Rye Harbour Nature Reserve – Wildlife, Walks & Big Sky Views
Just a short drive from One Church Square, Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is one of the best places to stretch your legs and soak up some nature. Run by the Sussex Wildlife Trust, it’s considered the jewel in the crown of their reserves.
It’s a true wildlife hotspot, with over 280 bird species recorded, including the striking Avocets, often seen nesting in the lagoons and mudflats. Flat, accessible trails wind through saltmarsh, shingle, and wetlands, leading out to the sea. It’s about a one-mile walk to the beach from the main car park, with huge skies and wide views all the way.
Start at the Discovery Centre, which has panoramic windows over the reserve, interactive exhibits, and a café serving cakes, coffee, and light lunches.
If you hire bikes locally in Rye Harbour, you can follow the trail along the seafront, through the reserve, and all the way to Pett Level – a brilliant coastal ride packed with birdlife, sea air, and wide-open views.
📍 Rye Harbour, TN31 7TX. 🌐 Visit Website
🕗 Opening hours: Reserve open daily year-round
Discovery Centre: 10:00am–4:00pm daily
Knoops – Rye’s Original Artisan Hot Chocolate Bar
Just a few minutes from One Church Square, Knoops is a must for chocolate lovers. Founded in Rye in 2013 by Jens Knoop, it’s now franchised around the country – but this one is the original.
You can choose from over 20 chocolate percentages (from 28% white to 100% dark), pick your milk, and add extras like sea salt, orange zest or chilli. They also serve iced chocolates, mochas, and shakes – all made to order and seriously good.
📍 Tower Forge, Hilders Cliff, Rye, TN31 7LD 📌 Find on What3Words
🌐 Visit Website. 🕗 Opening hours: Mon–Fri & Sun: 8am–6pm Saturday 9pm
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
Haydens – Eco-Friendly Brunch in the Heart of Rye
Tucked along the High Street, Haydens is a family-run café and guesthouse known for its eco-friendly ethos and quality, locally sourced ingredients. The brunch menu covers all the bases – from full English breakfasts and cheddar eggs to pancakes and Eggs Benedict – with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options too.
It’s a welcoming spot with a thoughtful approach to food, and a great choice if you’re after a relaxed, sustainable bite to eat in Rye.
📍 108 High Street, Rye, TN31 7JE. 🌐 Visit Website
Whitehouse Rye – Our Favourite Spot for Brunch
Right in the centre of town, just along the High Street, Whitehouse Rye is a firm favourite for brunch. Set in a beautifully restored listed building, it’s a relaxed café and bakery serving up everything from fluffy blueberry pancakes with vanilla mascarpone to bacon flatbreads with chilli jam and crispy onions.
Everything’s made fresh, and you can pick up a loaf of their excellent sourdough to take back with you. It’s walk-in only, so you can drop by whenever the mood strikes.
📍 24 High Street, Rye, TN31 7JF. 🌐 Visit Website
🕗 Opening hours: Daily 8:30am–4:00pm (brunch until 3:00pm, coffee and cake until close)
The Fig – Stylish Brunch, Lunch & Cocktails in the Heart of Rye
Just a short stroll from One Church Square, The Fig is one of Rye’s most loved café-restaurants. Founded by Chef Rosie Furnival—a BBC MasterChef finalist with a career that’s taken her from the French Alps to the Arctic Circle—The Fig is known for its bold, healthy flavours and creative cocktails. Guests can enjoy vibrant brunch and lunch daily, with dinner served Thursday to Saturday. The ever-evolving menu is packed with seasonal, globally-inspired dishes made from high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re after the best brunch in Rye, a laid-back evening meal, or a cocktail to kick off your weekend, The Fig is a must-visit during your stay.
📍 2 High Street, Rye TN31 7JE. 🌐 Visit Website 📌 Find on What3Words
Hoof – Farm-to-Table Burgers Just Around the Corner
Hoof is a cosy, rustic burger joint with serious local roots. Owned by farmer Oliver Furnival, the beef and potatoes come straight from his family farm on Romney Marsh, just four miles away.
The menu’s all about quality – think juicy burgers, steaks, and their famous FreakShakes (a full-blown dessert in a glass, and a big hit with kids). It’s laid-back, welcoming, and a great pick if you’re after something hearty and local.
📍 35 The Mint, Rye, TN31 7EN. 🌐 Visit Website
🕗 Opening hours: Mon–Sun: 12:00pm–11:00pm Kitchen closes: 9:00pm (weekdays), 9:30pm (Fri–Sat), 8:00pm (Sun)
Rye Sushi – Japanese & Korean Fusion Done Right
Rye Sushi is one of our go-to spots when we fancy something a bit special. Tucked away on Cinque Ports Street, it’s a cosy, family-run restaurant owned and run by Adam and Mee Yun, who are always welcoming and take great care of their guests.
The menu features fresh, made-to-order sushi using locally sourced fish, alongside Korean-inspired hot dishes and great vegetarian options. Whether you’re a sushi regular or trying it for the first time, it’s a relaxed, friendly place to enjoy really good food.
📍 62 Cinque Ports Street, Rye, TN31 7AN 🌐 Visit Website
🕗 Opening hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs–Sun: 12:00pm–8:30pm ( Closed Wednesday)
Marino’s – Classic Fish & Chips
If you’re craving proper fish and chips while you’re in Rye, Marino’s on The Mint is the go-to. Just a few minutes from the house, it serves fresh fish straight from the local harbour, cooked to order and consistently spot on.
You can eat in, but we often grab a takeaway and head down to the beach at Pett Level or Camber Sands to eat fish and chips and watch the sunset – it’s one of those simple things that always feels like a treat.
They also offer a gluten-free batter on request (just note it’s cooked in the same fryer), and you can order online here for quick collection.
📍 37 The Mint, Rye, TN31 7EN
Kino Rye – Your Cosy Local Cinema
Just around the corner from One Church Square – quite literally a stone’s throw away. It’s our brilliant little local cinema: small, stylish, and surprisingly luxurious, with plush seating and a well-curated mix of independent films, new releases, and live event screenings.
There’s also a lovely café bar serving great coffee, wine, snacks, and sweet treats – plus a quiet courtyard garden if the sun’s out. Whether you’re escaping the rain or planning a relaxed evening out, Kino is always a good call.
📍 Lion Street, Rye, TN31 7LB 🌐 Visit Website
💡 Tip: You can bring your drink into the screening with you.
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
Rye Health Store – Your Local Wellness Hub
Just a short walk from One Church Square, Rye Health Store has been part of the town since 1982. This independent, family-run shop is our go-to for wellness essentials – from organic wholefoods and vitamins to natural beauty products, herbal remedies, and eco-friendly household items.
The team are knowledgeable, approachable, and always happy to offer advice. Whether you’re after a healthy snack, a herbal tea, or a quick top-up of skincare bits, it’s a great spot to pop into during your stay.
📍 91 High Street, Rye, TN31 7JN
🕗 Opening hours: Mon–Fri: 9:00am–5:00pmSat: 9:30am–5:30pm
Sun: 11:00am–4:30pm
WiDEYE – Natural Skincare & Wellness
Just down the High Street from One Church Square, WiDEYE is a beautiful little shop full of handmade, plant-based skincare and wellness products. From bath bombs and essential oils to face creams and soaps, everything’s crafted with natural ingredients – no parabens, no synthetic fragrances, just good stuff.
Downstairs, there’s a peaceful treatment room where you can book in for massages, facials, and body treatments inspired by global wellness traditions. A great place to pick up gifts, treat yourself, or just take a breather while exploring Rye.
📍 113 High Street, Rye, TN31 7JE. 🌐 Visit Website
🕗 Opening hours: Mon–Sat: 10:00am–5:00pm. Sunday: 11:00am–4:00pm
Rye Watersports – Coastal Adventure Just Outside Town
Just a 5-minute drive from One Church Square, Rye Watersports is a brilliant spot for some fun on the water. Set beside a quiet coastal lake near Camber, they offer paddleboard and kayak hire, plus sailing boats if you’ve got an RYA certificate. Lessons are available too, whether you’re starting out or just brushing up.It’s a great shout for families, couples, or anyone looking for something a bit different – you can get out on the water or simply relax and watch from the shore. New for this year is their Aqua Park – a huge inflatable course on the lake that’s great fun for kids (and grown-ups who don’t mind getting soaked).
📍 Northpoint Water, Camber Road, Rye, TN31 7QS. 🌐 Visit Website
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
Tibbs Farm – Pick-Your-Own & Valley Views
Just five minutes from Rye, Tibbs Farm is a brilliant countryside stop – especially in the summer months. There’s pick-your-own fruit (strawberries, tayberries, raspberries and more), space for the kids to roam, and a café that’s become a bit of a local favourite.
Set high above the Tillingham Valley, the café looks out over classic hop gardens and rolling fields. They serve farm-to-fork food, including proper bacon rolls, cakes, and – in summer – their homemade ice cream, famous with the locals has freshly blended fruit picked straight from the farm. Simple, local, and seriously good.
📍 Udimore Road, Rye, TN31 6AR. 🌐 Visit Website
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
Bodiam Boating Station – River Adventures & Riverside Lunches
Set in the historic village of Newenden – thought to be the site of the earliest recorded reference to a cricket-like game in England – Bodiam Boating Station is a lovely riverside spot for a slow day out or a bit of outdoor fun.
You can take a peaceful river cruise to the spectacular Bodiam Castle, or hire kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, or rowing boats if you’re up for something more active on the water.
Right next door is the Lime Wharf Café – a great place to refuel with a laid-back menu of breakfasts, lunches, and afternoon teas, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. In the warmer months, the garden is a great place to sit and watch the world go by – with steam trains from the Kent & East Sussex Railway often passing in the distance.
📍 Newenden, TN18 5PP. 🌐 Visit Website
🕗 Opening hours: Check website for seasonal opening times and bookings
Northiam Station – Step Back in Time by Steam
Originally opened in 1900, Northiam Station is a beautifully restored stop on the Kent & East Sussex Railway, nestled between Tenterden and Bodiam. It offers a nostalgic way to travel through the Rother Valley aboard vintage steam and diesel trains. Whether you’re a railway enthusiast or just in the mood for a slower pace, it’s a lovely outing – especially when paired with a visit to nearby Bodiam Castle or a riverside walk.
📍 Northiam Station, Station Road, Northiam, TN31 6QT 🌐 Visit Website
🕗 Train times and opening hours vary – check website for current schedule
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
Bodiam Castle – A Fairytale Fortress
Just a short drive from Rye, Bodiam Castle is a picture-perfect 14th-century moated fortress that looks like it’s been lifted straight from the pages of a storybook. Built in 1385 to defend the realm and impress the neighbours, it’s now one of the most iconic medieval ruins in the country.
Cross the wooden bridge, wander the grounds, and climb the towers for sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. It’s a great family day out, especially when paired with a river trip or steam train ride.
📍 Bodiam, Robertsbridge, TN32 5UA. 🌐 Visit Website
Tillingham – Natural Wine with a View
Just a short drive from Rye, Tillingham Winery sits on a 70-acre hilltop estate with sweeping views over the Sussex Weald. It’s a working biodynamic vineyard and farmstead, blending rustic charm with clean, modern design.
Guests can enjoy natural wines made on-site, explore the cellar, or settle in for a long lunch in the restaurant – where everything is rooted in sustainability and flavour. There’s also a relaxed bar, pizza in the courtyard, and rooms if you feel like staying longer.
📍 Dew Farm, Dew Lane, Peasmarsh, TN31 6XD. 🌐 Visit Website
Rye Fish Market & Seafood Bar
A brilliant local spot for seafood lovers — grab the day’s fresh catch at the market or sit down for oysters, lobster rolls, and local wines at the laid-back weekend seafood bar. Family-run, super friendly, and just a few minutes’ walk from the house.
📍 Simmons Quay, Rye, TN31 7DQ
🕓 Market: Tues–Sat 8am–5pm, Sun 10am–4pm
🦪 Seafood Bar: Fri 12–4pm, Sat 12–9pm, Sun 12–4pm
Charles Palmer Vineyards
A family-run vineyard producing award-winning English sparkling and still wines, Charles Palmer Vineyards is set in the rolling countryside near Winchelsea. Enjoy guided tours through the vines, learn about their traditional winemaking methods, and sample a selection of their wines in the tasting room. It’s a delightful spot for wine enthusiasts and those looking to experience the charm of English viticulture.
📍 Wickham Manor Farm, Winchelsea, East Sussex, TN36 4AG
🕓 Tours and tastings by appointment; check website for seasonal events
📞 +44 1797 226 490. 🌐 charlespalmer-vineyards.co.uk
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
