Whether you are interested in history, some energetic outdoor activities, a little retail therapy or some indulgent pampering, Rye has something for everyone.

The cottage is a few minutes’ walk from Rye Heritage Centre which is open 7 days a week and is a mine of useful information on things to do in Rye and the surrounding area.

Rye is a history lover’s paradise.  Join a Rye History Walk for a fascinating 2 hour tour with a local history expert, or take one of the audio walking tours around the town. Rye was a major centre for smuggling in the 18th century and some of the secret tunnels used by the smugglers still exist and can be seen on the Blue Badge Guide tour. Don’t forget to visit Rye Castle to see where the prisoners were confined and chained!

You can rent a bicycle from Rye Cycle Hire and cycle along the scenic cycle track to the wonderful beach at Camber Sands in twenty minutes, stopping off at Rye Watersports if you feel in the mood for kitesurfing, windsurfing, sailing or paddle boarding (booking required). The Hoolie Cafe serves great superfood lunches, home made cakes and great coffee in the summer months.

There are two trails around Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, which is part of the enormous Dungeness, Romney Marsh and Rye Bay Site of Special Interest, if you are interested in wildlife and birdwatching. Listen out for the cornbuntings.

Shopping is such fun in Rye and really there is too much to mention here, but here are some of our favourites;  the vintage area at the Strand is full of excellent finds.  Crock and Cosy has lovely vintage glass, Sixties china and tablecloths, aprons etc.  We can spend hours looking around the shops here.  Don’t forget to drop into Rye Pottery for a keepsake. We love Sailors next to The George on the High Street, and Rye Cookshop. You will find a number of our happy purchases in the cottage! Hunter Jones Vintage, for fabulous scented candles, wonderful sheepskin, Scandi rugs, and pretty ceramics. There is an excellent second hand record shop at Grammar School Records opposite The George, a wonderful old fashioned sweetshop Britcher and Rivers to satisfy your sweet tooth, and if it’s a hat you’re after then Herald and Heart is where you need to head! They design and make wonderful hats (some of which featured in the film Four Weddings and a Funeral). Don’t miss Ethel Loves Me for an artisan keepsake to remember your stay.

Fulfill your pampering requirements at the blissful Rye Retreat or Wideye, where the scent of their wonderful handcrafted products will lure you into their shop on the High Street.

We have left information on many activities and places to visit in our little library to give you lots of ideas.

If you’re interested in the burgeoning English wine industry, then Rye is perfectly positioned to visit many excellent vineyards nearby. We can recommend a tour as we have visited many.

Should you wish to visit Glyndebourne opera or the literary festivals at Charleston, the home of the Bloomsbury set, these are within a one hour drive. We can help you arrange transportation if required.

Take a look at our Upcoming Events page to see what’s coming up!