If you’re looking for cobbled streets, local history and sea views, a seaside town near London has it all – and it was named one of the best in the UK.
Known for its iconic Mermaid Street – one of the UK’s most photographed streets – oas well as its interesting history with smuggling, Rye is one of Sussex’s most popular towns to frequent during the summer.
Its iconic Mermaid Street is one of the UK’s most photographed streets (Image: Emily Davison)
Within relatively easy reach of London by train via Ashford International to Rye station or by a 90-minute car ride, this town has an eclectic mix of local history, independent shops and natural beauty.
The town was also ranked by Which? as one of the best UK seaside towns to visit, coming in at number seven on the list after Dartmouth in Devon.
The town racked up an impressive 79 per cent scoring from visitors, with high ratings for its local attractions, food and drink and scenery.
The town is full of historic buildings, with some dating back as far as Norman times, and one such example where you can spend the night is The Mermaid Inn.
Located on the iconic street that has been captured by photographers and Instagrammers alike, this historic inn has cellars dating back to 1156, with the current building dating back to 1430 when it was rebuilt after a fire.
Today you can stay in one of 31 rooms, all of which have interesting period features from original wooden beams to elaborate four poster beds.
Many of the rooms are rumoured to be haunted, with the ghost of a woman wearing a white dress said to haunt The Nutcracker Suite, and the ghosts of two sparring men seen in the corridors.
Another of Rye’s popular staycation spots is its nearby windmill, just a ten-minute walk from the station, with ten rooms, two of them being set within the historic windmill with views of Rye Nature Reserve.
The town is relatively small, making it easy to get around on foot, with several historic attractions to visit like the Ypres Tower dating back to the 14th century, where you’ll learn about Rye’s past, its history with smuggling and how it dealt with its criminals.
The town also hosted its share of artists and writers including Henry James, who once took up residency in Lamb House, an 18th century house where King George I spent the night during a storm.
Now owned by the National Trust, the house is still appointed as it would have been when the famed American writer lived there, along with a secluded garden to explore.
The town is also lined with plenty of places to eat and drink, from seafood spots and pubs to tearooms and cafes.
One of Rye’s most popular spots for a visit is The Cobbles Tearoom just off Mermaid Street, where you’ll find a picket-fenced tearoom where you can order a range of sweet and savoury snacks.
But if it’s brunch and cocktails you fancy, head over to The Fig where you’ll find a range of brunch options like Rhubarb Waffles and Eggs Benedict.
The town is also full of many independent shops, from clothes and bookstores to antiques and vintage emporiums to trawl through.
But if you fancy exploring more of the natural landscape, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve stretches for 1.4 miles, with a network of footpaths offering views of the Sussex countryside.
