I not too long ago spent the weekend in Rye with my dad and mom and toddler son. We had a superb few days enjoyable on this charming city, and pootling round attempting a few of the greatest locations to eat and drink. We additionally stayed in one of many coolest Airbnbs I’ve ever seen – have a look…
In the event you’re after a weekend getaway that’s each quaint and filled with character, you possibly can’t go improper with a visit to Rye. Guests flock to Rye for boutique purchasing, olde cobbled streets and fairly village scenes with half timbered homes. It’s simply so fairly!
In addition to having plenty of issues to see, there are additionally plenty of issues to do in Rye.
Right here’s what my dad and mom, my two 12 months outdated son, and I, obtained as much as on a weekend in Rye to assist encourage your future weekend in East Sussex.
Weekend in Rye Itinerary
What to do in Rye for two days of enjoyable. The place to eat, drink, be & sleep.
Friday afternoon / night in Rye
We arrived in Rye after the 2-3 hour drive from Portsmouth, and parked at The Strand automotive park, strategically chosen to be close to The Mermaid Avenue Cafe for a celebratory ice cream. You may benefit from the cafe downstairs and outdoors right here, or the restaurant and licensed bar upstairs.
Simply by The Strand Automobile Park you’ll see the second hand outlets within the Previous Grain Shops. Talullah Rose and Halcyon Days have been two of my faves – providing all types of issues I couldn’t take a look at correctly as my consideration was absolutely on my enthusiastic toddler.
When you’ve exhausted them, you possibly can wander up the cobbled road a couple of minutes to get to The Mermaid Inn. This is likely one of the oldest pubs within the UK, and a necessary cease in Rye. Final time I visited we simply loved the foliage outdoors, nevertheless it was too chilly and wintry for that – so in we went for a glass of home wine by the hearth.
This was an effective way to settle in to our weekend in Rye, with a great seat by the window watching the Rye vacationers go by. Suppose I made it into fairly a number of photographs that day!
Come 4 o’clock and we have been able to test into our airbnb, only a few minutes drive away. It was a cautious and cautious stroll down the cobbled road again to the automotive, however a enjoyable one admiring the homes alongside the best way. We notably loved the home names ‘The Home With the Bench’ and ‘The Home Reverse’ (The Mermaid Inn).
The place to remain in Rye
We stayed at this 70s impressed airbnb a few 10-minute stroll from the Excessive Avenue. We had 3 bedrooms, an enormous rest room, an excellent backyard and a kitchen and lounge to loosen up in. Good for a day of chill after a morning’s sightseeing. It’s the proper location!
Discover out extra under!
Rye dinner at The Globe Inn Marsh
Only a few minutes stroll from our airbnb, was The Globe Inn Marsh. One of the crucial-loved and highly-rated pubs in Rye. I booked us a desk for the primary evening, though they do hold some tables for stroll ins.
Such an excellent pub…
After some deliberation, given the chairs and tables have been all completely different, we selected our seat within the nook. Nice, as a result of it had a partition which gave my toddler son a kind of barrier that he knew to not cross, and stored his noise in!
So first, cocktails, then an incredible seafood, fish and chorizo stew for me, and fish and chips for Reggie. Mum had scallops and beetroot salad, and pa had the Catch of the Day (seabass).
We beloved the vibe of The Globe Inn Marsh, in reality, a lot so, we went again once more the subsequent day. It was simply really easy from our airbnb on a chilly and moist weekend. All of us beloved it, so why not?!
The subsequent evening dad and I had beef burgers, and mum and Reggie each had the kiddie fish and chips. With a carafe of wine to clean it down with, we have been all glad!
Night in Rye
The Globe Inn does do reside music nights, so test the listings to your date. However, if you need some night leisure, I’d counsel The Grapevine Champagne and Jazz Bar within the centre of Rye. They’ve loads of choice to drink from, and reside music 5 nights per week.
Saturday morning in Rye
Take a leisurely stroll by way of the historic quarter. Anticipate slim cobbled streets, half-timbered homes, and cosy little outlets – it’s like stepping right into a storybook!
The place to go for brunch in Rye
The Fig is likely one of the hottest breakfast spots in Rye. The beautiful workers assist to create a heat and alluring environment, and there’s an incredible menu that includes a great vary of breakfast choices.
I went for the shakshuka, which was very filling and very tasty. The feta added creaminess, the peppers and onions the flavour, the chorizo a smokey depth and the bread a enjoyable method to scoop all of it up. The eggs have been cooked completely too.
I ordered Reggie the banana waffles, and gawwwd they have been good. So fluffy. I’d by no means order this myself as waffles are (normally) at all times disappointing. Not these. He’s a fortunate boy!
Visiting The Fig was a very beautiful expertise, and it places you proper within the centre of Rye. It wasn’t low-cost, however the most effective meals normally isn’t!
Saturday afternoon in Rye
We had a little bit wander right down to the lookout level close to The Fig, the place we tried to function the telescope, with little success. We wandered again previous the boutique outlets, with a little bit go to to the library for Reggie to run round and trigger havoc.
Listed here are a few of the greatest issues to do in Rye on a weekend, though we pootled again to our airbnb. I’ve accomplished all of these items on earlier visits…
Rye Citadel Museum
The Rye Citadel Museum is housed inside the Ypres Tower. Benefit from the reveals showcasing Rye’s fascinating historical past. Climb to the highest of the tower for a surprising panorama of the city and its environment.
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
With its picturesque trails and plentiful wildlife, you’ll really feel a world away from the hustle and bustle on the Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Take within the sights, hold an eye fixed out for uncommon hen species, and let the soothing sounds of nature wash over you.
Camber Citadel
Go to the majestic ruins of Camber Citadel. Take a leisurely stroll by way of the countryside, embracing the tranquility as you admire the fort’s sturdy construction. It’s the proper spot for a picnic, so pack some goodies and benefit from the serenity of this historic gem.
Lamb Home
Lamb Home is the proper place to go to to grasp extra concerning the literary significance of Rye. Each Henry James and E. F. Benson lived right here – don’t know who they’re? You quickly will! Even when you’re not notably inquisitive about them, there’s a gorgeous home and backyard to look spherical.
Extra purchasing in Rye
Rye has a few of the coolest boutique purchasing on the south east coast. Simply goal for the Excessive Avenue, Market Avenue and Lion Avenue to benefit from the eclectic choices of the impartial outlets.
Pop into way of life store Sailors for its seashell-infused soaps, domestically made artisan chocolate and oyster shell candles. Rye Pottery sells ornamental ceramics and is greatest recognized for its hand painted animals – decide up a singular piece when you’re right here!
To search out one thing actually particular take a look at Ethel Loves Me or Overlook Me Not, each are nice spots for presents.
Knoops
In the event you’re a fan of scorching chocolate, Knoops is a must-visit. This cosy cafe on Lion Avenue is famend for its in depth choice of gourmand scorching chocolate. Nonetheless, in addition they serve a tasty breakfast menu to gas your day. Get pleasure from a stack of fluffy pancakes, a hearty bacon sandwich, or their well-known avocado and feta smash on sourdough toast. However please, get the recent chocolate!
Finest place for dinner in Rye
As I mentioned above, we truly simply went again to The Globe Inn Marsh for our second dinner. Could sound a bit mad, and I don’t suppose I’ve ever accomplished that earlier than, nevertheless it was really easy and shut, and we loved it a lot, we simply thought – why not?
If you wish to forged your Rye web a bit additional, how about considered one of these for dinner in your weekend in Rye?
- Webbe’s at The Fish Café: This restaurant affords an outstanding eating expertise with a deal with contemporary seafood dishes ready with domestically sourced components.
- The George in Rye: In the event you’re searching for a extra upscale eating expertise, The George in Rye affords trendy British delicacies in a refined setting. The menu options seasonal dishes crafted from high-quality, domestically sourced produce. It’s proper close to The Fig on one of many predominant streets on the town. In the event you can, pop in for afternoon tea!
- Hoof: In the event you’re within the temper for steak, Hoof is the place to go. This steakhouse affords a choice of high-quality cuts cooked to perfection, together with quite a lot of sides and sauces to enhance your meal. Additionally, the burgers and Freakshakes are epic!
Or, how a few takeaway fish and chips to eat at your airbnb? Marino’s Fish Bar is the place to go when you fancy this deal with greatest loved by the coast.
Sunday morning in Rye
Breakfast in Rye
You possibly can deal with your self to a scrumptious breakfast at considered one of Rye’s charming cafes.
Cobbles Tea Room: Tucked away on West Avenue, Cobbles Tea Room is a pleasant little gem serving up a standard English breakfast with a smile and classic decor.
The Runcible Spoon: An enthralling cafe that prides itself on its home made and domestically sourced components. Their breakfast menu showcases a variety of scrumptious choices, from basic cooked breakfasts to delicious vegetarian dishes.
Or, you may go to Tillingham Vineyard – only a ten-minute drive away.
Tillingham Vineyard
Seeing as we have been in East Sussex – an space of England recognized for its vineyards – I needed to go to one!
After all I’ve at all times obtained the toddler to think about, so wine excursions have been out of the query. And Ben wasn’t with us, so I needed to drive. So, breakfast at a winery appeared like the proper compromise.
I messaged Tillingham Vineyard on Instagram they usually booked us in.
It was an exquisite expertise. The views from the breakfast room throughout the vineyards have been fab, our waiter was fantastic, the meals was nice, and Reggie had the liberty to discover as there was a lot area up there. I beloved what they’d accomplished with the place, and the decor was fab.
You possibly can style the standard within the Full English, and the jammy sourdough, and the espresso was fairly particular too. All in all we had a stunning expertise at Tillingham, and I’d love to return to style the wine subsequent time.
Unsure what I used to be pondering in not shopping for a bottle!
Sundays close to Rye: Camber Sands Seaside
If it’s a sunny day, hit the seaside. Make your method to Camber Sands, it’s a superbly expansive shoreline with golden sand dunes. Take a look at all that area!
You may have a nice UK day trip right here. Embrace the coastal vibes with a leisurely stroll alongside the shore, problem the wind with a kite-flying session, or just bask within the solar’s heat embrace. In the event you’re feeling adventurous, attempt your hand at some water sports activities for an additional adrenaline rush.
Or, simply sit, admire and revel in.
The place to remain in Rye
We stayed at this 70s impressed airbnb a few 10-minute stroll from the Excessive Avenue. It additionally had parking for 3 automobiles, so our two match on simply.
There have been 3 bedrooms, all uniquely embellished. Reggie and I selected the rainbow one – primarily as a result of the mattress was in opposition to the wall in that room – but in addition, as a result of we love rainbows. It was so enjoyable to see the enjoyment on his face everytime he noticed it.
There have been two different bedrooms with double beds and nice views throughout the fields behind the home. There was a additionally an enormous rest room with two sinks (no bathtub – washed the toddler within the kitchen sink), and a separate bathroom downstairs.
We had an excellent kitchen and lounge to loosen up in, making it tough to exit once more on the Saturday afternoon. We hadn’t seen one another for some time so we simply loved a bottle of Champagne on the couch, and within the backyard. We have been there in February however the backyard can be a beautiful area to loosen up in come summer time.
It was the proper location!
Weekend in Rye
In the event you’re searching for someplace with a wealthy historical past, lovely surrounding countryside and a thriving city centre, then Rye is a superb place to your weekend journey. The vintage outlets, the historic pubs, and the overall vibe of the city simply makes for an excellent getaway.
As you’ve learn, there are some nice native eating places in rye and its only a brief stroll to the delights of Strand Quay and the Rye Heritage Centre.
Rye Station is true within the centre of city, for anybody eager to discover by public transport, or it’s only a brief drive to some nice native sights to swimsuit all ages (together with a sandy seaside and wine tasting). Rye is likely one of the best-preserved medieval cities, and I’d undoubtedly advocate it to your subsequent weekend break!
