Updated Summer 2013 East Sussex inside & out How to get here By Train: Trains depart from London Charing Cross, By Road: Rye is situated on the A259 between London Bridge, St Pancras (High Speed Link) and Hastings to the west and Folkestone to the east and Waterloo East (change at Ashford International for on the A268 from the north. Visit www.theaa.co.uk Rye) approx 1hr 5mins. Trains also depart from London for a detailed route planner to Rye from your starting Victoria and Gatwick Airport (change at Hastings for destination. From London/M25, take the A21 or M20 Rye). Rail information: 08457 484950 and follow signs to Rye. Upon arrival, follow signs to www.nationalrail.co.uk Rye’s main visitor car park, Gibbet Marsh (210 spaces). M25 M20 Ramsgate LONDON M2 Ramsgate - Oste M26 nd A228 Canterbury M25 Maidstone A21 A28 M20 A2 M23 Tonbridge Gatwick A259 Ashford Dover Tunbridge A28 Wells A262 Dover - A22 A26 B2086 A2070 Dunkirk Folkestone A268 Tenterden A259 Channel e A21 Tu A28 A268 nnel Culture Curiosities Coast A23 Battle B2089 A26 A22 A259 Rye Calais over - Diepp D A27 A27 A259 Hastings Brighton Bexhill Newhaven Eastbourne Boulogne 1066 Country Newhaven - Dieppe www.visit1066country.com/rye www.rye-sussex.co.uk Dieppe The Inside & Out of Rye Historic Rye Writers and Artists Outside Rye Perched on a hill, the medieval town of Rye is the Whereas many towns boast a colourful past but Many of these Rye residents have become world Walks wind their way through the historic sort of place you thought existed only in your have little evidence of it, Rye can bear testimony to famous literary heroes, such as Henry James, landscape full of special wildlife, which can be imagination. Almost suspended in time, Rye’s its eventful past. Conrad Aiken, Joseph Conrad, H. G. Wells and G. enjoyed all year long. In late spring sea kale blooms unhurried atmosphere and enchanting streets For centuries Rye stood in the hill at the estuary of K. Chesterton, whereas others like John Ryan have on the shingle ridges of Rye Harbour Nature draw visitors with their warm welcome. the River Rother, which provided a safe anchorage dreamt up popular stories such as the swashbuckling Reserve and marsh mallows flower in the ditches. It’s small enough to make you feel at home and harbour. Rye was an important place for adventures of Captain Pugwash. Corn buntings can be heard singing and whimbrel almost straight away but holds enough secret shipment and storage of iron from the Wealden iron Artists like Paul Nash and Edward Burra lived in Rye flocks feed in the area. In summer dragonflies and treasures to entice you to stay much longer. industry. which, together with the surrounding coastline, has damselflies dart over open water and marsh frogs bask in the sun at the edge of ponds. Autumn You’ll find quality independent retailers not seen As you wander around, look out for local landmarks been painted by artists such as Whistler, the Pre- brings the spectacle of migrating birds and in anonymous malls. Luxury products, antiques, like the Ypres Tower and Landgate Tower. Raphaelites and John Piper. colourful fruit in trees and shrubs. In winter large books, records and artisan goods are Rye’s Other buildings, such as Lamb House, (once the Rye’s most famous and best-loved author is flocks of lapwings circle over grassland and you speciality. Art and photography galleries are home of Henry James and later, E. F. Benson) in probably E. F. Benson, whose fictional town of might even be lucky enough to spot a bittern in the evidence of a flourishing creative community. West Street are open to the public. Don’t miss the Tilling is based on Rye. There are walks around E. F. reed beds or little egrets in the saltmarsh. Cobbled streets and narrow passages reveal view from the top of the tower of the Parish Church Benson’s Rye during the summer. Full details from Camber renowned for its outstanding natural architectural treasures among beautifully of St. Mary’s and when you explore the churchyard, Alan Dowling 01797 223114. beauty with its miles of golden sands to be preserved Medieval, Tudor and Georgian look out for the Town Water Cistern, built in 1735. enjoyed all year round. With over half a mile to the buildings. Many are open to the public as fine Rye’s real moment of fame came in the 12th water’s edge at low tide, visitors have plenty of restaurants, tearooms or pubs. And when you century when Rye and Winchelsea were attached need a well-earned rest, retreat to the comforts of to the Cinque Port Hastings as ‘Antient Towns’ opportunity to enjoy water sports, bracing walks or a bed & breakfast or hotel housed in ancient and and later became members in their own right. The to beachcomb for beautiful shells. There is also a quirky buildings but with every modern amenity. town’s duties involved supplying the King with ships scenic cycle track from New Road (the A259 on the eastern outskirts of Rye) to Camber. Rye is a place where people pride themselves on and seamen, in return for freedom from taxation doing things differently. The Quarter Boys on and self-government. 13th century storms changed Winchelsea is the ‘Antient Town’ of the Cinque the shoreline so it had a large, safe harbour. the tower of St Mary the Virgin don’t strike on Ports built in 13th century – here the sea receded the hour but on the quarter. Mermaid Street is Rye survived frequent attacks from the French during to leave the town high and dry on an inland hilltop. peppered with ancient buildings, with unusual this era and some of Rye’s most famous landmarks Its picturesque Georgian houses have inspired names such as ‘The House Opposite’ or ‘The date from around this time. many great artists such as Turner and Millais. House with the Seat’. Even the sea is a little Perhaps Rye’s most exciting point in history was the This stunning village has stayed true to its wayward – it retreated from the town centuries 18th century when its prosperity depended as much ancient roots and is a quaint reminder of the ago, leaving Rye a stranded seaside town… on smuggling as any other trade. area’s rich history. A B C D E F G H I J K 9 9 8 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 Use the map references in the accommodation listings to locate the different properties on this map. Locations are approximate - contact the provider for exact Rye locations. 2 and the surrounding area 2 1 1 A B C D E F G H I J K The Old Vicarage at Hotels Guesthouses and Rye Harbour Self Catering The George in Rye HHHH Bed & Breakfast HHHHH Hare Farm Oast Located in the heart of Rye, with 34 Luxury B&B, Great views, short walk to beach HHHHH GOLD AWARD individually designed rooms. Jeake’s House & nature reserve, ample parking and garage A stylish three roundel Oast House set in a 98 High Street, Rye TN31 7JT HHHHH GOLD AWARD Harbour Road, Rye TN31 7TT breathtaking rural idyll. Sleeps 12 www.oldvicarageryeharbour.co.uk www.thegeorgeinrye.com Stylishly restored award winning town Stubb Lane, Brede, Rye TN31 6BT [email protected] [email protected] house in medieval centre. Free Wi-Fi, www.harefarmhideaways.co.uk 01797 222114 Map ref: F6 parking available, excellent touring base. 01797 222088/07824 668098 ref: G5 [email protected] Mermaid Street, Rye TN31 7ET 07802 979348 Map ref: C5 Rye Lodge HHH GOLD AWARD www.jeakeshouse.com White Vine House Rye’s Gold Award Hotel with luxurious [email protected] HHHHH AA Romney Point rooms, champagne bar and swimming pool 01797 222828 Map ref: F6 c1570s, the White Vine House has been Little Saltcote HHHH Regent Motel HHH HHHHH and car park. sympathetically restored and yet features Family run B&B within walking distance of Small Motel in Rye Town Centre, offering good 3 bedroom elegant, newly decorated, Hilders Cliff, Rye TN31 7LD Manor Farm Oast all the modern touches you’d expect. converted coach house. Working fireplace. town. Free parking, family and pet friendly. value accommodation and private parking. www.ryelodge.co.uk HHHHH GOLD AWARD 24 High Street, Rye TN31 7JF Panoramic views. Dogs welcome. 22 Military Road, Rye TN31 7NY [email protected] [email protected] 42 Cinque Ports Street, Rye TN31 7AN Luxury 5 star B&B set in 110 acres of www.littlesaltcote.co.uk Point Hill, Rye TN31 7NP 01797 223838 Map ref: F6 www.whitevinehouse.co.uk farmland. Ideal retreat for rest and [email protected] www.regentmotel.com www.romneypoint.co.uk 01797 224748 Map ref: F6 [email protected] relaxation. 01797 223210 Map ref: F6 [email protected] The Gallivant Hotel HHH Windmill Lane, Icklesham TN36 4WL 01797 225884 Map ref: 07513 209309 Map ref: F6 Strand House F6 New England style beach house hotel www.manorfarmoast.co.uk Nicholls HHHH opposite the dunes and beach in Camber. [email protected] HHHH GOLD AWARD Coldharbour Cottage Quiet, comfortable, detached The Ship Inn HHH 01424 813787 Map ref: E4 Offers comfortable rooms in a historic house New Lydd Road, Camber TN31 7RB accommodation. Private parking, lovely HHHH GOLD AWARD in the countryside close to the sea. Former customs warehouse (1592), 10 rooms, www.thegallivanthotel.com garden, spectacular views over sea and Award winning farmhouse in stunning restaurant, bar, outside seating area, fireplace, [email protected] Oaklands Tanyards Lane, Winchelsea TN36 4JT Winchelsea.