The name Rye is an extension of an old Anglo-Saxon word meaning an island. From its position on a hill-top Rye was almost completely surrounded by water. It was a port and considered a defence against foreign invasion although this did not stop the French from burning much of the town in 1377! Three years after this wake up call massive perimeter defences were undertaken although only the Landgate arch remains today along with some of the old wall.

Rye is now a picturesque mix of ancient stone,brick and timber buildings mainly built over the last 800 years. We have listed a few below along with annual events and useful information. There is also a wealth of independent shops, family pubs and restaurants to keep you busy between sightseeing!.

St. Mary's Church
Although it's over 900 years old, most tourists visit this church to see the oldest, functioning church clock in the country. Dating to 1562, it also has an 18ft pendulum which you'll see keeping time as you enter the church.
Address: Lion Street, Rye, East Sussex

Rye Festivals
Rye hosts a medieval weekend in July, the Rye Festival of Music and the Arts in September and a famous bonfire night in November. There is now also a very successful Rye Bay scallop festival in February

Landgate
This ancient monument was built in 1329 when Edward the Third supplied grants for fortifying the town. It is the only survivor of the four gates which were built at the time. ..

Lamb House
An 18th century house which was home to Henry James from 1898 to 1916. He wrote many of his novels in a garden house which was unfortunately destroyed in a WWII air raid in 1940. ..
Address: West Street, Rye, East Sussex
Postcode: TN31 7ES

Martello Tower
Located near the carpark at Rye Harbour, this Martello Tower is one of the 25 survivors of the original 70 structures built in fear and protection against French invasion
Address: Rye Harbour, Rye, East Sussex

Rye Castle Museum and the Ypres Tower
This private museum is housed in two separate buildings. The Ypres Tower, is a medieval fortification which fortunately survived the the town's burning at the end of the 14th century by the French. Built as a fort in 1250, the building has been used a private residence, a prison and a mortuary prior. Today, displays include smuggling memorabilia, ironwork, medieval pottery and the unique Romney Marsh Sheep. At the other half of the museum on East street, you'll see the old fire engine, displays of Rye's famed pottery such as the Sussex Pig. You'll also find relics of Rye's days as a Cinque Port such as uniforms and ship models.
Address: 3 East Street, Rye, East Sussex
Postcode: TN31 73F

Walks in the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
For a bit of fresh air, gentle walking and historic fortifications from the 16th, 19th and 20th century. You'll find a good network of footpaths which begin at Rye Town , Winchelsea Beach and Rye Harbour. There are 3 circular walks from Rye Harbour which take between one and three hours. The reserve is a protected home for fauna and flora and a good spot to do some birdwatching (Redshank, Ringed Plover, Lapwing and Oystercatcher). On your trip, you can also visit Camber Castle. Developed by Henry VIII as part of his extensive fortifications against the French, the castle now lies two miles inland providing a peaceful home for some specialised flowers. On the walls, you'll see Wall Pennywort, Wall Germander, Wall Pepper and Pellitory of the Wall. For more information on routes, pick up a leaflet from the Rye Tourist Information Centre.

Rye Tourist Information Centre
A good place to start your tour, take a trip to yesteryear and visit the penny slot exhibition. A precursor to arcade games, these machines were a popular feature at seaside resorts and piers across Britain. You'll see the Laughing Sailor, the English Executioner, the Haunted Churchyard and What the Butler Saw. Other features include a sound and light show which takes you on a brief history of the town illustrated by the town model. Alternatively, there's an audio-tour or a ghost tour. You can also book your accommodation, tours, Hoverspeed or Seafrance trips here.
Address: Heritage Centre, Strand Quay, Rye, East Sussex
Postcode: TN31 7AY