 089 447
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Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm Closed weekends unless by prior arrangement for bike/wheelchair hire. CYCLE HIRE Good quality all-terrain & touring cycles for hire £20 per day or £15 for 4 hours (conditions apply) Close to railway station, Heritage Centre – WE HIRE – Tools and Equipment for Building and Gardening, Cycles … more

What's new?

Quarter House
Quarter House

Enjoy historic & romantic beamed surroundings in the heart of the Medieval walled Citadel of Rye. This unusual converted Grade … more

Listed in: Holiday Cottages

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Cadborough Cottages
Cadborough Cottages

Walking distance from Rye. Ample parking. Peaceful location.

Jeake's House
Jeake's House

Award winning 17th century town house in medieval cobbled street

What's 🔥?

Burns Afternoon
Burns Afternoon

, 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Rye Harbour Village Hall, Rye Harbour

Next event

The Mighty Zircons
The Mighty Zircons

8:30pm
The Pipemakers Arms, Rye

Message Board

Martello Developments Proposals

As a follow up to the article in Rye News a few weeks back we are delighted to say that … more

Compass Taxis Ltd Information

Good morning, could we please have a quote for a taxi to Stansted airport on Friday the 25th of October … more

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