Alright, fellow explorers, grab your travel mug of tea – we’re about to embark on a day trip to the charming town of Rye. Nestled in the heart of East Sussex, this picturesque destination promises cobblestone streets and historic sites, and if that’s not enough, the golden beach of Camber Sands is just a stone’s throw away. So, hop on board – I took the train from London, and trust me, the adventure is worth every mile.
How to get to Rye from London
I took a Southeastern train from London to Ashford International, then changed to a Southern train that took me to Rye. The whole journey took just over an hour. As always – it’s best to book train tickets in advance if you want to get a good deal.
Things to do in Rye
Mermaid Street – A Cobbled Wonderland
My day kicked off on the enchanting Mermaid Street. I had a secret weapon – an early start to beat the crowds. That’s why I managed to take some great photos. The cobbled road, flanked by houses straight out of a medieval storybook, whispered tales of centuries gone by. It’s a photographer’s dream, with every step offering a postcard-perfect view. The charm of Mermaid Street lies not just in its name but in the timeless allure that greets you at every corner.
A view from the Church of St Mary
Next up, I visited the Church of St Mary located in the heart of Rye. For a small fee, you can climb its tower and be rewarded with a view that spans the town and stretches out to the horizon where the nature reserve unfolds. It’s a quaint spot offering a moment of serenity, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
A leisurely walk to the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve revealed a sprawling haven of tranquillity. From birdwatching huts to a pebbled beach, this vast reserve connects the town to the coastline. The Discovery Centre is a pitstop for refreshments, offering a glimpse of Camber Sands across the river mouth – close enough to admire, but alas, no footpath to the other side. Nature enthusiasts, this is your sanctuary.
Ruins of Camber Castle
My journey then led me to the secluded ruins of Camber Castle, a wild area in the heart of the Nature Reserve, with more grazing sheep than fellow explorers. While the castle ruins are no longer open to the public, a peek through the fence transports you to a bygone era. A walk through this untamed landscape is a refreshing break from the busy daily city life. You can’t go wrong with a nature walk, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend going there for the castle alone. The ruins are indeed just that, and there isn’t much left of the once majestic castle.
Back to Rye – Bustling Cafés and Castle Museum
Returning to Rye, the town centre was now alive with midday activity. Quaint cafes and charming shops lined the streets, tempting me with treats and trinkets. There were also plenty of charity shops all over the town, a treat for all treasure hunters. A visit to the Rye Castle Museum provided a dose of local history, unveiling the town’s secrets and stories. You can check the opening times and ticket prices on the Castle’s website: https://ryemuseum.co.uk/ypres-tower/ .
Camber Sands: A Beachcomber’s Paradise
A lengthy walk along a busy road led me to the stunning Camber Sands beach. Picture this: golden silky sands stretching as far as the eye can see, adorned with dunes that invite you to kick off your shoes and let the sand tickle your toes. It’s the kind of beach that dreams are made of – the best I’ve seen in the UK! A word of advice: don’t go there by foot from Rye, even if you’re an avid walker. Take a bus instead, then use the saved time to stroll along the beach.
Time to go back – bus to Rye, train to London
As the day waned, I hopped on a bus back to Rye and caught the train back to London, armed with memories of cobbled streets, castle ruins, and the golden embrace of Camber Sands. Rye, you stole a piece of my heart, and I’ll be back for another chapter of our adventure. Until then, happy trails!
Also see:
Alphe's Corner 
Rye hasn’t been on my radar but it looks lovely. A story book sort of a place. Hastings looks fab too; I only have three or so more months left living in the South of England. So many places I’d like to get to!
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Rye and Folkestone are probably my favourite towns in the South, definitely worth a visit. And Seven Sisters clifss between Seaford and Eastbourne if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of a city life. But I agree, there are so many incredible places in the South of England, hard to see them all!
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JimTheFinn
Rye is a very special place. If you like history, medieval buildings and cobbled streets, Rye is for you. The Mermaid Inn is a wonderful place to stay. Oak beams, panelled walls and inglenook fireplaces. It really is wonderful. There is nothing you can’t like about Rye, it’s just full of charm. I would recommend visiting in the Autumn/ Winter months, as it is less busy.
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There is a public footpath connecting Rye to Camber, you don’t have to follow the busy road to get there on foot. The walk takes approximately 30 minutes (2.5 miles ish). Just so people know.
Also, Rye is a town, not a village 😉.
Fun fact; Some people think the cobbles streets are ancient like the town itself, but most of the cobbles were put in during the 1970s.
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Ah, let me correct my mistakes, the beautiful Rye deserves to have its town title for sure!
Whereabout is that footpath? 🤔I wish those were documented better online, I usually rely on Google Maps and the quickest route it suggests is an hour and goes along Camber Road most of the time. It would be perfect if there was a way to cross the river from Rye Harbour Reserve, but there aren’t any bridges from what I could tell.
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