Day trips from London: Rye

Rye is a picturesque historic village in East Sussex that’s just an hour and a half drive from central London.  In Rye expect to wind through the cobbled streets, check out some of the historic buildings and treat yourself to some delicious food in this beautiful place.  It’s the perfect day trip from London away from the hectic city to enjoy a slow wander through and take in its beauty.  Here are a few ways you can spend the day when visiting Rye:

Explore Rye Castle’s Ypres Tower 

If you want a look at Rye’s long history the Ypres Tower is the perfect place to start.  Check out the museum exhibits, wander through the small gardens and check out the view from the top of the tower.

Climb the Bell Tower at St. Mary’s Church

If you are looking for views across the whole of Rye and beyond St Mar’s Chuch is the place to go.  You can see out to sea, across the village and beyond on a clear day.  

Check out Mermaid Street

Mermaid Steer is a must-visit if you are heading to Rye!  With cobbled streets, independent shops and unique architecture, it’s a beautiful place to spend the day.  Stop in at one of the cafes or bars to enjoy some food or a pint in one of the independently run businesses and enjoy the unique housing on this street.

Walk through the countryside to Camber Castle

If the one castle just isn’t enough for you take a walk away from the village across the fields towards Camber Castle.  The ruins of this castle are a great place to explore.

Check out Lamb House

Lamb House is a stunning Georgian house that has been home to some of the most famous writers of the 20th century including Henry James and E. F. Benson.  The building and its walled gardens are beautiful

Rye Heritage Center

Want to learn more about Rye?  There’s nowhere better than the Rye Heritage Centre which has a light and sound model village.  

How do you get to Rye?

You can either drive, at around an hour and a half drive from central London or catch a train at just over an hour’s journey.  

I’d highly recommend visiting Rye if you want a relaxing wander around a beautiful village to counteract the speed of London!