About Rye

Visit Rye is the official tourist and local business website for Rye, East Sussex. Visit Rye provides information for visitors looking to stay, eat, shop and explore the maritime cinque port.

When you're in need of a treat or want to escape the pressures of modern life, come to Rye in the East Sussex countryside, in the south east of England.

Perched on a hill, overlooking the River Rother and Romney Marsh, this ancient town is the sort of place you thought existed only in your imagination.

With enchanting cobbled streets, medieval church and beautifully preserved historic houses from medieval, Tudor and Georgian times, Rye is almost suspended in time and has a uniquely unhurried atmosphere. Compact enough to discover the key places of interest over a week-end but with plenty of secret treasures to entice you to stay much longer and to return again.

Click here to view the Rye Town Map.

Rye Tourist Information Centre

The Rye Audio tour available from the Rye Tourist Information Centre in Lion Street is a great place to start your exploration and the staff will be delighted to tell you about Rye's special features and can also book accommodation for you.

Shopping in Rye

Rye is a delightful place in which to browse or shop with a very special ambience that you won't find in many other towns or cities. You'll find shops that are truly different, where the owners serve you and care about what they do.

Historic Rye

Whereas many towns boast a colourful past but have little evidence of it, Rye has many ancient and interesting buildings that bear testimony to its eventful past, including The Ypres Tower (the castle), Landgate and Town Wall, all providing excellent photo opportunities now that their days of defence are over.

Staying in Rye

When you need to rest, retreat to the comforts of B&Bs or hotels, some of which are housed in ancient and quirky buildings but with every modern amenity. Or choose from a range of high quality self catering accommodation in town, or in the surrounding countryside and on the coast.

Rye Restaurants, Pubs and Cafes

For eating and drinking you're spoilt for choice. There's a myriad of cafes, pubs and inns and restaurants.

What to See and Do in Rye

Rye has plenty to see and do in town but is also excellent as a base to explore the surrounding countryside and villages.

What's Happening in Rye

Rye is renowned for its annual Rye Festival but also has many other interesting events throughout the year such as Rye Bonfire Night.