Things to do in Rye
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A
Mermaid St
From the tourist office, turn away from the water through Strand Quay, and clamber up the famous cobbled Mermaid St, thick with 15th-century timber-framed houses with quirky house names like 'The House with Two Front Doors', 'The House Opposite' and more.
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Ypres Tower
Just off Church Sq stands the sandcastle-esque Ypres Tower (pronounced 'wipers'). This 13th-century building looks out over Romney Marsh and Rye Bay, and houses one part of Rye Museum. It's overseen by a friendly warden, who's full of colourful tales from the tower's long history as fort, prison, mortuary and museum (the last two at overlapping times). New exhibitions dedicated to women and children in Rye and a medieval garden are planned. The other branch of the museum, a short stroll away on East St, is home to an 18th-century leather fire engine and other intriguing loot.
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Lamb House
This Georgian town house is a favourite stomping ground for local apparitions, but not that of its most famous resident, American writer Henry James, who lived here from 1898 to 1916, during which time he wrote The Wings of the Dove.
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Church of St Mary the Virgin
Rye's church is a hotchpotch of medieval and later styles and its turret clock is the oldest in England (1561) still working with its original pendulum, which swings above your head as you enter. Climb the tower for panoramic views of the town and surroundings.
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E
Fish Café
A contemporary renovation of an old antiques warehouse, furnished in calm shades with chocolate high-back chairs, this restaurant focuses on its modern local fish and seafood dishes, cooked simply but to perfection.
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White Vine House
Fine dining in a fine setting can be had at this elegant vine-covered Tudor building, with an exquisitely painted dining room and a reputation for cooking the freshest local produce. It also has pristine rooms.
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Simon the Pieman
Many local cream-tea cognoscenti assert that this traditional tearoom, Rye's oldest, does the best scone-cream-jam combo this side of Romney Marsh. Further foes of tooth and waistline tempt from the shop's window.
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1066 Country Walk
To combine history and a hearty hike, the well-signposted 31-mile 1066 Country Walk meanders from Rye to Battle and Pevensey where it connects with the South Downs Way.
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Friars of the Sack
Cobbled Church Sq is ringed by historic houses, including the Friars of the Sack, which was once part of a 13th-century Augustinian friary but is now a private home.
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Landgate
At the northeastern edge of the village, the thickset pale-stone Landgate dates from 1329, and is the only remaining gate out of four.
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Old Borough Arms
For a proper old pub, head to this 300-year-old former smugglers’ inn with a truly lovely guesthouse and an excellent cafe.
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Ypres Tower Museum
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Haydens
Staunch believers in organic and fair-trade produce, these guys dish up delicious omelettes, ploughman's lunches, salads and pancakes in their light, breezy cafe. There's a wonderful elevated terrace at the back with great views over the town and surrounding countryside.
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Flushing Inn
Push open the heavy oak door of this 15th-century inn for a homely experience provided by the same family for the past 50 years! A variety of menus and mains, including heaps of veggie options, is cooked and served in person by the friendly owners, who do their utmost to make sure you leave satisfied. A precious 16th-century fresco, only rediscovered in 1901, adds extra flavour to the dining room. Bookings advisable.
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