Rye, United Kingdom

Things to do

2 days in Rye

Day 1

  1. MorningWalk the cobbled Mermaid Street and its crooked half-timbered houses.
  2. AfternoonClimb the tower of St. Mary's Church for the view over the marshes.
  3. EveningHave dinner in a historic inn in the old town.

Day 2

Spend an afternoon on the dunes of Camber Sands.

What to eat

Rye Bay scallops, celebrated with a festival each February.

Local tips

Make the most of Rye

Beat the crowds

Weekends are busy. Weekdays are calm.

Best photo spot

Mermaid Street, a steep cobbled lane of old timber-framed houses.

Getting there

Trains run from Ashford International, about 20 minutes.

Don't miss nearby

Camber Sands beach and the little town of Winchelsea.

Good to know

Climb St Mary's church tower for the view over the rooftops and marshes. The church clock is one of the oldest still working in England.

Secret spots

2 secret spots near Rye

Our most hidden places around Rye: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Rye to take with you.

45 km away
80 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Rye

Getting there

  • London Gatwick Airport (LGW)70 km away
  • London Heathrow Airport (LHR)100 km away
  • Canterbury45 km away
  • Brighton65 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeAll year
TypeHidden town
Good forOld towns & architecture
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryUnited Kingdom

Questions

Rye: good to know

Is Rye worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like historic old towns. A hilltop town of cobbled lanes and half-timbered inns.

How many days do you need in Rye?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Rye?

You can visit all year. Weekends are busy. Weekdays are calm.

How do you get to Rye?

The nearest airport is London Gatwick Airport (LGW), about 70 km away. Trains run from Ashford International, about 20 minutes.

What is there to see near Rye?

Nearby hidden places include Canterbury (44 km), Brighton (63 km) and London (86 km).

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