Rye Heritage Centre – The Story of Rye in Miniature

Just a short stroll from One Church Square, the Rye Heritage Centre is a great way to get your bearings and dive into the town’s long, layered history. Housed in a former 19th-century sail loft on Strand Quay, it’s home to the brilliant ‘Story of Rye’ – a 20-minute sound and light show built around a detailed 1:100 scale model of Victorian Rye.

It’s immersive, charming, and unexpectedly memorable – even Es Devlin, the world-renowned artist & stage designer, credits it as a childhood inspiration.

📍 The Old Sail Loft, Strand Quay, Rye, TN31 7AY

🕗 Opening hours: Tues–Sat: 10:30am–4:30pm | Closed Sun & Mon
🌐 Visit Website

Winchelsea Town Trail

Step into history with a self-guided walk through one of England’s best-preserved medieval towns. Explore ancient gates, St Thomas’ Church, and the remnants of a once-thriving port. The trail offers panoramic views over the Brede Valley and the sea, making it a must for history buffs and casual walkers alike.

📍 Start at Winchelsea Town Centre

🕓 Open year-round 📄 Visitor Map PDF.     🌐 winchelsea.com

Mermaid Street – Rye’s Most Iconic Lane

Just steps from One Church Square, Mermaid Street is one of the most photographed streets in England – and it’s easy to see why. Its steep, cobbled slope winds between crooked, half-timbered houses, some dating back to the 15th century.

At the heart of it sits the Mermaid Inn, rebuilt in 1420 after the original was destroyed in a 1377 raid. Notably, on August 27, 1597, William Shakespeare and his company, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men, performed here as part of the town’s mayoral celebrations. 

The inn later became infamous as a smugglers’ haunt, with secret tunnels and hidden staircases still intact. Wander down at dusk and the whole lane feels like a film set – quiet, timeless, and full of atmosphere.

📍 Mermaid Street, Rye, TN31 7EY

Ypres Tower – Rye’s 13th-Century Fortress

Just 200 metres from One Church Square, the Ypres Tower is one of Rye’s most iconic historic landmarks. Built in the 13th century to defend against French attacks, it’s served over the years as a prison, courthouse, and even a morgue.

Today, it’s home to the Rye Castle Museum, with exhibits on medieval life, smuggling, and Rye’s maritime past. You can climb the battlements for panoramic views over the river and out to sea, or step into the peaceful medieval herb garden just below.

📍 Ypres Tower, Gun Gardens, Rye, TN31 7HH 🌐 Visit Website

🕗 Open daily | Free entry for children when accompanied by an adult

Rye Art Gallery – Contemporary Gems & Permanent Treasures

Tucked into two historic houses on High Street, Rye Art Gallery blends a rotating lineup of contemporary exhibitions with a permanent collection that features British 20th‑century greats like Edward Burra, Paul Nash, John Piper, Ivon Hitchens, and Arthur Rackham. There’s always something fresh to discover, whether you’re browsing prints or meeting emerging artists.

📍 107 High Street, Rye, TN31 7JE

🌐 ryeartgallery.org.uk

🕗 Mon–Sat 10:00–17:00, Sun & holidays 11:00–16:00

St Mary’s Church – A Historic Gem Next Door

Just steps from One Church Square, St Mary’s Church has stood at the heart of Rye for over 900 years. It’s a beautiful, historic building with striking Gothic features and plenty of stories tucked into its stones.

One of its most remarkable features is the oldest working turret clock in the country, installed in 1561–62 by Huguenot clockmaker Lewys Billiard. It still runs on its original mechanism, chiming every quarter hour with the help of the gilded Quarter Boys, added in 1760. You can often hear the gentle chime from the bedrooms at One Church Square – a lovely reminder of where you are.

A must-see during your stay: you can climb the church tower via a set of narrow, winding steps. It’s a fun little adventure  and rewards you with panoramic views over Rye’s rooftops, the surrounding countryside, and out towards the sea.

📍 Church Square, Rye, TN31 7HF

🕗 Opening hours: Summer: Daily 9:15am–5:15pm Winter: Daily 9:15am–4:15pm

The Rye Bookshop – A Little Literary Gem

Tucked away on the High Street, just a few minutes from the house, The Rye Bookshop is a lovely spot to browse on a slow morning. It’s technically part of Waterstones, but it still feels like an independent shop – with a carefully chosen mix of bestsellers, local titles, children’s books, and thoughtful gifts.

The staff know their stuff and the whole place has a quiet, welcoming charm. Great for picking up a beach read, something for the kids, or just a good reason to linger a little longer in town.

📍 25 High Street, Rye, TN31 7JF 

🕗 Opening hours: Mon–Sat: 9:30am–5:30pm Sunday: 10:00am–4:30pm

The Other Record Shop – Vinyl & Vibes in the Passage

Tucked away in Rye’s historic Needles Passage, just off The Mint, The Other Record Shop is a proper hidden gem. Follow the LP-shaped sign and head down the alley to find a cosy little space packed with new and second-hand vinyl, CDs, books, and posters – all neatly displayed in handmade wooden racks.

Run by Henry Tragett, the collection spans punk, soul, reggae, funk and more, with the occasional rare find tucked in from some well-known collections. It’s a great spot to browse, discover something unexpected, and chat all things music.

📍 Needles Passage, just off The Mint, Rye

🕗 Opening hours can vary – best to check their Instagram for updates