6 Reasons to Visit Charming Rye, Rye, England

Perched on its hillside overlooking the marshes, the medieval town of Rye in East Sussex is one of the prettiest towns in England. A thousand years ago, the small town was almost entirely surrounded by sea and was one of the most important harbours in the country, playing an important role in the defence of England’s south coast.

The sea retreated from the town centuries ago but Rye has a charm all of its own. You’ll want to visit for its timber-framed buildings and cobbled streets but spend a little longer and you’ll find quirky doors, quaint tearooms and a fantastic castle. Here are our six reasons to visit.

It’s a positive delight wandering up and down Rye’s steep cobbled lanes. The medieval, Tudor and Georgian buildings have been beautifully preserved and there’s something interesting to look at around on every corner. It all feels remarkably genteel – it’s hard to believe that these cobbled streets and secret passages were once the haunt of smugglers and highwaymen. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).