Month: July 2019

The picturesque town of Winchelsea is just a five minute drive from Rye. Once a major hub for the medieval wine trade and a town of national importance, Winchelsea is a rare example of a settlement laid out on a grid pattern, offering vistas along wide, straight streets to this day. Winchelsea’s medieval stone-vaulted cellars are famous, with regular guided tours throughout the summer months.

The tours are run by volunteers and all proceeds are re-invested in the town, either in the repair and maintenance of the historic buildings or in the contents and displays in the Court Hall Museum.

Tours cost £6 per person – free for children. They take place each Saturday between mid-April and late October, plus some Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays. For booking and further information see the website.

Medieval Rye has always been a flourishing Arts Hub.

The Rye Art Gallery was founded in 1957 by Mary and Howard Stormont.  The collections include works of art chosen for their regional and, in some cases, their national importance and include a permanent exhibition as well as new works by local artists.

Just along the street ‘Ethel Loves Me’ presents original pieces from local artists, artisans and craftspeople.  They also host workshops such as glass and jewellery-making.

The Rye Arts Trail features six of Rye’s Art galleries.  You can pick up a printed passport at any of the venues listed on their site, collect a stamp at every location visited and a free gift when the passport is complete!