What to do in Rye

St Mary's Church Tower

In Rye
01797 222 318

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

Rye Harbour Beach

Rye Harbour 2.2 miles from Rye

Aubrey Halls

In Rye
07544 229 409

The Aubrey Halls is a new automotive destination – the first of its kind in the South East. The Aubrey Halls features two unique spaces – The Motoring Hall and The Market Hall (coming in 2026) – both rooted in a love of classic vehicles and enriched with artisan food, drink, and produce, as well … more

Rye Harbour Nature Reserve

Rye Harbour 1.9 miles from Rye

Grounded

In Rye
07956 280 257

Grounded is now also open Thursday eves 6-9pm … a warm place for a chilled-out evening: log fire and candles lit, cakes / coffee / drinks / home-made soup and focaccia sandwiches, games, books & good company. Hope you can stop by! Open daily 10-5pm, with book clubs, poetry evenings etc – also available for … more

Lamb House

In Rye
01797 222 909

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

Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin

In Rye
01797 222 318

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

Mary Stanford Lifeboat House

Rye Harbour 2.1 miles from Rye

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.

Rye Museum: Ypres Tower

In Rye
01797 226 728

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

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

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