What to do in Rye
15 Best Things to Do and See in Rye 2025
Last updated: Mar 31, 2025
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 ...
The Mermaid Inn
In Rye
01797 223 065
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One of England’s oldest and loveliest inns, with Norman cellars dating from 1156, the Mermaid, rebuilt in 1420, offers tradition and charm in abundance. A jewel in the crown of Rye, the inn has a wide range of accommodation including rooms with four-poster beds and fascinating secret passages. The lounge bar boasts of one of … more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Rye Museum: East Street
In Rye
01797 226 728
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Rye Museum has two sites in the town: Ypres Tower and East Street which is the main site for exhibits and public events such as talks and coffee mornings. It houses changing exhibitions concerning different aspects of Rye life. The latest of these features Ryes connections to Royal Weddings. A major exhibit features Captain Pugwash, … 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
Harbour Cycles
Rye Harbour 1.6 miles from Rye
01797 227 667
07719 914 506
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We are based in Rye Harbour opposite the Lifeboat station, and next to Rye Harbour nature reserve. Take a bicycle and ride through the 1150 acres of the nature reserve via the designated trails, see map. or stay on the tarmac private road through to Pett Level along the beach. Discover the wildlife in a … more
Kino Rye
In Rye
01797 226 293
Kino Rye occupies a former Victorian library and has three stylish cinemas, a private function space, a large café-bar with a mezzanine lounge and a delightful sunny terrace. Kino is open from 10:30am daily with cinema screenings from 11:00am.
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.
Sarah Cox Ceramics
In Rye
Ceramics courses & taster days at my studio, Teak House, Jempsons Moorings, on Rye Harbour Road. Classes currently running on Tuesday & Wednesday evenings 6.30pm till 8.30pm, & Wednesday afternoon 2-5pm. With enough interest I may start others, please enquire! The 2 hour classes are £22.50 each, & the 3 hour class £30. Classes are … more
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Jeake's House
Indulge in the unique atmosphere of Jeake’s House Hotel. Standing on one of the most beautiful cobbled streets of Rye, … more
Listed in: Bed and Breakfast
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Jeake's House
Award winning 17th century town house in medieval cobbled street
Cadborough Cottages
Walking distance from Rye. Ample parking. Peaceful location.
Message Board
Host Families needed in Rye
Do you have a spare bedroom? Would you like to host a French student for two weeks in July? Join … more
Martello Developments Proposals
As a follow up to the article in Rye News a few weeks back we are delighted to say that … more