Rye
The picture-perfect town of Rye is a labyrinth of winding cobbled streets, medieval buildings and quaint shops.
Escape the stress of the city and feel like you’ve been transported back in time when you arrive in Rye. Take a Southern train along the East Sussex coast and two miles inland you’ll uncover this gem of a place.
Arriving into the grand Victorian railway you’re greeted by Palladian-style architecture and venturing towards the town centre you’ll find a plethora of Instagrammable photo opportunities.
Visitors can marvel at the blending of medieval buildings that merge seamlessly with grand Georgian homes. There’s no better place to experience this than on Mermaid Street- one of the prettiest places in Rye with cobbled streets, wisteria-laden homes and beautiful boutiques.
Rye days out are perfect for those looking to escape the stress of city life and want to experience life at a slower pace, cocooned by rolling countryside.
Getting to Rye
Taking the train with us means getting to Rye is simple. We can connect you to the picturesque town from a number of destinations, enabling you to sit back and relax and arrive stress-free.
We not only want you to enjoy a comfortable journey but one that offers great value for money, so why not take advantage of the various ways you could save with us. Our Railcards could save you up to 1/3 on your fares - and with a wide range available you can ensure you choose the most suitable one for you, whether it’s a Family and Friends Railcard, Two Together or Senior, among others. Travelling Off-Peak is one of the best ways of getting to Rye; not only will you save money, but because you’re travelling outside commuter times, you’ll enjoy a quieter carriage too. Rye days out are about relaxing and if you enjoy spending time with good company, our GroupSave option could save you 1/3!
Things to do in Rye
Discover the beauty of Rye with a birds-eye view from Ypres tower in Rye Castle. Built in 1249 to defend Rye against attacks from across the channel, the castle is an impressive structure on the skyline of the small town. With a dark history waiting to be discovered, it’s the perfect place to begin exploring on your Rye days out. Exhibits in the Rye Castle Museum include stories of the town’s history as well as the rooftop terrace in which you can look out over the old harbour.
For those who enjoy supping on a spirit whilst being surrounded by unearthly spirits, the 15th century Mermaid Inn has sloping ceilings, creaking floorboards, secret passages and the odd ghost!
Antique buffs will love Rye, with plenty of quirky shops being housed in the half-timber Georgian buildings. For beach lovers, head to Camber Sands, the only sandy beach in East Sussex. With over two miles of coast, Camber Sands is fun for little, and not so little, ones, with lifeguards stationed during the summer months
When you take a Southern train to Rye with an off-peak ticket, you should not miss the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. This vast 465 hectare reserve lets you explore the changing coastline, with coastal habitats like shingle, saltmarsh, saline lagoons, coastal grazing marsh, freshwater gravel pits and reedbeds.
The reserve will surprise you with the presence of Camber Castle. Previously known as Winchelsea Castle, this East Sussex landmark was a 16th-century Device Fort, built by King Henry VIII to protect the coast in the case of a French attack. The ruins of Camber Castle still have intact walls, giving you the opportunity to witness the peculiar concentric design of this landmark.
The combination of old-world charm, hidden history and picturesque views make Rye days out perfect for a bit of rest and relaxation. Book your tickets today and start planning your mini-break.