Steam through beautiful countryside on the Kent and East Sussex Railway, arguably the country’s finest and first example of a rural light railway. We recommend picking up the train at Northiam station and continuing on to picturesque Bodiam Castle in one direction, or the charming town of Tenterden in the other.
Archives: Rye
Rye
cycling
Romney Marsh is an excellent place to explore by bicycle, given it’s flat and unique landscape, and there are plenty of places to cycle in the countryside and on the Romney Marsh coast. The Romney Marsh Countryside Project publish a pack of self-guided cycle rides around Romney Marsh, for both the wobbly novice or experienced cyclist. There are a number of places providing cycle hire in the area.
rye museum
The Ypres Tower is one of two sites of Rye Castle Museum and is a grade I listed building, believed to have been built in 1249. Exhibits in the tower include locally-made medieval pottery, an embroidery depicting many aspects of Rye life and history, medieval artefacts, activities and town maps. From the balcony you can look over what was once one of the largest and most important harbours in the country. In the 16th century it was England’s seventh busiest port; now there is farmland where once there was sea. The East Street Site of the museum is the main exhibit area for the Rye Castle Museum.
sissinghurst
Now owned maintained by the National Trust, the garden at Sissinghurst Castle in the Weald of Kent, is among the most famous gardens in England and is Grade I listed. Sissinghurst’s garden was created in the 1930s by Vita Sackville-West, poet and gardening writer, and her husband Harold Nicolson, author and diplomat. The garden itself is designed as a series of “rooms”, each with a different character of colour and/or theme, divided by high clipped hedges and pink brick walls.
Biddenden Road, near Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 2AB
lamb house
Lamb House was built in 1722 by James Lamb, a wealthy wine merchant and local politician. George I stayed at the house after a storm drove his ship ashore at Camber in 1726. Both the writers Henry James and E. F. Benson lived at Lamb House and it was the setting for the Benson’s fictional house, Mallards, in his book ‘Mapp and Lucia’.
Lamb House has a walled garden, one of the largest gardens in the old town of Rye; it was designed as we see it today by a friend of Henry James called Alfred Parsons. The Campsis still climbs the wall as it did in James’ time; there are roses, lilies, spring bulbs and many herbaceous varieties bordering the lawn which ensure continuous colour and interest throughout the year.
West Street, Rye, TN31 7ES
scotney castle
At Scotney Castle there is a country house, a romantic garden and a 14th century moated castle – all in a beautiful wooded estate. Scotney Castle (now owned and operated by the National Trust) has a long and rich history dating from 1137 and holds some interesting stories about the last inhabitants of the castle, the Hussey family. It is a 40 minute drive from Rye so may be a good place to take in on the way home.
Lamberhurst, Tunbridge Wells TN3 8JN
pashley manor
Pashley Manor Gardens can be found on the border of Sussex and Kent in Ticehurst. See romantic English landscaping and artistic planting framed by fine old trees, fountains and ponds, with the unusual Tudor/Georgian manor house, which is a private family home, creating a memorable backdrop to the beautiful and dynamic gardens.
Ticehurst, near Wadhurst, TN5 7HE
hole park
Tucked away between village of Rolvenden and the town of Cranbrook, lies Hole Park Gardens. Set in over 200 acres of superb classic parkland. The colourful gardens enjoy far reaching views over the hills, woods and fields of the picturesque Kentish Weald. They are a skilful mix of formal design and more naturalised planting, giving colour throughout the seasons. Open from 1st April throughout the Spring and on limited dates in the Summer and Autumn months.
Benenden Road, Rolvenden, TN17 4JA
gusbourne
Based in Appledore, Kent, the original Gusbourne Estate dates back to 1410. In 2004, Andrew Weeber took over the estate with a clear vision and a single goal: to create English Sparkling wines that would stand up alongside the very finest offerings from across the globe. Thirteen years later, Gusbourne supplies wines for the UK’s leading restaurants. They offer year-round guided tours of the estate, with the opportunity to taste the whole range of wines in the elegant tasting room.
jerwood gallery
Situated next to the historic fishing beach in Hastings’ picturesque Old Town, the award winning Jerwood Gallery is home to the Jerwood Collection of 20th and 21st century British art, and a diverse temporary exhibition programme.
full throttle boat tours
Full Throttle Boat Charters offer trips out of Rye Harbour. The Rye Bay boat trip is a 30 min high-speed tour on their RIB which takes up to nine people. “Departing from Rye Harbour we head down the channel and out to sea. Then a turn to port for a high-speed pass of Camber sands. We head out to the Fairway buoy 2 miles off the coast and after a few more high speed turns it’s time to head back in” Suitable for children above 8 years of age.
bodiam boating station
Situated within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the river in Newenden, Bodiam Boating Station offers fun days out for the whole family. There are tranquil cruises to the National Trust’s Bodiam Castle and Rye, kayak and boat hire and rural camping.
Riverside Cottage.Rye Road, Newenden, Kent TN18 5PP
T: 01797 25 3838
kino digital cinema
Kino Digital Cinema is recently opened and under a minute’s walk from The George, up Lion Street. The £1.5m restoration of the Grade II listed buildings took two years to complete and it now houses two elegant cinemas and a licensed café-bar in the area in the foyer. The two state-of-the-art screens show a mix of blockbusters and art house movies as well as live-streaming from the National Theatre. Highly recommended! Please click on the website below for showing times.
chapel down
Chapel Down is located in the beautiful Kent countryside, close to the picturesque market town of Tenterden, and is open to visitors throughout the year. Set amongst 22 acres of vineyards, the Chapel Down winery has excellent facilities for visitors, including a wine and fine food shop stocking a variety of local produce.
charles palmer
Enjoy a bespoke experience at Charles Palmer Vineyards, starting with a driven tour through the beautiful vines on the outskirts of the ancient town of Winchelsea, followed by a visit to the winery. Tastings take place in the the 16th century Wickham Manor. Relax and enjoy two glasses of Charles Palmer’s sparkling wine, including their Blancs de Blancs 2014 (which has recently won a Platinum medal at the Decanter World Wine Awards). Well- paired nibbles are also provided.
Vineyard tours available by prior arrangement.
Tel: 01797 226216
battle abbey
On 14 October 1066 an army of invading Normans defeated the English at the Battle of Hastings. Now the whole family can discover the exciting story of that fateful day at the place it happened. A major new exhibition uses film, computer technology and interactive exhibits to bring to life this bloodiest of conflicts. Enjoy the new audio tour of the 100-acre battlefield and explore the ruins of the atmospheric abbey, built by William the Conquer to commemorate the thousands who died. Open from March to October. Travelling time: 40 minutes
High Street, Battle, East Sussex, TN33 0AD
Tel: 01424 773792
bedgebury and ‘go ape’
Bedgebury Pinetum has the finest collection of conifers in the world.
‘Go Ape’ is an exhilarating course of rope bridges, Tarzan Swings and zip slides up to 35 feet above the forest floor. Share approximately three memorable hours of fun and adventure, which you’ll be talking about for days. Minimum age 10 yrs. For the younger crowd there is a mini ‘Go Ape’ and for those not quite so adventurous there is also family cycling (bicycle hire available), adventure play, climbing walls and tree houses. There are a number of children’s events including pond dipping, national insect week and the green man. Approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Rye.
Bedgebury Pinetum, Goudhurst, Kent TN17 2SL
Tel: 01580 879820
winchelsea beach
Winchelsea Beach is one of the few remaining comparatively undeveloped parts of the south coast. The whole area is much valued by those who like fresh air – flocks of birds and open and empty spaces. Search for fossils under the cliffs at Pett Level and explore the rock pools and the petrified forest at low tide. There is a 4-mile walk following the sea wall eastwards- first stopping at the hides of the bird reserve, next following the River Rother towards Rye and then returning across the field tracks past Camber Castle.
winchelsea
Winchelsea, the smallest town in England, stands 2 miles west of medieval Rye. A charter of 1277 fortified the town against French invaders, the town being rebuilt and laid out in grid form – the first example of town planning in England. The Methodist, John Wesley, preached his last outdoor sermon in the town on the 7th October 1790. Winchelsea has 56 known medieval cellars dating from the late 13th century and most were built to service the wine trade with Gascony. The cellars are open to the public during the summer months via tours which need to be booked in advance. Today Winchelsea is an unspoilt, quiet, small town of much character well with fine views towards the coast.
hastings country park
For the energetic, Hastings Country Park has ancient woodland, heathland and grassland, together with 5km of dramatic cliffs (known as the ‘Fire Hills’) and coastline, lying within the High Weald area of outstanding natural beauty. The park is now a nature reserve of international importance. Travelling time 25 minutes.
TN354AB
T: 01424 444412
lydd go-karting
Experience the thrill of speeding around the track at Heron’s Park, Lydd. There are three basic packages to choose from – Endurance racing, Grand Prix Sprint and Arrive-and-Drive practice. Booking essential. Not suitable for children. See the brochure at reception.
Lydd Kart Circuit, Dengemarsh Road, Lydd, TN29 9JH
Tel: 01797 321895
rare breeds centre
Highly recommended. Set in 120 acres of beautiful countryside. Meet the farm animals in the children’s barn. Woodland discovery trails, pig racing, an assault course and a walk through the butterfly tunnel. There is an indoor assault course with rope swings, scramble nets and wire bridges. Soft play area for younger children. Open daily from April through till September.
Highlands Farm, Woodchurch, Ashford TN26 3RJ
T: 01233 861493
rye watersports
Book lessons in kite-surfing, sailing, windsurfing or sup-boarding at Rye Watersports, just a five minute drive away on the Camber road. Kitesurfing courses and private kitesurfing lessons run daily from end March to November from the beach at Camber Sands. Windsurfing courses, private windsurfing lessons and dinghy sailing lessons are held at the coastal lake at the RWS centre. Informal and friendly, Rye Watersports is a BKSA and RYA approved centre. Children taken from age seven.
Northpoint Water, New Lydd Road, Camber, East Sussex TN31 7QS
T: 01797 225238
rye
One of England’s best-preserved medieval towns, Rye is a maze of cobbled streets and tiny passageways. It is home to Henry James’ Lamb House, its church is nearly a millennium old, and its former defence, the Ypres Tower, dates from 1250. Visit the museum in the Ypres Tower, climb the church spire at St Mary’s Church, visit the many art galleries and Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Rye is the location for the fictional town of ‘Tilling’ in the BBC series of Benson’s ‘Mapp & Lucia’ and Lamb House features as ‘Mallards’ in the series. The house was home to writer Henry James from 1898-1916 and later home to E.F. Benson and Rumer Godden.
camber sands
Ten minutes’ drive from The George lies Camber Sands, the longest stretch of sandy beach in East Sussex. Camber Sands is one of the kitesurfing and windsurfing meccas in the country. The “blue flag” beach is over 2 miles long and half-a-mile wide at low tide. Camber Sands embraces a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and nature conservation importance. There is a footpath from Rye to Camber Sands which takes approximately 40 minutes.
rye harbour nature reserve
A Site of Special Scientific Interest, Rye Harbour lies within a large triangle of land extending south from Rye. The reserve is a mosaic of habitats beside the sea with shingle, saltmarsh, sand dunes, rivers, pits, grazing marsh, reedbeds and farmland. Built on land built up by the sea over the last 500 years, there are four hides that overlook the pools formed from pits made during gravel mining. Each pool has islands that provide shelter and nesting sites for native and migrant birds all year round. There is a paved road from the car park down to the sea, so take the bicycles!
Lime Kiln Cottage, Rye Harbour Road, Rye, East Sussex TN31 7TU
T: 01797 223862.
great dixter
Great Dixter in nearby Northiam (15 minutes drive) was the family home of gardener Christopher Lloyd – which now, under the stewardship of Fergus Garrett and the Great Dixter Charitable Trust, is a place of pilgrimage for horticulturists from across the world. A Tudor house with a famous twentieth century Arts and Crafts garden, Great Dixter was bought in 1910 by Nathaniel Lloyd, author of books on brickwork and topiary, and was restored by Edwin Lutyens. Nathaniel designed the framework of the garden and it has been planted with great flair by his son, Christopher Lloyd.
Great Dixter, Northiam, Rye, TN31 6PH.
T: 01797 252878
bodiam castle
One of Britain’s most famous and evocative castles, it is a perfect example of a late Medieval castle complex with battlements, ramparts and moats, only 20 minutes’ drive away. Special events throughout the summer including try on armour, family fun days, have a go archery and brass rubbing.
BODIAM, ROBERTSBRIDGE, EAST SUSSEX, TN32 5UA
T: 01580 830196