Things to do in Rye
Once one of the South Coast’s most important ports, Rye is now more frequently visited by tourists down from London than it is by ships with imports. The town has retained its historic charms whilst adapting to the influx of tourists who come to take pictures of its cobbled alleys lined with untouched historic buildings – from medieval relics to beautiful Georgian houses.
Combe Haven Holiday Park is just 15 miles from this seaside getaway, so it should be one of the first places on your list when it comes to day trips. There’s plenty going on in Rye, whatever your tastes, Rye’s quirky shops, medieval intrigue and cafés have got you covered. Throw in some glorious outdoor spaces with wildlife experiences and you’ve got a day trip that is guaranteed to have a soothing effect on you and your kids. This is our list of the best things to do in Rye to help you plan your visit.
Mermaid Street
Address: Mermaid Street, Rye
Rye feels a little like it’s suspended in time and nowhere more so than on Mermaid Street. This cobbled street rises up to the highest part of Rye and is an essential part of any walking tour of the town. The wonky half-timbered houses with rust-coloured roofs are so picturesque you’ll think you’ve wandered into a fairy tale. So, begin your visit to Rye by getting lost in history and snap a shot at one of the country’s most instagrammable locations.
Rye Castle Museum, Ypres Tower
Address: Gungarden, Rye TN31 7HE
Ypres Tower sits right by the River Rother next to Church Square and can be reached by a highly pleasant walk past Tudor Era buildings. The venerable 14th-century tower itself offers harbour views from Gun Garden observation deck, exhibits, and artefacts that depict the details of medieval life. We recommend that you ask the knowledgeable staff about the story behind the skeleton in the gibbet and Captain Pugwash!
Church of Saint Mary
Address: Church Square, Rye TN31 7HF
This great little church from the 12th-century is well worth visiting. Inside and out there is a lot to see for a church of its size including an excellent visitor centre with plenty of information on hand. Add to that the fact you can pay a few quid to access the bell tower and get amazing views across Rye’s burnished rooftops and out over the harbour and sea, and it makes this church a must for anyone visiting Rye.
Rye Heritage Centre
Address: Strand Quay, The Old Sail Loft Rye, Rye TN31 7AY
This is the perfect place to get acquainted with Rye. The heritage centre has a scale model of the town, the ‘Story of Rye' sound and light show and a working collection of old end-of-the-pier amusement machines, so it’s a great stop on your itinerary for all ages. The staff are very friendly, and you’ll also find some nice souvenirs on sale.
Kino Rye
Address: Lion St, Rye TN31 7LB
This unique cinema is housed in an old church building and features two screens, a delightful sunny terrace, mezzanine, and a bar. Located in the heart of Rye, opposite the Town Hall, the venue won a RIBA Award for its design and renovation. The venue is open daily from 10.30am for breakfast, lunch, dinner, afternoon tea and evening drinks. It’s the perfect spot to take your partner on a romantic date or catch the latest release with your kids.
National Trust - Lamb House
Address: West St, Rye TN31 7ES
Lamb House is a historic property in central Rye with a storied history. Built by Rye mayor James Lamb in 1723, it was stayed in by distinguished guests such as King George I, then later became the home of the renowned American writer Henry James from 1898-1916. The beautiful Grade II-listed building is now owned by the National Trust who run it as a museum. With two floors and a garden to explore, it’s well worth taking a chunk out of your afternoon in Rye to look around it.
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Important information
Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 – UPDATED 31 JULY 2024 *Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 31 July 2024, price is available at Blue Dolphin, Caister, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggeston, Orchards, Quay West, Skegness and Wild Duck.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
*New holiday homes from £29,995 – UPDATED 29 August 2024
*Holiday home price is based on a new 3-bedroom ABI Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 29 August 2024, price is available at selected parks Blue Dolphin, Craig Tara, Cleethorpes Beach, Caister, Combe Haven, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggerston, Orchards, and Quay West. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.