Many guests are surprised that we serve English Wine in our restaurant and bar – well, we do sit at the heart of wine-making country and it would be madness not to!

Realising that there are so many lovely vineyards on our doorstep, most of which you can visit, we’re teaming up with English Vine Tours, who run luxury, chauffeured day trips. They’ll take you to the vineyards, give you a private tour, then after the serious business of some tasting, it’s off to the next one. Think Sideways in Sussex!

You can have your own private daytrip for two at £189 per person, which includes visits to two vineyards, lunch and quite a bit of wine. Larger parties of 10+ can enjoy group trips which would be lovely for a party.

If you want to make a break of if, we are offering special rates for those who stay two nights’ midweek when they come for their tour. This includes your room, breakfast both mornings and dinner on the first night. See more about The George in Rye’s tours with English Vine Tours here, and happy tasting!

Finally, a very fun event we heard about. In stark contrast to the Eurostar, which zips through the Kent Countryside at great speed, we have one of the smallest old fashioned steam railways in the country just down the road: the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway. In operation since 1927, the train takes you on a beautiful 13 mile route from the Cinque Port at Hythe, down to the Lighthouses at Dungeness, a place which The Times recently described as “the British seaside redesigned by Tim Burton”. On 9th and 10th May the railway is running a 1940s weekend where you can expect 1940s-related events at all main stations, special themed menus, replica armoured train and in the evening, a 40s-themed dinner and dance. A lovely spring event – to see more about it, head to their website or call 01797 362353.

Best wishes
The George in Rye