Explore Rye
From its famous cobbled streets and medieval history to its modern independent shops, galleries and restaurants, Rye really has something for everyone. Perfectly, all within a short walking distance of the Hope Anchor. Here we list a few of our favourite things to do to visit during your stay in Rye. But these are just suggestions – please ask our reception staff if you would like any specific recommendations.
Rye Heritage Centre
One for the history buffs and great for kids as well; the perfect place to start your visit to Rye. Their 15-minute sound and light show, “The Story of Rye”, transports you back through Rye’s colourful history, starting at its medieval beginnings. Walking tours can also be booked here – some led by Rye’s town crier.
St Mary’s Church
You can climb the tower of this 900-year-old church, which boasts possibly one of the best views over Rye. The church famously survived Rye’s devastating fire of 1377 when French invaders looted and burnt it, stealing its bells. They were restored in the early 16thC, following a revenge raid to Normandy, having been temporarily housed in our very own Watchbell Street.
Rye Castle Museum
Covering 2 sites, East Street and the iconic Ypres Tower (1249), each within walking distance of the other, our local museum houses an extensive collection of artefacts dating back to Rye’s medieval past. The small entrance fee covers both locations, with free admission for under 16’s.
Mermaid Street
Apparently the most photographed street in England, Mermaid Street’s famous cobbles link the Strand uphill to St Mary’s Church. Lined with quirky 15thC cottages and houses, with equally quirky names (‘the house with two front doors’, ‘the house opposite’) walking up it is like stepping back in time, which explains its popularity as a period film and TV location.
Mary Stanford Boathouse
If you walk along the beach from Rye Harbour towards Winchelsea, you will see the solitary silhouette of the Mary Stanford boathouse. Ostensibly just a dilapidated old shed, this grade II listed building is an important reminder of Rye’s close relationship with the sea, and the sacrifice of those who still selflessly risk their own lives to help others. A memorial to the 17 volunteer lifeboat crew members who all lost their lives in 1928, the boathouse was closed on that disastrous day and its crew remembered in a service every year by the town.
Camber Sands
Camber Sands beach is the only beach in East Sussex where you’ll find golden sand rather than pebbles and shingle. Its unique sand dune system stretches for over 3 miles to just beyond the Kent border. A popular destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing, you might want to bring a windbreak for sitting on the beach or go there for a lovely bracing walk.
Lamb House
Housing George 1 in 1726 when his ship was washed up at Camber during a storm, this beautiful home was built in 1722 by local politician and wine merchant James Lamb. It is best known for its strong literary links, when first Henry James and later E.F. Benson lived there. Benson famously immortalised Lamb House as “Mallards” in his popular Mapp and Lucia fictional series. Its stunningly planted walled garden is the largest in Rye. Lamb house is a mere 3-minute walk from the Hope Anchor.
Shopping
Rye is renowned for its antique and collectors shops, which have been joined in more recent years by a new wave of stylish homeware and lifestyle retailers. The High Street is a good base to start from when exploring the best Rye has to offer. Take the side streets off it as well, where you can discover more independent shops in the alleys and lanes. At the end, review your finds over a refreshing beer or reviving coffee in The Dragon Bar in The George, one of the town’s most popular drinking venues.
Harbour Nature Reserve
Rye Harbour is renowned for its magnificent bird life where more than 280 species have been recorded. Its famous Nature Reserve is a 7-minute drive from The Hope Anchor and set in an exceptional coastal and wetland landscape. The Discovery Centre is open daily and its Lime Kiln café has amazing views across the saltmarsh.
Waterworks Microbrewery
The Rye Waterworks is impressively the first Micropub to open in South East Sussex. This family run brewery and tap room is based in what was a water pump house for 300 years; now it serves their selection of local ales, keg beers and cider. They also host live music evenings.
Kino Cinema
Rye’s independent cinema is just a 4-minute walk from us. Occupying a former Victorian library which has been stylishly renovated to house three state of the art screening rooms, it has a licenced bar and a sunny terrace at the front. Listings are posted weekly, and leaflets are available outside the cinema or ask at our reception.
Winchelsea
Just 3 miles east of Rye, neigbouring Winchelsea, a community of c 600 with its own mayor, claims to be the smallest town in England. Home to the famous 13thc St Thomas’s church, its beach was also voted one of the 50 best beaches in the UK for 2023.
