OUT- DOORSY SPOTS
GUIDE
CULTURAL HOTSPOTS
© Sam A Harris
LAMB HOUSE Built in 1723 by the Lamb family and known for its remarkable literary connections, this rich Georgian house became the mayoral home of Rye and has seen centuries of notable owners and distinguished guests including King George I in 1726. Today, visitors can explore the historic White Parlour( currently displaying 300 years of Lamb House history), the picturesque walled garden and the award-winning seasonal vegetable garden.
CAMBER CASTLE Nestled within Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, the fascinating Camber Castle was built by Henry VIII
MUST-SHOP ARTISAN STORES
SIMPLY RYE A vibrant independent gift shop showcasing a thoughtfully curated selection of homewares, clothing, accessories and coastal souvenirs. Passionately run by family members Vickie, Fran and Ian, Simply Rye also sells exclusive gifts handmade with materials from local beaches and refurbished deckchairs.
RYE POTTERY Home to a team of remarkable sculptors, decorators and ceramicists who create detailed works such as tiles and decorative accessories, Rye Pottery is one of the few production potteries left in the world that continues to produce everything by hand using a 17th-century technique known as Faience, Majolica or Delft.
DIVINE DINING
THE RYE EMPORIUM Specialising in art deco and mid-century architectural garden salvage, and industrial and traditional antiques including furniture, lighting, paintings and collectables, the treasure trove that is The Rye Emporium is loved for its one-of-a-kind pieces.
THE UNION A beautiful restaurant and bar with a fierce commitment to sourcing the finest ingredients available. With a daily changing menu that primarily uses produce local to Rye, The Union’ s seasonal dishes are simple yet brilliantly executed and can be perfectly paired with fine wines from their extensive local and international drinks menu.
THE MERMAID INN While this 600-yearold inn is cherished for its splendid accommodation, it is the two AA Rosette restaurant that has captured the attention of foodies for its delectable dishes served up in a transporting setting. Sip wine from Kent’ s Gusbourne or Chapel Down and relish great dishes that are always meticulously prepared.
WEBBE’ S AT THE FISH CAFE A popular seafood hotspot with exquisite fresh fish sourced from the ports of Rye and Hastings, alongside tasty meat and vegetarian dishes. The home of the esteemed Webbe’ s Cookery School, diners can choose to pair a hands-on session with a glorious sit-down meal- the Rye Bay Scallop Taster Menu being a must-try.
The Union( top left), The Mermaid Inn( bottom left)
and today is heralded by history buffs and outdoor explorers alike as a rare remaining, largely unaltered artillery fort once designed to guard the port of Rye.
RYE CASTLE MUSEUM & YPRES TOWER The Rye Museum Association proudly showcases two sites located only a short walk from one another. The first, situated on East Street, features exhibits on traditional local industries, including one of the best hop token collections in the country, and the second is a 13th-century Scheduled Ancient Monument, complete with a medieval garden and the Women’ s Tower- a specially designed prison for female inmates built in 1837.
© National Trust Images Andrew Butle
OUT- DOORSY SPOTS
RYE HARBOUR NATURE RESERVE This serene stretch of coastal and wetland landscape is recognised as one of the largest and most important wildlife sites in the country. Home to over 4,355 species of plants and animals, including those rare and endangered, the reserve, alongside a welcoming discovery centre and café, is open every day for scenic walks, activities and wildlife spotting from the birdwatching hides.
CAMBER SANDS A superb swathe of rolling dunes and soft golden sand, nearby Camber Sands is heralded for its breathtaking and idyllic setting that remains accessible even during its busiest seasons. Perfect for families to build sandcastles and with plentiful open space to play, the beachfront stretches across almost five miles of the east coast and connects to the historic River Rother.
TILLINGHAM WINERY Situated in the village of Peamarsh amongst 70 acres of woodlands with captivating views out to Rye and Romney, Tillingham is an excellent mixed farmland made up of glorious vines, fruit trees and livestock. Deeply committed to sustainability, yet holding dear ancient traditions, the passionate team invites visitors to join informative wine tours, dine in their Michelin Green Star restaurant or stay in one of their sublime accommodation options.
Lamb House( top right), Simply Rye( bottom right)
72 • www. insidekent. co. uk