Local Area Information
Places of interest nearby
Rye
The medieval citadel of Rye is just a 10 min drive from the house. Its cobbled streets are teeming with history and home to a plethora of cafes, restaurants and independent shops.
Places to visit and things to do in Rye
Ypres Tower and Rye Castle Museum http://ryemuseum.co.uk/
St Mary’s Church - climb to the roof for magnificent views
Lamb House https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lamb-house
The Kino cinema http://www.kinodigital.co.uk/
Mapp and Lucia’s Rye - tours of ‘Tilling’ for EF Benson fans https://mappandluciarye.uk/guided-tour/
Webbes Cookery School, at the Fish Cafe, Rye https://www.webbesrestaurants.co.uk/section.php/5/1/webbes_cookery_school
Shopping in Rye
There are independent shops galore in Rye, selling clothing, art, gifts, books and food. There are also a large number of antique shops, with a cluster located just off the Strand. There are too many lovely shops to list but we mention a few below:
Rye Art Gallery - a fantastic collection of local artwork, much of it inspired by the area’s beautiful coast and countryside. Whether browsing or buying, it is definitely worth a visit. http://www.ryeartgallery.co.uk/
Rye Deli - stocks an extensive range of foods including a large variety of local, English and continental cheeses. It has two sites: 8-10 Market St and 28b High St. https://www.ryedeli.co.uk/
Knoops - a wonderful hot chocolate cafe and shop. Found at: Tower Forge, Hilder’s Cliff https://knoops.co.uk/pages/location-page-rye
Dungeness
Dungeness lies on a headland on the southern edge of Romney marsh. Famous for being the largest area of vegetated shingle in Europe, it is truly a unique landscape that has inspired many artists - not to be missed on a trip to this part of the country.
Places to visit and things to do in Dungeness
Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway - Dungeness is the start/end point of the line
Old Lighthouse - climb to the top to take in the impressive views. https://dungenesslighthouse.com/
Dungeness B Power Station Visitor Centre - currently closed due to Covid restrictions
Prospect Cottage and Garden (exterior)
Dungeness Gallery http://www.dungenessgallery.co.uk/default.asp
Dungeness Open Studios
Ocean View Studiohttps://www.ocean-view-studio.cm/
Winchelsea
Winchelsea is a beautiful and historic town just a short drive out of Rye. Positioned on a hill, it has spectacular views over Winchelsea beach and the English Channel and inland across the Brede levels to the wooded Weald. This tiny town, more the size of a large village, has an impressive historical pedigree, dating back to 800 AD. Originally a Saxon fishing village, Winchelsea became an important port and was recruited into the confederation of the Cinque Ports. By the 13th century it had become one of England’s most prosperous towns, thanks to its fishing industry, the taxation privileges of cinque port status and prolific piracy.
Following 50 years of turbulent weather that saw tides going as far inland as Appledore, the sea could no longer be held back and following the Great Storm of 1287 old Winchelsea was submerged and swept away. By that point, the town had already been transferred to a new site, and New Winchelsea is the town you see today. New Winchelsea was a planned town, laid out in a grid pattern that still remains. Although not the first planned town of medieval times, it was unique in the scale and spaciousness of its streets which were numbered rather than named.The building of Winchelsea was agreed by Edward I, who like his Plantagenet predecessors was also the Duke of Aquitaine; it is thought the layout of the town, with its broad streets and central marketplace, owes much to the ‘Bastides’ of Aquitaine.
Winchelsea had great commercial as well as strategic importance for Edward as it was one of the main ports used for bringing in French wine. It is estimated that in the early 1300s the equivalent of four and a half million present-day bottles were shipped each season from Bordeaux to Winchelsea. A fascinating vestige of this trade lies beneath the streets of Winchelsea, where there remain in the region of 50 vaulted stone medieval cellars, 33 of which are still accessible.
Things to do in/near Winchelsea
Winchelsea cellar tours ‘Under Winchelsea’ - check website as it has been closed due to Covid
Pett Level - petrified remains of an ancient forest is visible at low tide
Winchelsea beach - expanse of sand accessible at low tide.
Rye Harbour and Nature Reserve
Rye Harbour is a short drive from Rye itself and is a pretty waterside village with a
working harbour and yacht moorings. It is also where you need to park to visit the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. The reserve has a network of footpaths along the seashore and across fields and large areas of shingle. You can walk to Camber Castle and Winchelsea Beach from here. Also great for birdwatching.
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Things to do with children
Camber beach
From the back gate, turning right takes you to Camber Beach, which is sandy even at high tide. At low tide you can walk far out. There are plenty of safer shallow pools to play in. There is a lifeguard on duty on part of the beach between the flags (during summer).
https://www.rother.gov.uk/leisure-and-events/beaches-and-coastline/camber-sands/
Broomhill Sands
From our back gate you can walk to the left to reach Broomhill Sands. This is pebbly at high tide, and sandy as the tide moves out. It is also steeper, so it gets deeper more quickly, so might be a better option for swimming at higher tides.
Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway
This one-third full size steam and diesel railway is one of the area’s top tourist attractions. Running between Dungeness and Hythe the train stops at 4 stations in between, all within walking distance of the beach.
Hastings - Bluereef Aquarium, cliff railways, castle, Smugglers’ Adventure
Located in the historic old town, the Bluereef aquarium is the perfect size for young children, taking under an hour to visit.
The West Hill and East Hill lifts are the UK’s steepest funicular railways and a fun way to reach either the castle (West Hill) or Hastings Nature Park (East Hill). At the top you will find wonderful views over the town and across the channel.
Smugglers Adventure is located in St Clement’s Caves which were used by smugglers to hide their contraband in times gone by. Filled with life-size models, the attraction offers a fun way to learn about the area’s exciting smuggling history.
https://bluereefaquarium.co.uk
Port Lympne
Located near Hythe, Port Lympne animal reserve contains big cats, gorillas and other exotic animals. Safari and walking tours available. Pre-book.
https://aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne/
South of England Rare Breeds Centre
A 30 minute drive from Camber, near the village of Woodchurch, is this open farm which is home to rare and native breeds of farm wildstock. Children can meet and pet a variety of animals. Other attractions include a nature garden, play parks and birds of prey. Pre-book.
Tibbs PYO fruit farm
Located just outside Rye, Tibbs Farm boasts a wide variety of PYO fruit collections as well as a cafe. Check the website for fruit availability.
Dymchurch - amusement park, beach, Martello tower
Dymchurch is a typically English small seaside town, with a blue flag awarded sandy beach, best visited at low tide. An amusement park next to the beach includes a variety of rides suitable for younger children. Great for a traditional day at the seaside with fish and chips, ice cream and donkey rides. For a spot of history visit the Martello tower.
https://dymchurch-amusements.co.uk
Brenzett Aeronautical Museum
“A wonderful museum. Visited with my daughter, her husband and two boys aged 8 and 5. We all really enjoyed it. It is well laid out with loads to see and the children were able to climb into the cockpit of three planes and touch some of the exhibits.” (reopens 3rd July 2021)
https://www.rmwcollection.co.uk/
Activities for older children and adults
Ebike
Based in Camber, Ebike offers bike hire as well as activity days with power kite surfing and kite buggy experiences. There are numerous local cycle routes passing by lakes, castles, bird reserves and lighthouses.
Rye Watersports
Windsurfing, sailing, kitesurfing lessons available as well as kids activity days. Pre-booking is essential.
Action Watersports, Lydd
A wide variety of watersports are available such as wakeboarding, waterskiing, flyboarding, jet skiing, open water swimming and paddleboarding. There are also an aqua park and water rides. Wetsuit hire is included.
https://www.actionwatersports.co.uk/
Lydd Kart Circuit
1040m kart circuit based near Lydd. Hire karts available ranging from the Bambino (available for kids of 6 years and over, provided they are at least 1 meter tall), through single-engine Cadet and Junior chassis to twin-engine ProKarts for the Adults.
https://www.lyddkartcircuit.com/
Land Yachting on Greatstone Beach
Greatstone Beach is one of the finest land yachting sites in the UK with a long wide stretch of beautiful flat sand.
https://www.fishyslandyachts.co.uk/
Places to visit
Castles, houses, gardens etc
Camber Castle
Located just outside Rye, Camber Castle is a Device Fort, one of a series of artillery fortifications built by Henry VIII to defend the south coast of England. There is a pleasant circular walk starting at the turn off to Rye Harbour from the Winchelsea Rd, which takes you to the castle.
Ypres Tower, Rye
The structure’s origins are uncertain but it was probably built in the 14th century as part of the town’s defences. It also functioned as a courtroom and town jail for many years. Worth a visit if in Rye.
Lamb House, Rye
A National Trust property, variously occupied by a number of well known writers including Henry James, Rumer Godden and EF Benson. Benson renamed the house Mallards in his Mapp and Lucia novels.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lamb-house
Bodiam Castle
A 14th century moated castle situated in Bodiam, just a 30 minute drive away. With its moat, battlements and drawbridge, this National Trust castle is one of Britain’s most picturesque and romantic ancient monuments. Definitely one to visit.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/bodiam-castle
Hastings Castle
Situated at the top of the West Hill lift with magnificent views over the town, Hastings castle is a ruined Norman fortress. Worth a visit if in Hastings.
Battle Abbey and town
The abbey (English Heritage) was built on the site of the Battle of Hastings, by William the Conqueror as penance for the bloodshed during the battle. The battlefield itself became part of the Abbey’s grounds. A very interesting place to visit and learn about one of the most famous events in English history.
The town is also extremely picturesque with many eateries and some lovely independent shops. Battle Abbey car park can be used free of charge by English Heritage members.
Great Dixter House and Gardens
One of the UK’s most famous and loved gardens, Great Dixter has become a ‘place of pilgrimage for horticulturalists from across the world’. Situated a 25 minute drive from Camber in the pretty village of Northiam.
https://www.greatdixter.co.uk/
Smallhythe Place
Owned by the National Trust, Smallhythe is a 15th century half timbered house which was lived in for many years by Victorian actress Ellen Terry. The house contains some interesting theatrical and personal memorabilia and is famous for its rose garden.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/smallhythe-place
Romney Marsh nature reserve and visitor centre
The Romney Marsh, including Dungeness is one of the most important wildlife sites in the UK, protected at global and UK levels and home to many species found in very few other places in the UK. Find out more about this unique landscape with a visit to the Romney Marsh Visitor Centre. There you can find plenty of information and interesting exhibits such as a reconstructed ‘Lookers Hut’. Special activities for children such as pond dipping are held regularly and there are three walking trails - Dragonfly, Rabbit and Sheep - which start from the visitor centre.
https://theromneymarsh.net/home
Vineyards
Chapel Down Vineyard
Probably the most well known Kent winemaker, Chapel Down vineyard offers guided tours with tutored tastings. The upmarket Swan Restaurant is also located at the vineyard.
Carr Taylor Vineyard
Carr Taylor is a long established vineyard near Hastings, which produced the first commercial Champagne Method English sparkling wine. A variety of tours, tastings and pairing packages are offered.
https://www.carr-taylor.co.uk/
Sedlescombe Organic Winery
The vineyard’s extensive award-winning range of wines, including reds, whites, roses and sparkling wines, are all certified either organic or biodynamic by the Biodynamic Association UK and are suitable for both vegetarians and vegans. Open daily for vineyard woodland nature trail, wine tastings and shop.
https://www.sedlescombeorganic.com/
Gusbourne
Just outside the pretty village of Appledore, the Gusbourne vineyard has earned a reputation for producing outstanding wines. Open for vineyard tours and tastings - a variety of packages are available.
Charles Palmer Vineyards
Cellar doors, tours and tastings available at Wickham Manor near Winchelsea
Restaurants, Cafes, Eateries
Rye has a large number of excellent restaurants and cafes. Whether you are looking for a high-end gastronomic experience, a pub lunch, a Thai/Indian/Chinese meal, or simply a traditional tea room, you can find it in Rye. Many more highly regarded and popular eateries exist in the surrounding area, most taking advantage of the fantastic local ingredients available here. We have eaten in quite a few restaurants and below are some of our personal recommendations.
Camber
The Owl: gastro-pub, great food, family-friendly, our top recommendation for Camber
The Gallivant: fine dining, pricey but good quality
Rye Bay Bar & Grill: family-friendly, close to beach, cafe/bistro style menu
Khanz: good quality Indian food
Pelican Fish Bar: fish and chips
Rye
The Fig - a vibrant independent cafe/bistro serving fresh, healthy and delicious food
Webbe’s at the Fish Cafe - the restaurant we visit again and again
The Union - modern British cuisine, lovely old building
Globe Inn Marsh - gastropub with an attractive interior
The Ship Inn - linked to the Balfour Estate , great for a pub lunch
Simply Italian - great for families with young children
Marino’s - fish and chips, gluten-free available
Rye Harbour
William the Conqueror - a dog-friendly pub with outdoor seating on the banks of the Rother
Bosun’s Bite - baked potatoes, tea, coffee etc. Nice quality.
The Avocet Gallery and Tea Rooms - delicious homemade cakes. Art by local artists is also exhibited in the tea rooms.
Dungeness
The Pilot - a famous and historic pub serving a range of classic dishes including fish and chips and moules marinieres. Always good food and service.
The Snack Shack at Dungeness Fish Hut - fantastic ‘fast seafood’. We love this place.
Winchelsea
The Red Pig, Pett Level - small roadside cafe behind the beach
Winchelsea Beach Cafe, Pett Level - beachside cafe
The Tic Tocory - lovely tea room located in the village of Pett
Stone-in-Oxney
The Ferry Inn - lovely country pub near Appledore occupying a great spot with views across the surrounding countryside. Good quality food and service.
Dymchurch
The Mortar and Pestle Vegan Tearoom - delicious vegan food including amazing ‘raw’ cakes. This is highly recommended and not just for vegans!
