Breadcrumbs ![How To Spend A Day In Rye](https://media.sheerluxe.com/fvWslQ1_Zk0Fn0N5MZsdS_DHbW4=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F06%2Fsl180624-how-to-spend-a-day-in-rye-thumbnail.jpg) Image: THE GALLIVANT [UK](/culture/travel/uk) / 18 June 2024 # How To Spend A Day In Rye After just an hour-long train from London, you’ll step out onto Rye’s cobbled streets. One of the prettiest towns in East Sussex, it’s known for its antique and vintage shops, independent cafés and cosy pubs – all of which are within ten minutes of Camber Sands. Here’s where eat, shop and visit if you’re planning a day trip. BySherri Andrew / [ Save To My Favourites ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/29411) Image: THE GALLIVANT [ ![The Fig](https://media.sheerluxe.com/9g0udjawYhlZ-VWHMZZGdkocyc0=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F06%2Fsl-how-to-spend-a-day-in-rye-4-the-fig_0.png) ](https://thefigrye.com/) The Fig, @THEFIGRYE ## EAT & DRINK ### The Fig #### For Brunch The Fig is a chic café that serves an all-day menu of global food, alongside cocktails and locally roasted coffee. It’s best known for its brunch, which is served daily until midday. Options shakshuka, halloumi eggs, waffles and flatbread with za’atar roasted aubergine and poached eggs. The lunch and dinner menu includes pulled pork tacos with sour cream mango salsa, as well as a choice of tasty puddings. Visit [TheFigRye.com](https://thefigrye.com/) ### The Globe Inn Marsh #### For A Pub Lunch A favourite spot amongst the SL team, The Globe Inn Marsh uses fresh and local produce to create hearty home-cooked food, like Romney Marsh lamb chops, south coast catch of the day, seafood platters, and great veggie dishes. During chillier days, a seat by the roaring open fire is the perfect cosy spot. Visit [Ramblinns.com](https://www.ramblinns.com/) ### Tillingham #### For Excellent Wine A farm dating back to the 13th century, Tillingham is a biodynamic vineyard, surrounded by 70 acres of rolling hills and woodlands. Guests can head on a tour of the winery before heading to the restaurant where new exec chef Tom Herrieven uses the best local and seasonal produce to create five-course tasting menus that change daily. Vegetables are sourced from the on-site walled garden, meat is reared on Tillingham pastures, and fish arrives daily from Rye Harbour. At lunchtime, there’s a wine bar with a wood-fired pizza oven. The wine list, of course, is excellent and the knowledgeable staff are on hand to help you should you wish to go for wine pairing. You can even choose to stay overnight in one of 11 pared-back rooms. Visit [Tillingham.com](https://tillingham.com/) [ ![Tillingham](https://media.sheerluxe.com/QXXqmB46vdkRlJlDVHBYBKPStOU=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F06%2Fsl-how-to-spend-a-day-in-rye-5-tillingham-estate1new.png) ](https://tillingham.com/) Tillingham, SAM HARRIS ### Landgate Bistro #### For Fine Dining Landgate Bistro is housed in interconnected Georgian shops. Here, you’ll find classic British food with a modern twist. Ingredients are sourced from the local fields, woodlands and waters – from farms just up the road to fish landed a few hundred metres from the restaurant. Expect the likes of pickled wild mushrooms with potato gnocchi; local rabbit with harissa mayonnaise and pickled carrot; and scallops with cauliflower panna cotta, chorizo crumble and honey roasted pork belly. Visit [LandgateBistro.co.uk](https://landgatebistro.co.uk/) ### The Mermaid Inn #### For Drinks Step back in time for a drink at this historic pub, established in the 12th century. The current building dates from 1420 and has some 16th-century Tudor additions, but cellars built in 1156 also survive. The inn has a strong connection with the notorious Hawkhurst gang of smugglers who used it in the 1730s and 1740s as one of their strongholds when Rye was a thriving port. Ghosts of the smugglers and their mistresses are reported to haunt the inn – but don’t let that put you off stopping by for a pint or two. Visit [MermaidInn.com](https://www.mermaidinn.com/) [ ![Tillingham](https://media.sheerluxe.com/DZY6FPnz1O4auHoQMjdFYXpoTYY=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F06%2Fsl-how-to-spend-a-day-in-rye-5-tillingham-estate.png) ](https://tillingham.com/) Tillingham ## SHOP ### Ehtel Loves Me #### For Gifts Ethel Loves Me is part art gallery, part lifestyle and gift shop, selling original pieces from local makers, artists and creatives. Some of the quirky bits and pieces and homeware make perfect presents. We love its ethical approach, including no leather products, eco-thoughtful packaging and a focus on buying local. Visit [EthelLoves.me](https://www.ethelloves.me/) ### Rye Pottery #### For Ceramics This studio is renowned for beautiful handmade homeware and decorative accessories. It’s one of just a handful of potteries left in the world that continues to produce everything by hand, using a 17th-century decorating technique. In its Sussex workshop, each piece undergoes a minimum of ten processes, including freehand brushwork by a talented painting team. Visit [RyePottery.co.uk](https://www.ryepottery.co.uk/) ### WiDEYE #### For Beauty WiDEYE stocks its own brand of locally made natural beauty and haircare products. Its USP is that it doesn’t use any synthetic colours or fragrances – all the products are scented with essential oils or natural fragrances. Try the Naked Clay Cleanser, which can also be used as a mask. The team also sells gifts and homeware products such as candles, mists and diffusers. On Saturdays, you can book in for beauty treatments, too. Visit [Wideye.co.uk](https://www.wideye.co.uk/) ### Puckhaber #### For Antiques Puckhaber, based in Fulham, has a second shop in Rye. This mother-and-son partnership sources interesting and quirky French, Swedish and many other continental decorative antiques. Original painted furniture, period mirrors and paintings are also specialities. Visit [PuckhaberDecorativeAntiques.com](https://www.puckhaberdecorativeantiques.com/) [ ![McCully & Crane](https://media.sheerluxe.com/INUdma17syXaMhM4l77Ap35vuaE=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F06%2Fsl-how-to-spend-a-day-in-rye-2-mccully-crane-new.png) ](https://www.mccullyandcrane.com/) McCully & Crane ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/LzT8t6DmwMr2fh_AajvnzUf4rWI=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F06%2Fsl-how-to-spend-a-day-in-rye-1.png) LASMA ARTMANE/UNSPLASH ### Rye Chocolates #### For Sweet Treats The owner of artisan chocolate company Rye Chocolates, Paulina Filar, started her business in 2016 selling chocolate from small independent brands, but now creates her own bars in a variety of interesting flavours (e.g. earl grey, peanut butter and honey) using the best ingredients sourced from around the world and wrapped in lovely illustrated packaging. Visit [RyeChocolates.co.uk](https://ryechocolates.co.uk/) ### McCully & Crane #### For Interiors Interiors aficionados will love the beautifully crafted furniture, unusual lighting and one-off objets at McCully & Crane. It also shows works by emerging artists. A great place to browse. Visit [McCullyAndCrane.com](https://www.mccullyandcrane.com/) ## DO & VISIT You could walk around the town in an hour or so, so it’s worth taking your time to see the historic architecture. Don’t miss Mermaid Street, one of the most Instagrammed streets in Britain, home to higgledy-piggledy houses and the famous Mermaid Inn. You should also visit St Mary’s Church which has dominated the town for 900 years. Today, visitors come to see one of the oldest functioning church turret clocks in the country, dating back to 1561. You can climb the tower to get a panoramic view of Rye and the surrounding countryside. Other sights worth seeing include Landgate, the one surviving stone gate built in the 14th century to defend the town from French invaders. Similarly, [Ypres Tower](https://ryemuseum.co.uk/ypres-tower/) (also known as Rye Castle) was built in 1249 to defend Rye against attacks from across the channel. It has served as a fort, private dwelling, prison, court hall and is now a museum. From the balcony you can look out across Romney. If you’re literary minded, you’ll enjoy a visit to [Lamb House](https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lamb-house), a National Trust Georgian house. Down the hill, you’ll come to [Rye Nature Reserve](https://rye.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/) – some 450 acres of salt marsh, beach and woodland, and one the UK’s most important wildlife conservation sites. You can walk along its network of pathways – it’s a real birdwatcher’s paradise. If you’re after a longer, bracing walk with sea air, head to Camber Sands, a stunning seven-mile stretch of sandy beach with massive dunes. You can get there on foot (it’s about 3 miles) or there’s a regular bus service from Rye. This part of East Sussex and neighbouring Kent is famed for its vineyards. Most offer tastings and tours. [Chapel Down](https://www.chapeldown.com/) is probably the best known, about 15 minutes’ drive away near Tenterden. Others close by include [Tillingham](https://tillingham.com/) in Peasmarch where you can stay overnight in one of 11; [Charles Palmer](https://www.charlespalmer-vineyards.co.uk/) in Winchelsea; and [Gusbourne](https://www.gusbourne.com/) in Appledore. [ ![The Gallivant](https://media.sheerluxe.com/PdgJ30XYEsEtKFbnF5X9Xp5z1Yw=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F06%2Fsl-how-to-spend-a-day-in-rye-6-the-gallivantnew1.png) ](https://thegallivant.co.uk/) The Gallivant [ ![Landgate House](https://media.sheerluxe.com/fnLTTI6OIdAsx-VzLwY-u-ykPtg=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F06%2Fsl-how-to-spend-a-day-in-rye-7-landgate-house_0.png) ](https://www.camberholidaycottages.co.uk/landgate-house-rye/) Landgate House, DAVY PITTOORS ## STAY ### The Gallivant #### For A Couple's Trip The Gallivant is the place to go for a retreat for two, for English wine tasting, for wild swimming, or for enjoying a treatment in the Bamford Cabin before relaxing in one of the hotel’s coastal-inspired bedrooms. Inside, you’ll find nautical décor, hidden reading nooks and beautiful views of the beach. In the summer guests can take picnics out on the dunes and drop into wine tastings and wellness classes. *From £180 per night.* Visit [TheGallivant.co.uk](https://thegallivant.co.uk/) ### Landgate House #### For A Group Stay This historical property is set at the footsteps of the Landgate Arch. The house is a 700-year-old five-bedroom Grade II listed property that has been carefully restored by the owners with thoughtful touches and boutique interiors on this list – think antique furniture, Soho Home accessories and bespoke decorative accents. Numerous original features have been restored, including flagstone floors and wonky doors. You’ll find modern touches, too, like Bluetooth speakers, and toys, games and a bar in the cosy living room. Families or groups can cook meals on the range cooker, eat in the spacious dining room, and relax in the garden. Bedrooms are spacious and thoughtfully designed, with all the luxury extras you’d expect at a hotel *From £1,050 for two nights.* Visit [CamberHolidayCottages.co.uk](https://www.camberholidaycottages.co.uk/landgate-house-rye/) [ ![The Gallivant](https://media.sheerluxe.com/hvCO6YqJnlqHLdr43NftybzsSBA=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2024%2F06%2Fsl-how-to-spend-a-day-in-rye-7-the-gallivantnew.png) ](https://thegallivant.co.uk/) The Gallivant ## GETTING THERE Rye is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from central London. By rail, it is just over an hour’s journey from London Stratford International with one change at Ashford. 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