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We took a day trip to Rye in East Sussex when we were in England one spring day. London was where we were at that time and we sort of grew tired of the hustle and bustle of the city that we thought a change of scenery would do us some good.
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We thought Rye was a good day trip choice since first, it was just less than an hour away by fast train from London. Second, it was small enough a town to be explored in just a day. And third, we’ve heard so many good things about it from other travelers that our curiosity was piqued.
So off to Rye we went one fine day in early spring.
About Rye
For some background information, Rye is a small medieval town perched on a hill and located about two miles from the sea. Because of this strategic location, it was tasked to provide ships for the King in times of war during the 18th and 19th centuries. It’s small enough to be explored on foot.
What is Rye East Sussex famous for?
Rye in East Sussex, England, is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, cobbled streets, and historic charm. This picturesque town, perched on a hill overlooking the Romney Marshes, attracts visitors with its rich heritage, including the iconic 12th-century St. Mary’s Church and the medieval Ypres Tower.
How to Get to Rye in East Sussex
We boarded one of the fast trains at St. Pancras station in London and changed trains at Ashford International Station. The journey from London to Rye was just less than an hour, all in all. It was a beautiful day at that time–the sun was out, so it wasn’t very cold, which was just perfect for going around town.
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Exploring Rye in East Sussex
There was a short walk from the station to the center of the town. On the way, we passed by some shops and residential houses.
Because we came on a weekday and it was still in the early days of spring, there weren’t many tourists about. The place was quiet and peaceful.
We passed by several antique shops, which is a common sight in small English towns, by the way. Since I love antiquing, I welcomed these features with relish. In case you’re wondering, I didn’t get anything, though. Not for lack of trying, however, but because our baggage fees would have been enormous when we left for home, haha.
Activities in Rye
Mermaid Street
We passed by this ice cream parlor that’s located on the corner of Mermaid Street.
Mermaid Street is a famous street in Rye and, I think, one of the best-known and loved in England. It’s an enchanting cobblestoned lane that’s lined with charming timber-framed houses dating back to the 15th century and earlier. It’s a sight to behold.
Along this street, you’ll find the famous Mermaid Inn, which also dates back to the 15th century and used to be a favorite of the smuggling gangs of the 18th and 19th centuries. It’s now one of the well-known Rye hotels.
We passed by The Old Bell Inn too, also a historical hotel in Rye, that was built in the 14th century. It is said that it is connected to the Mermaid Inn by a secret passageway for use by smuggling gangs in the days of old.
Further into town were more shops, churches, and historic buildings. We stopped for some afternoon tea at one of the traditional tearooms in the area and spent an hour watching the world go by, so to speak.
We didn’t see the insides of any museum or go into Rye Castle or even enter a church because we just wanted to explore the town. Also because there wasn’t much time for anything else. Still, we enjoyed our time in this lovely place. It was a day to remember!
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Activities Near Rye
Hotels in Rye, Sussex
If you’re looking for hotels in Rye to stay, here are some good ones:
Conclusion
Rye is a charming historic town that feels suspended in time with its cobbled lanes and centuries-old buildings and structures. It is worth a visit if you are looking to experience a quaint medieval English village that has retained its authentic flavor.
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